When You Don't Have Time to Pray

“I don’t have time to pray today.” 

Yep, I said this. Out loud. 

Once a month I meet with other women to pray for our adult children. We’ve been gathering for seven years. Today was the day. 

But this morning, I didn’t have time to pray. 

As I looked at the week ahead, I realized today was my only “free” day to get some work done in light of the commitments that filled my calendar. 

My editor was expecting me to complete the edits on my new book. 

I had blog posts to write. 

I had promised to babysit my three grandchildren so my 8-month pregnant daughter could go to the doctor. 

My mom needed a ride to a procedure. 

I had to finish preparing for a big speaking presentation. 

I had to work several days outside the home. 

And I had to study for this week’s Sunday School lesson. And these were just the headliners. Smooshed in among these biggies were a multitude of other responsibilities like house cleaning, answering emails, washing clothes, and fixing meals. 

So I really, really didn’t have time to pray today. 

As I prepared to send a text message explaining my predicament and gracefully bowing out, the Holy Spirit whispered into my heart. 

You don’t have time NOT to pray today. 

Your editor is expecting you to complete the edits on your new book. 

You have a blog post to write. 

You have three grandchildren who need your care. 

You have a daughter who’s eight-months pregnant. 

Your mom is having a medical procedure done. 

You have to prepare for a big speaking presentation. 

You have to work outside the home. 

And you have to study for this week’s Sunday School lesson. 

Not to mention, the Holy Spirit pointed out, you have a house to clean, emails to answer, clothes to wash, and meals to fix. How can you do all this without my help? 

You’re absolutely right, I said. I don’t have time NOT to pray today. 

Nineteenth-century preacher C.H. Spurgeon, in his sermon, “Degrees of Power Attending the Gospel,” referred to Protestant reformer Martin Luther’s habit of rising early and praying for three hours a day on his busiest days. 

“I Like that saying of Martin Luther, when he says, ‘I have so much business to do to-day, that I shall not be able to get through it with less than three hours' prayer.’ Now, most people would say, "I have so much business to do to-day, that I have only three minutes for prayer; I cannot afford the time. 

“But Luther thought that the more he had to do, the more he must pray, or else he could not get through it. That is a blessed kind of logic: may we understand it! ‘Praying and provender hinder no man's journey.’ If we have to stop and pray, it is no more hindrance than when the rider has to stop at the farrier's to have his horse's shoe fastened; for if he went on without attending to that it may be that ere long he would come to a stop of a far more serious kind.”* 

Father, I prayed, forgive me for thinking my work is more important than your work. For exalting my efforts over your efforts, and my ways over your ways. Thank you for reminding me, as Dr. Jerry Falwell Sr. used to say, that nothing of eternal significance ever happens apart from prayer. Hear my prayers today, work according to your will, and multiply the time left over so I can accomplish everything you have ordained for me to do. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen. 

With my mind set right and my heart corrected, I drove across town to pray with my sisters in Christ. As we shared how God had been at work in our adult children’s lives in the past month, my faith grew. We bowed our heads and invited God to work exceedingly, abundantly, above all we could ever ask or imagine. Then we promised to give Him all the glory, honor, and praise. 

Two hours later I received a phone call from one of the mothers in our group sharing how God had answered the exact prayer we had just prayed on behalf of her daughter. 

Today, I didn’t get everything done on my To Do list, but that’s okay. I did the most important thing. 

Scripture testifies that Jesus was one of the busiest people on earth, yet he began every day with prayer (Mark 1:35). Early in the morning. While it was still dark. Despite the demands of life and ministry. He never fell into the trap of thinking he didn’t have time to pray.

The result? He was able to say, “I always do those things that please Him.” 

Isn’t this our desire too? 

Perhaps we should begin by realizing, 

We don’t have time NOT to pray today.

Now it's your turn. What is your greatest challenge to spending consistent time in prayer? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts. If you're reading by email, CLICK HERE to visit Hungry for God online and leave a comment.

* http://beggarsallreformation.blogspot.com/2009/07/luther-i-have-so-much-to-do-that-i.html



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