How to find Time To Read And Pray as a busy Parent

 STRUGGLING WITH TIME TO PRAY?

Are you frustrated with yourself? Have you found it almost impossible to set time aside to spend with the Lord? Might you have little ones that seem to take up all of your time? Have you thrown up your arms and shouted, “I don’t have enough time, Lord!” There are a few ways that you can redeem that time. The Lord wants to spend time with you personally. You can be in control of this with a few easy ideas.

HOW I BECAME A CONQUEROR OF MY TIME AND YOU CAN TOO!

My oldest daughter was the “early bird that gets the worm”. As soon as the sun popped up her eyes popped open. Much too early for my liking, her big brown eyes were peering up over the edge of my bed. I was never an early bird so I had to set down some rules for my own sanity. Thankfully digital clocks had been invented. I put one in her bedroom and explained to her that she could leave her room when the clock read seven zero zero. Amazingly she followed the new rule, but as soon as seven o’clock appeared, out the door she would march!

MY STRUGGLES FOR TIME WITH JESUS CONTINUED.

My day began with one eye open as I was surrounded by three chattering children, all vying for my attention. The chaos never seems to end when you have little ones. No matter where I was in the home my children were close at hand. How was I ever to find quiet time with the Lord? I tried to get up before seven but my own body clock didn’t react well. I couldn’t concentrate so it was a useless effort. I would busy the children with toys or a project and then sit down with my Bible. All too soon, the interruptions pursued.

JUST ASK AND JESUS WILL GUIDE YOU!

I asked the Lord for guidance in this area and you can too. I’m a night owl so the Lord made me aware that it was more effective for me to spend time reading the Bible and praying before I went to sleep at night. This was a tremendous help. Meditating on the Lord without interruptions gave me much needed stamina and peace for the upcoming day. Instead of striving, worrying and pushing my children to the side, I was filled with the Lord’s peace and presence.

MAKE A PLAN FOR YOUR TIME THAT WORKS.

Ask God to give you direction for the best time of day that will work for you. Early morning, children’s nap time, or in the evening are a few examples available. Turn this time into a habit. Make yourself comfortable including your Bible and a prayer journal. Take time to meditate on what speaks to your heart from His Word. Jot down a favorite scripture or prayer request. Rest in His goodness.

BIBLE VERSE

FOR ME, IT WAS THE EVENING WHEN I SET DEVOTIONAL TIME ASIDE, SO THIS SCRIPTURE SPEAKS TO MY HEART:

“MAY MY PRAYER BE COUNTED AS INCENSE BEFORE THEE; THE LIFTING UP OF MY HANDS AS THE EVENING OFFERING.”

— PSALM 141:2