Time and Prayer – How Are You Doing?

Time Is a Resource

We are constantly told to use our resources wisely, and we usually think of tangible resources like money, food, gas, right down to Scotch tape!  But how often do we really consider that time is a consumable commodity we often waste?

Recently, our family ‘spent’ much time discussing and researching the replacement of our family dog.  In losing our dog, a precious resource in our lives – (yes, she offered us that joyful wagging tail when we’d arrive home reminding us in a little way that we were loved and needed, and she warned the nightly rendezvous of coyotes to stay away, plus much more) – we realize what an investment of time goes into even the raising of a family dog.

Prayer Is a Resource

The other morning as I was adding up the cost, not just in dollars, but in time needed to train a new dog, I wondered how much God desires for us to pray about even these simple things.  I know He wants us to pray unceasingly, and yet, what things are more important? 

A simple example of my musings is the question – why don’t I pray before I till and plant my garden every year, wondering how much or what kinds of plant to cultivate?  Is it that we already know the time expenditure, or the (outcome) of the effort and understand that the time and energy and money invested is worth it, so therefore it takes no thought or prayer?

But as for the decision of getting a dog, and the fact that our daughter wants to breed them for a family project – now that takes more time, energy, and money than having an already trained, loyal family dog.  So, prayer was lifted up to God asking for wisdom to use my time, my family’s time, our money, and thought, and energy on this new endeavor.

It’s amazing how a simple thing that we take for granted can change not just our daily lives, but, if we seek it, our spiritual lives as well.  We can take each opportunity for change to seek God, to remind ourselves how important our relationship with Him is, and to show Him our submission and dependency on His wisdom and Lordship.

So take time today to bring your questions, your problems, your new ideas to God!  Our resources are His!  Pray to use them wisely and for His glory.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.                  Phillipians 4:6-7

Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving…..                                    Colossians 4:2