Are you too busy to pray at Christmas? During hectic holidays — shopping, decorating, travel — along with regular responsibilities, you’re worn out and stress … the perfect time to pray. Listen to Biblical Counseling Center’s Don Hart on the lifeline of prayer year-round.
“I’m a stay-at-home mom with four kids, and by the end of the day I’m just worn out.”
“I have a very hectic schedule, so I just make up for prayer when I go to church.”
“Hey, I always pray when I need help.”
“I know I should pray with the kids, but they are in bed when I get home.”
“I really meant to pray, but I just didn’t get around to it.”
At the beginning of the Gospel of Mark, we discover that Jesus was a very busy man. Our Lord would minister all day and into the night and then rise before dawn to pray and then move on to his next ministry.
Pray While Busy
In Prayer, the Great Adventure, David Jeremiah gives us a glimpse of what “busy” really looked like. Jesus worked from sun up to sun set. There were nights when Jesus never slept at all. People came to him for healing, for understanding, for a gentle touch. Hour after hour . . . Jesus worked. People flocked to him: a son was ill, a daughter was crippled, a neighbor was tormented by a demon. And when evening had come after the sun had set, they began bringing to him all who were ill and those who were demon-possessed. And the whole city had gathered at the door.
That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. And the whole city was gathered together at the door. Mark 1:32-33
Now that is busy!
Even when he finally did rest, he woke to pray and spend time with our Father.
And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. Mark 1:35
Jesus Shows Us How to Pray
Our Lord never asks us to do anything without showing us how. Next time you think you are too busy to pray, remember that our Redeemer modeled consistent prayer amid a busy lifestyle.
What About You?
Does your prayer life get tangled in the tinsel? Many of us don’t stop to pray while busy — even the busyness surrounding Jesus’ birth.
Think of a few ways you can prioritize prayer.
- Pray the moment you wake up?
- Pray at the top of every hour?
- Pray right before bedtime?
- Add another idea.
Once you make your plan to pray, follow through. It’s wonderful how life gets ordered (and less stressed!) when you pray.
