This week’s theme is all about prayer. Sometimes I can get caught up in the thought that I don’t have time to pray. But that’s just not true – sure, I don’t have time to pray like I used to, before I had kids, when I could go for long prayer walks at the beach or park, but I have time to pray. And I’ll prove it with this list.
1. When you first wake up
I’ve been trying to get into the habit this year of getting out of bed and getting on my knees immediately. Before I go to the bathroom or brush my teeth or check my phone. Just sixty seconds of being on my knees before God and starting the day by saying, “I want to be close to you. I want to do your will today. I love you.”
2. As you take a shower
You’ve got a few minutes all to yourself! Hallelujah! Praise God!
3. As you cook
Maybe we’re multi-multi-tasking a bit too much for this one – but sometimes I keep my prayers as simple as, “Thank you God that I get to make this meal for my family, that we can have healthy and nutritious food, and that I’m healthy enough to cook for them. I pray that this will nourish them and taste delicious. I pray that by serving and taking care of my family that I’m doing Your will and glorifying You.”
4. As you play with your kids
Again, we’re multi-multi-tasking here – but it’s a chance to soak up the moment with God. “Thank you, God, that I have these amazing children, that I can play with them and laugh with them. Help me to really be present in this moment with them.”
5. As you put them down for nap/bedtime
This is one of my favorite times to pray for my children. It’s usually dark and quiet, and I can pray through my ACTS prayers or pray through a scripture for them, either to myself or aloud. With my youngest, I do this as I’m rocking him to sleep, and with my oldest I usually lay down next to him for a few minutes after we sing songs and pray together before bed. These are some of my favorite mom moments.
6. As you fold laundry/do dishes/do other household chores
It can be easy to zone out or watch TV during these times (hey, nothing wrong with that! We need that too!) but if you’re feeling like you need some extra connection time with God, this is a good time to do it.
7. Whenever you drive someplace
Your kids are strapped safely into their carseats and can’t go anywhere! Win-win-win!
8. As you brush your teeth
Two minutes to pray.
9. As you go for a walk with your kids
I try to go for walks with my kiddos every day (exercise for me AND them = #Winning) and I often use this time to take a moment to praise God for his beauty, the fact that I’m healthy enough to go for a walk, the fact that I have two incredible kids to walk with, and that I get to teach them about Him. I usually try to take this time to point out a few pieces of nature to Finn and bring it back to God – “Look at those cool clouds! Wow, God is so creative!” or “Finn, do you hear that bird? What do you think he’s saying? Who made that bird?”
10. As you’re falling asleep
This is probably my #1 time to pray through all of the things I want to pray for. It usually takes me a while to fall asleep, so it’s helpful to keep my mind on God instead of on the fact that I’m not falling asleep…AND WHY AM I NOT FALLING ASLEEP?!? Ha. I take time to pray through the day, to thank God, to praise Him, to pray for my husband and my kids and our family. I pray for the couples in our small group or our neighbors or other friends who need extra prayers. I pray about my hopes and dreams, my disappointments, my desires. And sometimes I just pray, “God, I’m here…” because that’s all I’ve got after a long day. And I know He hears that.
I hope this list inspires you to pray constantly. Click the link below to download a free printable prayer prompt! You can stick it on your bathroom mirror, your fridge, the dashboard of your car, to remind you to pray for your children. And don’t forget to subscribe to download your 30 Days of Prayer Calendar!
Comment below, mamas: What’s your favorite time to pray?
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