Finding Time to Pray When You’re Busy

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As moms, we’re all busy. Perhaps some are busier than others, or perhaps it only seems that way because our “busys” look different, as we are all in different seasons of life. In our busyness, we sometimes let things slide–things that aren’t demanding our attention right at the moment. Like finding time to pray.

As Christian moms, we know we should be spending much time on our knees in prayer interceding for our marriages, our children, the lost, the fatherless, the poor, the sick. We should be constantly, without ceasing, praising our good, good Father, glorifying Him for the great things He has done and continues to do in our lives. And we should be begging Him to be always transforming us into His image, changing us from the inside out so that His glory and grace be made known. We know this is what we should be doing.

How can we be in an attitude of prayer?

Can I just say, though, (and I’m not making excuses, I promise) it’s hard to be always in an attitude of prayer when things are constantly being thrown at you, kids are fighting, and the 2 year old attempts to change his OWN poopy diaper? True story. While not the grossest story I could tell you, probably not a story you want to hear.

How in the world are we as moms supposed to steal time away to hide in our prayer closet and cry out to our Father? Who actually has a designated war room in their house? I’m telling you, I don’t have one small spot, unless I claim the laundry room, that I can transform into a war room. Even if I did, how would I have time to actually go there during the day?

The hard truth is this: we have to make time. Even if only a short time, we have to make time to spend in prayer regardless of our busyness.

Someone once said that we do what we want to do. While that statement convicts me, I have to attest to the truth in it. If we want to, we do. If it’s important to us, we will make time.

However, I also want to encourage you that you don’t need a war room to be a prayer warrior. All you need is the Holy Spirit and you!

Finding time to pray as busy moms:

There are ways we can take back some time and spend it interceding, praising, seeking. There are many tasks that we do that require no real brain power, so our minds wonder anyway. Why not take that time to focus on the goodness of God?

Folding clothes.

When you fold clothes, take the time to pray over the little bodies they cover. Thank God for the way He provided the clothes in the first place. Be thankful for actually having the opportunity to fold clothes–it means you have more than just yourself that you love and care for. While you’re at it, be reminded that your great-grandmother had to wash clothes on a washboard with lye soap. I don’t know about you, but I’m glad I don’t have to do laundry that way!

Washing dishes.

If you are washing dishes, it means you had food to fill your belly. If you have several, it means God has blessed your home with more than just your mouth to feed. You most likely had clean water (or glorious sweet tea) to drink throughout your day. While being thankful for what we have been blessed with, we should remember to pray for those who didn’t have food to eat, clean water to drink, or dishes to wash.

Sweeping and mopping (or vacuuming).

Remember that if you have a floor to clean, it means you most likely have a roof over your head. And for many of us, that means air conditioning in the summer, heat in the winter. So many people around the world do not have such luxury. Again, we can thank God for being our provider.

Making the bed (or tossing and turning in it at night).

We actually have a bed, not a cot or a mat or a blanket on the floor. Let us be thankful for this simple blessing, and remember to pray for those those who don’t have a bed to make each morning.

Bathing the kids.

I don’t know about you, but I dread washing my girls’ long hair. It requires me bending low for several minutes over my swollen belly, and then after the washing there’s the combing out the knots. But I’m reminded that I love those girls, and I treasure them. So, I’m reminded to thank God for the hair washings. They won’t always need me to wash their hair. It’s important to praise God for the blessing of children and to pray for those desiring so much to be mothers! I know you know someone stuck in infertility or in an adoption process right now who could surely use intercession on their behalf.

In the shower.

I heard recently that the reason we think of things in the shower is because we are much more relaxed. Instead of letting that time slip by stewing over a disagreement with our husbands, why not let that relaxation bring about deep praise and adoration for Jesus? Or even be real with Him and let the tears fall as we cry out to Him?

Go for a walk/jog.

My favorite time to spend in prayer is in the early morning on a walk/jog. It’s quiet out. No one is calling me. I’m alone in God’s creation, free to praise Him as I see the world come to life. There’s really nothing like it! However, I know we’re not all morning people, nor do we all have 20 extra minutes in the mornings, so just take the time whenever you can. But when you do, purpose in your heart to not let your mind wonder, but instead, command yourself to worship your Lord! I promise you will be glad you did.

I’ve cried many a morning, being completely overwhelmed by the presence of the Holy Spirit with me. While I don’t have a designated war room, I do try to take moments in my day to be in the presence of the Lord.

Other moments of finding time to pray

There are moments throughout our days that we can take time to pray. I’m sure your day looks somewhat different from mine, so you may have other times you are “idle” that could be time used to commune with the Father. Times like…

• School pick up line
• Daily commute
• Nursing the baby
• Mowing the yard
• Cooking meals
• Watching the kids play

I’m going to be really honest here. I don’t do this everyday; I wish I did. Truthfully, I let my day overwhelm me, and then I remember, “Oops! I haven’t been praying at all today.” That to say, I totally get it! I get busy and overwhelmed, too, but we can’t let that keep us from the feet of Jesus. Instead, let it send us to Him — Everyday!

Be encouraged, busy mama, that God’s not looking for a beautifully decorated room to meet you in. He’ll meet you where you are!