Merging prayer and life 

So, how do we make more time for prayer?

By weaving it into our everyday lives.

Prayer Without Ceasing Via a Rule of Life

This is where a Rule of Life comes in handy.

A Rule of Life is an organized set of spiritual practices and rhythms catered to one’s life, helping direct their formation to Jesus. 

A good Rule of Life repurposes the time that keeps us from praying into prayer itself.

Here’s an example…

At the time of writing this post, I am, well, writing this post.

In doing so, I’m doing my best to view it as a contribution to God’s Kingdom. Asking myself questions like:

• Does it point to Jesus?

• Is it in line with what Jesus taught?

• Does writing it benefit my relationship with God?

Approaching my work through this filter is, I believe, a form of prayer. It keeps my attention on God and puts me in conversation with Him. The same is true about the work you do.

Of course, this extends to all areas of life.

So, in crafting an effective Rule of Life, ask yourself what practices will aid in bringing your attention to God.

One day a week to fast?

A fixed-hour prayer alarm on your phone?

Regularly meeting with your community beyond the Sunday gathering?

Basically, how do we turn the day-to-day into one giant prayer?

Candle in the Morning

When it comes to prayer without ceasing, we need to remember a few things.

Number 1) Praying is talking to and living with God.

We should still engage in conventional forms of prayer but also learn to view prayer as a heart posture that we can bring into daily life.

Number 2) Praying without ceasing takes time.

We must give ourselves the space to learn and grow (Jesus certainly does). Don’t expect perfection, expect grace.

Of course, there’s much more we can say on the topic but I'll end with this.

Prayer is tough for me. 

My attention span is terrible and my mind wanders all the time.

Yet, many of my best moments come when I wake up, make a cup of tea, and sit in silence before God.

When that silence draws to a close, I go over to the candle I lit at the start, pray the Lord’s Prayer, and say to God, “The day is Yours."

Then I blow out the candle.

But my prayer doesn’t end there.

It continues as I make breakfast, start work, and, eventually, return to bed.

I get distracted a lot and have to return to this prayer again and again. But with God’s grace and an ever-adapting Rule of Life, I feel I’m getting the hang of it.

I only have God to thank for that.

Yes, prayer is hands together and eyes shut but, more importantly, prayer is meeting God in life.

And, believe me, that’s something worth pursuing.

For now, be blessed.

Jon,

Theophilus Newsletter