Over the next couple of days, we will dive into more why it is important to pray the Word of God and how to start to move from praying 15 to 30 minutes a day to without ceasing. But first, let's talk about the sacrifice of time. You might want to grab your planner/schedule before we get started.
I realize you might wonder why I'm doing this explanation now and not earlier. Before now, I wanted you to get a feel for things and see where you were regarding how much time you had (or didn't have) to commit to praying without ceasing. I also wanted you to step into this slowly and do what you felt most comfortable with.
PRAYING WITHOUT STOPPING (CEASING)
To pray without ceasing is to pray continually.
Take a look at 1 Thessalonians 5:17 in your Bible.
~*~ Write in your journal a summary of that verse.
Now that we have that covered, and know we are to pray all the time, how do we do that? Is it feasible?
It is. But, before we delve too much into this, I hope you might humor me for a moment.
THE SACRIFICE OF TIME
~*~ Please grab your journal at this time. Can you average the amount of time you put into each day: the homework and praying without ceasing?
Day 1
Homework time (SPT--see what this is below)
Praying without ceasing time (OPT--see what this is below)
Day 2
Homework time
Praying without ceasing time
Day 3
Homework time
Praying without ceasing time
Day 4
Homework time
Praying without ceasing time
Day 5
Homework time
Praying without ceasing time
Day 6
Homework time
Praying without ceasing time
~*~ Now, figure the average amount of time for all 6 days:
Homework time (SPT)
Praying without ceasing time (OPT)
GOAL
Our goal is to move from praying ??? hours a day (you fill in your average time daily of praying without ceasing where the question marks are) to praying 24/7/365.
Well, there are two types of time we will need to make sure to mark on our planners every day at the end of the day:
A Sit-Down Prayer Time (SPT)
B Praying while doing other things or (OPT)
The goal is to get the total of SPT + OPT to = 16+ hours
Why is it 16+ hours? We are to sleep 8 hours a day. 24 - 8 =16. Now, part of that time includes falling asleep, waking up, rolling over, and being restless. During those times, we can be praying the Word without ceasing.
HOW IS IT POSSIBLE TO PRAY 16+ HOURS A DAY?
How is this possible? And, is it possible?
The last time I checked, God didn't give us commands that we could not meet. He would not ask it of us--knowing it was impossible. He would help us to do so. However, we also have to work intentionally in that direction. So, how do we go about doing precisely that?
Take your average time of SPT and mark that on your planner for the rest of the week.
Then, for next week, add 10 or 15 minutes a day. (For instance, week 1, you might average 15 minutes a day. Add 15 minutes and your new average will be 30 minutes. And so on...) Do the same week after week until you have 1 to 2 hours a day (ideal = 2 hours; absolute least is 30 minutes) on your schedule alone for SPT.
Next, it's time to start to add praying without stopping (OPT), and Praying the Word, to every activity you do. We can Pray the Word while we talk with others, while we are on hold, as we drive, etc.
How do you add Praying the Word while you do other things:
A Come up with cues to remind yourself to pray. For instance: red lights, every time you drink or eat, shower, restroom, breaks, while on hold, standing in a line, while cleaning house, doing laundry, doing the dishes, while cooking, etc. Whenever I see my wedding band, I pray. Whenever I see a glass or mug, I pray. When I see a book, I pray. Walking through doorways, I pray. Start with the every time you drink and take a bite of food cue. That will add more time than you might realize. Just make sure to keep an idea of the amount of time you pray.
B Play a game with yourself and try to top your previous day's amount of time for OPT and SPT.
C While exercising... We are supposed to get 30 minutes a day of exercise. Hence, what a perfect time to pray the Word and without stopping at the same time.
D Add 10 or 15 minutes per day every week until you get up to 16+ hours. (For instance, week 1, you might average 15 minutes a day. Add 15 minutes and your new average will be 30 minutes. And so on until you are up to 16+ hours.)
E Keep doing it until it becomes a habit. Practice will help.
PLANNER
Make sure to mark everything on your planner now. Put it on there. Put your SPT and OPT goals every day for the next 14 months or so. Then, in six months, take it out another 14 months. Keep putting it on your schedule for the rest of your life. Literally. I love the Google Calendar. I put this in for indefinitely and am now set.
ISN'T THIS ANAL?
Yes. It is. How else do you think you will actually obey the Word of God and pray continually? If you don't track it and plan it, you won't do it. It should be more important than everything else on your schedule anyway. Wouldn't you agree?
How do you expect to pray without stopping unless you make an action plan and get it on your calendar?
DAY 3 FROM THE OUTLINE
Do Day 3 from the outline of Praying the Word for the next 24 hours, please. Make sure to journal and lsiten to the Lord and his promptings.
Stacy Duplease
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal Faith
Find my books at/store: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/hisfiction
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal Faith
Find my books at/store: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/hisfiction
