Small Hinges Open Big Doors
The Bible tells us that it's impossible to please God without faith. Jesus said all we need is faith the size of a mustard seed. We can't measure a person's faith; that is obvious. I believe what Jesus was teaching his followers is that the mustard seed, which is easy to overlook because it's so tiny, actually produces large items. A little faith can significantly influence our relationship with Jesus, our relationship with others, and experiencing the health of Jesus's kingdom in all its expressions. In Luke 18, through the parable of the persistent widow, Jesus teaches his followers to have unwavering faith that will be humanized in unceasing prayer. When we think about it, praying is an act of faith; otherwise, prayer seems like nothing more than a psychological tool to offload stress. So, how can we have an unceasing prayer life when we have jobs, responsibilities, families, hobbies, sleep, etc.? Again, I propose that Jesus was not talking about his followers walking around muttering every second they are awake. I believe it's clear that Jesus wants us to have a heart ready to pray at any given moment, whether the time of prayer is spontaneous or scheduled, long or short. Therefore, here are some tips that can help:
Ask Jesus to teach you to pray.
Begin practicing small prayers than can open big doors.
Have a regular prayer time each day (during a ride to work, while enjoying a morning coffee, taking an evening walk, or with a friend/spouse/family before evening bedtime).
Carry a bible verse or verses around in your pocket and pull it out a few times each day. Read it. Pray it.
Set the alarm on your device to remind you to pray. (I do this several times a day, and each alarm has a label for a different topic.)
Pray with a family member or friend a few times each week over the phone or in person.
When someone asks for prayer, pray right then (if possible), and then make a note to pray again later in the day or week.
Utilize your calendar to note big prayer moments such as job interviews, school test days, doctor appointments, etc.
Pray in the same space as often as possible. We will be amazed by the emotional attachment we can develop with an area because it's our "Bethel," where we meet God.
Friends, resist the relentless assault of a spirit of unbelief. Watch your faith and trust in God grow, as you pray with an attitude of unceasing prayer.
Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash