“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” —Luke 5:16
Let’s be honest: when life speeds up, prayer is usually the first thing to get cut. We push it to the side, squeeze it in, or skip it altogether—telling ourselves we’ll get back to it when things “settle down.” But what if the busyness of life isn’t a reason to delay prayer, but the very reason we need it most?
In this piece, I want to help you reframe the place prayer holds in your daily life—not as a spiritual add-on, but as the anchor that keeps everything else in its right place.
Why Prayer Often Gets Pushed Aside
We all feel it: the meetings, the deadlines, the to-do lists, the dishes, the distractions. Life pulls at us from every direction, and in the midst of that tug-of-war, prayer can start to feel like a luxury.
But prayer is not about checking a box—it’s about staying connected. When we let go of it, we often feel scattered, reactive, and spiritually dry.
Why is that?
Because prayer isn’t just a practice—it’s relationship. It’s where clarity is restored, burdens are transferred, and identity is reaffirmed. When we skip prayer, we aren’t just losing time with God—we’re forfeiting peace, wisdom, and alignment with His will.
What the Bible Says About Making Time for Prayer
Jesus—God in the flesh, with a world to save and crowds pressing in—made time to pray. Not once in a while. Not just in crisis. But often.
“Very early in the morning… Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed.” —Mark 1:35
If the Son of God made space for prayer, why would we think we can go without it?
Paul calls us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17), and David speaks of seeking God in the morning (Psalm 5:3). Scripture consistently paints prayer not as a task, but as a rhythm—a heartbeat of dependence and trust.
Common Barriers to Prayer—and How to Overcome Them
We know we should pray. So what stops us?
- “I don’t have time.”
Truth: We make time for what we value. Start with just 5 minutes. Don’t underestimate small beginnings. - “I don’t know what to say.”
Truth: Prayer isn’t about performance—it’s about presence. Let Scripture guide your words. Speak simply and honestly. - “I get distracted.”
Truth: You’re human. Use a journal, a walk, or a timer. Eliminate obvious distractions and come as you are. - “I feel distant from God.”
Truth: That’s not a reason to avoid Him—it’s the reason to come near. Prayer isn’t earned. It’s grace.
Simple Rhythms to Reclaim Your Prayer Life
This doesn’t need to be elaborate. Think rhythms, not rituals.
- Pick a consistent time. Early morning. Midday. Commute. Just pick one.
- Create a space. A chair, a room, a walk—somewhere that signals, “I’m meeting with God.”
- Use Scripture as a starting point. Open Psalms or Proverbs. Read one verse. Let it shape your prayer.
- Start short and build. Five focused minutes beats fifteen distracted ones.
And if your rhythm gets disrupted? Don’t beat yourself up. Just begin again. God isn’t looking for perfection—He’s inviting you into His presence.
Encouragement to Reengage
You don’t need the perfect plan. You don’t need to wait for the ideal moment. You just need to begin.
Right now.
If it’s been days, weeks, or longer since you’ve prayed with any consistency, let me encourage you: it’s not too late. God is not holding a clipboard. He’s holding out His hand.
Prayer is not preparation for the work. It is the work.
Prayer isn’t what we do when we have time. It’s what gives time its meaning.
So—when life gets busy?
Pray anyway. Especially then.
Want to Start a New Rhythm?
- Set a 5-minute timer today and talk to God about what’s on your heart.
- Subscribe to the newsletter for practical tools to deepen your prayer life.
- Or grab the Biblical Wisdom in Every Season devotional for Scripture-based prayer prompts.