When do you pray?

 “I thank my God every time I remember you.” Philippians 1:3

I have not ever been a get down on my knees, by the side of my bed, prayer time person.  I had my children when I was pretty young, if I knelt down with my eyes closed, that gave them an opportunity to create some new experiment in the bathroom sink.  Out of necessity, I became a pray with my eyes open, open and continual dialog with God, prayer time person.  My best prayers have been in traffic and the shower.

When someone crosses my mind, I say a prayer for them.  I don’t think twice, I just pray.  I may be in the grocery store, in line at the DMV, or heading into a client’s office.  Their name floats across my brain and my immediate response is “Jesus thank you for ____, bless them and keep them in your hand today.”

Life is filled with busy schedules, our days become hectic and finding a dedicated time to pray is sometimes impossible.  It can be so easy to slip past prayer time to help create the diorama for the science fair or bake cookies for the bake sale at church.

Instead of “making time” to pray, why not be in continual prayer?  Every breath becomes a prayer, keep and open dialog with Jesus all day long.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

We do not know what our days hold, each one a mystery and filled with unexpected events.  Especially if you have children.  Every breath a prayer should be our constant state.

Pray without ceasing, just like breathing.

This principle became even more important to me as my children got older.  Letting go, allowing them to learn on their own, stretching their wings and giving some more independence.  This made my breathing more heavy and my prayers more fervent.

When we find a challenge, such as parenting, our prayers get taken to the next level.  Having a constant and open dialog is as necessary as oxygen.

When you remember me, pray for me.  I will pray for you as well.
I will most likely be in my car, in traffic.