Lately I’ve been pondering these verses.
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
“Pray without ceasing.” How is this possible? My life with five busy, noisy, distracting (in a good way!) kids doesn’t lend itself to lots of quiet prayer time. Do you find it hard to obey this verse as well because of the demands of your life? Lord, I prayed, “show me how to obey this command of yours, because I really want to become a woman of unceasing prayer.”
Well, I’m trying something new. I’m praying while I work around my home. I love simplicity, so I am keeping it very simple. I try to focus my prayers on the area in which I’m working.
While working in the kitchen:
- Thank you God for clean water with which to cook and clean.
- Thank you for always providing groceries! Give us this day our daily bread.
- Please help us to choose foods that are good for our bodies.
- Nourish the kids with good food and help their bodies to grow and be strong.
While folding laundry:
- Thank you God for providing clothes, towels, and bedding for my family.
- Give the kids pure thoughts and convict them of sin in their lives.
- Bless my husband while he wears these clothes at work. Help him to be a strong, godly man.
- Protect my kids while they are wearing these shorts. Keep them safe from bike and scooter accidents.
- Show us who to pass these clothes onto once we have outgrown them.
While dusting and vacuuming:
- Help us God to use this home for your kingdom.
- Show us who needs to be invited into our home.
- Give us ideas of how to show Christ-like hospitality.
- Give us wisdom to teach our children diligently while they are here in this home with us.
While washing windows and doors:
- Thank you for providing a home for us.
- Send your angels to keep watch over the doors of this home.
- When we walk out the door, remind us that we are your children and give us the desire to honor you.
You get the idea! Just let your work inspire some conversation with the LORD. I love that this system doesn’t require any new system, chart, or app. I’ve so enjoyed using this method lately, and I hope this encourages you to talk to the Lord a little more today. He cares so much about you.
Psalm 34:15 The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous
and his ears toward their cry.Psalm 62:8 Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us.
On Sunday, we had a guest praise and worship leader, Josh White, at church. He sang this song, which was captured my recent thoughts about prayer so perfectly. I love when God does that! I especially loved this line: “If we live a life of prayer, out God is present everywhere.” You can listen and watch below. I think you’ll love it!
