Do you struggle to find
time to pray during your hectic daily life? These 10 suggestions for quick ways
to pray will help you catch a few moments to talk to God in the most unlikely
of places, from the shower to the elevator. Get started on your
new
daily prayer routine now.
1. Give an Alarm Clock Alleluia
When your alarm goes off
in the morning, open your eyes and repeat this line from the Psalms: "This
is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad."
Commit to living in gratitude for the day, and you'll soon notice how much
happier your days can become.
2. Practice Shower Power
Water is a powerful
spiritual symbol. As you soap and rinse in the shower, pray to be cleansed of
any feelings of anger, bitterness, resentment, or regret.
Recall the words of Isaiah (58:11): "The Lord will guide you continually… You
shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never
fail."
3. Practice Driveway Meditation
This one is especially
for those who commute to work. Turn your time behind the wheel into time for
prayer. Before starting the car engine, place your hands lightly on the
steering wheel and breathe deeply several times. Ask the Holy Spirit to steer
you through your day. Back out of your driveway slowly, and remain aware of the
slowness.
As you drive, think about your 'to-be' list. Let words like compassionate,
serene and diligent percolate through your mind. Let grace-filled thoughts
carry you in a loving manner through the day.
4. Climb Stairs
If you work on an upper
floor in a multi-story building, skip the elevator and climb the stairs. Make
your climb work for your body and your soul.
Climb thoughtfully, breathing slowly. Use the time alone to experience a
connection with God. Pause at each landing. Catch your breath, and focus for a
moment on the blessings in your life. Say thanks before continuing your climb.
5. Elevator Blessings
No stairs? Next time you
share an elevator with someone, say a silent prayer. Ask God to meet the other
person's unique needs. Add a smile of your own.
6. Try Prayerful Single-Tasking
We all feel too busy. It
has become a workplace axiom that multi-tasking is a good thing, but a growing
body of research shows that it actually erodes productivity.
Instead of dividing our concentration among many tasks, do one thing at a
time-prayerfully. Offer your work as a prayerful gift to God. Ask for the grace
to do it meaningfully, and without anxiety.
7. Fast for One Minute
In times of stress, we
are often tempted to reach for foods that aren't healthy for us.
Before you reach for the fried foods, sugar or chips- try this. Wait one
minute. Offer the minute to God and ask for the grace you need to control your
appetite. Chances are you'll no longer be tempted until the minute is up. If
you do give in-just remember, God forgives you. Forgive yourself.
8. Touch the Earth
Native Americans have
this saying: "Never let a day go by without touching the earth with your
foot." If only a couple of times each week, take a five or ten minute
break to walk in a meditative way. Give up your usual energized stride to pay
attention to the movement of lifting your leg, bending your knee, and placing
your foot. Observe your breathing and your body. Look around. Notice the
squirrels, the trees, and the sounds of nature. Nature tunes us into God's
presence.
9 . Cook up a Memory
Next time you cook, pay
attention to the memories that are sparked by the dishes you make. Perhaps you
have old recipes lying around that you have forgotten about. Bless all those
who sweeten your recollections, thanking God for the spiritual nourishment
these people have brought to your life.
10. Pray a Peanut Butter Minute
