So much to do, So little time

How to Pray Without Ceasing

Psalm 119:105

Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

It’s a rainy, lazy day here, and the warm rain has pushed the fresh green buds onto the branches of the trees in my backyard literally overnight. I wish I had the luxury of lounging on the couch and reading a book all day.

It’s not something I can find time to do, but I did set aside about three hours when I first got up this morning to read more of a new book I recently purchased by Frank Viola, “The Untold Story of the New Testament Church.” I’ve not read anything by Frank before, but I’m sure I will read more of the many books he has written after I’m through this 600-page epic story (I love his easy-to-read style). The book starts with the Book of Acts and weaves in historical details of first-century life. There is a massive number of footnotes and references – sometimes taking up 2/3 of the page.

As stated by two of the 55 Five-Star reviewers at Amazon:

• This book is a masterpiece in telling the story of the New Testament Church that has clearly been meticulously researched and presented to the reader. The book is very easy to read and paints a vivid picture of the Apostles, their travels, and the timeline of events. It also augments Scripture well. I highly recommend this book to anyone desiring to learn more about the early church and hopefully has the desire to see the Gospel of the Kingdom spread today as it did then.

• ....This exceptional work reconstructs the chronological narrative of the first-century church, providing crucial context for understanding Scripture. Viola masterfully integrates historical, geographical, and cultural insights to reveal how the epistles fit within the framework of Acts....The book is an invaluable resource for fellow pastors, ministry leaders, and anyone desiring to understand how the living God established His kingdom community in the first century—and continues that work today.

I’m only about 100 pages into the text, but I couldn’t express it better myself. I’m making separate lists at the back of the book for references he has used in his research that sound interesting, as well as for the websites he recommends.

Finding time to read is such a luxury—even making time to read my Bible daily. Once I start reading, I get so absorbed that hours fly by, and the required work tasks either don’t get done or are completed under pressure and stress. Everything I’m required to do always takes more time than is allotted.

How much is enough?

I strive to follow Matthew 6:33 (“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”- NIV), but that level of vigilance seems best suited for those who are retired, something that is still far off for me.

I often wonder how much time is the “right amount of time” to commit to God for daily reading, praying, and listening to podcasts and broadcasts for learning. It's a deeply personal question, as everyone's relationship with God is unique. I understand that there are no rules; overall, focusing on the quality of time with the Lord is more important than the quantity. Even 15 to 20 minutes a day can sustain our relationship with God. There is no maximum amount of time, and some days certainly allow for more time to read the Word than others. However, setting a minimum is essential.

I recently read an article that made a few suggestions for daily connecting with the Lord. Here are some creative ideas:

1. Integrate Prayer into Daily Chores:
“Chop Wood, Carry Water” is a phrase credited to the eighth-century Chinese poet Layman Pang. It reminds us to remain focused on the present moment and the tasks at hand rather than worrying about the future or dwelling on the past. While it has its origins in Buddhism, this concept can be applied to our prayer life with the Lord, who instructs us to “pray without ceasing.”

The phrase reminds us that life consists of small, mundane tasks which, when carried out with a prayerful attitude and gratitude, allow us to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in every task we undertake.

2. Focused Movement:
Combine physical activity with gratitude. When you take a walk or even while driving to the grocery store, take a deep breath and appreciate your ability to walk and drive. Be thankful for the trees, the birds, the grass, and the ability to buy food for your family.

I know firsthand how humans take walking for granted. It takes 3 years for newborns to learn to coordinate the more than 100 muscles it takes to walk. After you learn how to do it, you never give walking another thought — until you can’t. Each morning, before standing up from your bed, thank the Lord for your ability to walk, comb your hair, and bathe yourself. We do these things so automatically we forget how marvelously our body works. Recite this verse as you make your way to the kitchen: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:14 -NIV).

3. Prayer Pause:
Turn off your phone notifications and find a quiet place to take 3-minute prayer breaks throughout the day.

4. Gratitude Journal:

Start each day by reminding yourself that this is the day the Lord has made – take a deep breath and be grateful. As soon as I wake up, I stretch and ask the Lord to forgive any sins from the previous day, allowing me a clean slate to dedicate to whatever work He places on my path for the next 24 hours. Before going to sleep, I record the answers to prayers that came throughout the day in my gratitude journal. It’s a good way to end the day.

Remember, like any relationship, it’s about communication. Whether it’s your daily 15-minute devotional, the several hours spent reading scripture or inspirational books, or the quick prayers of gratitude throughout the day, the Lord is there, waiting patiently for you to say hello.

Today’s Prayer

Thank you, Father, for Your love and for understanding our human experiences. Thank you for hearing every prayer, no matter how big or small. Help us to know You better and to always feel the presence of the Holy Spirit with us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.