Pray Early And Often
Pray Early And Often | June 21, 2024
Author John Bunyan once wisely observed, "He who runs from God in the morning will scarcely find Him the rest of the day." It's not that God is ducking or hiding; it's more that we get distracted during the day. Whether it's our daily responsibilities or mismanagement of time, the day has a way of slipping away. There are even seasons in life when struggles divert our attention, wear us down, and stifle our awareness of prayer.
According to the Bible, the most prudent and productive strategy for prayer is to pray early and often. Notice first the example of praying early. Psalm 5:1-2 says, "O Lord, hear me as I pray; pay attention to my groaning. 2 Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for I pray to no one but you. 3 Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly."
An excellent start to your day should include talking to God. Like any healthy communication, it should consist of speaking but also listening. You can use Scriptures like the ones mentioned in this devotional to assist you in getting into a mindset of prayer. You can also include the many thoughts or worries that flood your mind first thing in the morning. Like David, who authored this Psalm, make this prayer about the Lord. Also, you can even include singing and, if applicable, an instrument sometimes, as David did. The main point is to begin your day with prayer. Secondly, be sure to seek God early and throughout the day. Ephesians 6:18 reminds us to "Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere." I like to set reminders on my phone for prayer. The reminder may be for a family member, something I heard about at church, or something I saw on my newsfeed. The point is to be creative and proactive, or you will miss opportunities to engage in prayer.
Remember that the old foes of procrastination and pride will push back on this practical plan to pray. Thus, double down and be diligent in this crucial habit—you will never regret talking to your heavenly Father early and often!
Author John Bunyan once wisely observed, "He who runs from God in the morning will scarcely find Him the rest of the day." It's not that God is ducking or hiding; it's more that we get distracted during the day. Whether it's our daily responsibilities or mismanagement of time, the day has a way of slipping away. There are even seasons in life when struggles divert our attention, wear us down, and stifle our awareness of prayer.
According to the Bible, the most prudent and productive strategy for prayer is to pray early and often. Notice first the example of praying early. Psalm 5:1-2 says, "O Lord, hear me as I pray; pay attention to my groaning. 2 Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for I pray to no one but you. 3 Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly."
An excellent start to your day should include talking to God. Like any healthy communication, it should consist of speaking but also listening. You can use Scriptures like the ones mentioned in this devotional to assist you in getting into a mindset of prayer. You can also include the many thoughts or worries that flood your mind first thing in the morning. Like David, who authored this Psalm, make this prayer about the Lord. Also, you can even include singing and, if applicable, an instrument sometimes, as David did. The main point is to begin your day with prayer. Secondly, be sure to seek God early and throughout the day. Ephesians 6:18 reminds us to "Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere." I like to set reminders on my phone for prayer. The reminder may be for a family member, something I heard about at church, or something I saw on my newsfeed. The point is to be creative and proactive, or you will miss opportunities to engage in prayer.
Remember that the old foes of procrastination and pride will push back on this practical plan to pray. Thus, double down and be diligent in this crucial habit—you will never regret talking to your heavenly Father early and often!
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Focus On FaithfulnessBe Faithful Where You Are NowFaithfulness Requires Patience God's Perfect FaithfulnessGod Blesses FaithfulnessStart Your Year In ChurchGod's Forecast Of Forgiveness Avoid Self-Pity You Can Overcome Distraction White As SnowJumpstart Your Health With FastingMaintain An Active Church Membership Your Most Important DecisionTake Ownership Of Unhealthy Choices
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Take Notes When Reading The Bible Alternatives To AnxietyYou Need A SquadGod Has Super Bowls Of BlessingFocus On Obedience, Not the Odds We Accomplish More Together Kindness Is Good For Your HealthKindness Is Remembered And RewardedLoose Lips Sink CredibilityKind Words Promote HealingEvaluate All ExcusesTreat People RightComplaining Is Not HealthyLeap Forward In Your Faith
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Praying About Panic and PainSurround Yourself With Good People God's Promise To Those Who WaitPrepared By Your PastProtect Your Torch Faith And Flag DayTrust God To ProvideReceiving The Father's BlessingPray Before Making DecisionsGod Is Our Mighty Fortress Carry One Another Remove Whatever Is Contaminating Your MindPray Early And Often Reverence For God's House Trust God For The Impossible What To Do In Times Of Trouble
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Refuse To Give UpTalk To God During Extreme TestingCelebrate FreedomDelivered From FearPut On Shame RepellentGod's Ears And Our TearsAngels Are In Your CornerTaste God's GoodnessBreak Free With HonestyGod Is Fully Aware Of Your AdversityWe Can Defeat WorryGetting Into A Peaceful State Of MindHealthy Fear Leads To BlessingTrust God To ProvideWellness And Your WordsChase Whatever God ApprovesAre Your Problems Backing You Into A Corner?What To Do When You Drift From God?Think About Releasing Your Stress Lord Direct Our PathPathway To BlessingLord Hear Our PrayerCommunicate Kindness
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MindfulnessGuard Your MindDealing With Unjust CriticismOn Christ The Solid Rock I StandStop Going Against YourselfGood Decisions Require DiscernmentNegativity Equals Toxicity Listen MoreFlourishing In FaithActs Of Goodness Reverberates In Heaven Thank God It's Sunday (TGIS)Slow Down To Deal With StressKeep Praying For Your Family
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