...and I'm often one of them.
So I've been trying to come up with some other creative times to make it a habit to pray. While creating this list I found that there were a few criteria that needed to be met.
1. It must be a place or situation where I am alone (or not actively engaged with other people around me).
2. It must be somewhere that isn't considered inherently religious (I already pray at church even when it isn't time to pray... "Lord please let there be more chili at the pot-luck!")
3. It must be at a time and place where I can be focused on God not on what I'm doing.
Of course we can pray anywhere at any time, but if we can make a habit out of just ONE of these ideas, your prayer life could be enhanced a great deal.
So, without further ado, "10 Creative Times to Pray that You May or May Not Have Thought of"!
10. While you walk the dog: I'll admit this isn't my idea; I don't even have a dog. However, I LOVE the idea. Your prayer partner is your dog. And on top of it dog is God spelled backwards!
9. Stop lights: You have a real opportunity here. When you are heading down Rt 23 in North Jersey and you hit one red light, you likely have hit them all. Instead of getting mad, think about how much time you are going to get to spend with the creator of the universe!
8. Commercial breaks: This one is awesome. Commercials are so irritating anyway. A lot of people even mute their T.V.'s because they get so tired of them. Though, if you are like me and use Netflix there are no commercials. But, you could still use the time between episodes of Psych or Parenthood to speak to the Lord.
7. Elevator rides: Seriously, what else is there to do on an elevator. A lot of people will even wait to finish a conversation with a friend in an elevator because their might be a stranger on the elevator (though I don't know why that matters). As an added bonus if you start praying aloud, you could seriously freak out that stuffy guy in the suit who always seems to get on the elevator at the same time you do.
6. Waiting in line: If you are shopping by yourself this one works... if you have three screaming kids with you, or a chatty spouse, not so much. Seriously though, in stead of checking out the candy bars or the tabloids just talk to God. Thank him that you aren't being photographed in a bikini and being gawked at by tons of people on grocery lines and pray that he gives you strength to lay off those darned Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.
5. While doing chores. Doing dishes is one of my least favorite things to do. However, doing the dishes is one of my wife's favorite things for me to do (then she doesn't have to do them). So while I'm doing dishes I crank up my worship music to 11 and sing worship and pray to my heavenly father. It's sometimes a little awkward if someone walks in, but maybe, just maybe, they will pretend they didn't see you dancing around with your eyes closed using that giant mixing spoonula as an air guitar.
4. When you are exercising: This is not to be confused with exorcising during which you better darn be praying! But really, what better time to worship the Holy God, than when you are doing a little maintenance on his temple? Again I'll say it, put on some worship music, and lose yourself in his presence. Just keep your eyes on your footing... I won't be blamed for anyone falling off of a treadmill during a holy high.
3. In the shower: You're all alone for anywhere between 5 and 45 minutes depending on your cleaning regimen. Instead of arguing with your self about whether shampoo or conditioner is better, use this time to thank God for things like hot water or running water and pray for those who have neither.
2. While brushing your teeth: Now you might be saying another bathroom idea, really? Really though, think about it, what else can you do while brushing your teeth? You can't have a conversation. You can't very well be typing on a computer. You can't cook your breakfast or pack up your lunch for the next day. You are effectively left to the use of your non-dominant hand (I don't brush with my non-dominant hand for fear of injuring myself) which means that you are pretty much useless for anything except praying. So do it!
1. On the toilet: Yep... I went there! Some people spend more time that others on the can. But if you are like my one roommate in college, you'd be spending at least 30-40 minutes with God each time!
Take a moment to answer the poll. Can you think of any other unique places or times to pray? If so, leave a comment, I'd love to hear about them!
No, "All of the above"?
ReplyDeleteHaha, I wanted to know which was your favorite. Not that you liked them. :-P You could have chosen "Other" and said, "All of the above" in the comments though.
Delete