Developing a Consistent Prayer Life While Navigating the Busyness of Life

There’s nothing greater than spending time in God’s word and praying without thinking about the list of things you still have to do. Before I had my two boys, I had ample time for quiet time. It was amazing. Now, things look a tad bit different. Life as a mom of two toddlers is hectic. It’s one thing after another. By the time they are asleep and I have a moment for myself, I am so tired that I end up fast asleep with them. But that’s life—mom life. I am sure I am not the only one experiencing this. It really bothered me for a while because I felt like God was being put on the back burner because of all the tasks and duties I had to take care of, resulting in me not having set time to spend in God’s word. Will God be upset? Am I failing Him?

It wasn’t until God reminded me of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” I am in a season where my boys are still very small and take up most of my time and attention—God knows that. But they are growing up, and this season will pass.

So, what do I do in the meantime? How do I navigate life and prayer life? Maybe you don’t have two busy bees like me, but you have other things or people taking up all of your time. How can we still develop and maintain a consistent prayer life, whether it is for 5 minutes or an hour?

Here are a few things to consider:

1. Be Intentional

   
   

   You don’t have to make grand gestures—just be intentional. I’ve started enjoying driving to work, especially if there is a bit of traffic. Call me crazy, I know. That has become my time to have long conversations with God. Just me and Him in the car. The longer the commute, the more time I have to talk to Him, put on some worship songs, and sing my heart out. If that doesn’t work for you, try lunchtime or maybe a few minutes just before the kids come home from school or before your busyness starts. As you get accustomed to this routine, add another prayer slot. This not only allows you to spend time with God but also helps you develop the discipline to be in His presence regardless of external noise. While you are doing the washing or cleaning the kitchen, talk to Him—why not?
   

2. Keep a Prayer Journal

   
   

   Write down who and what you prayed for and what God spoke to you about in those moments. It's easy to forget these details, but a journal will remind you of God’s promises as you see your prayers being answered.

   
   

3. Declare God's Word Through Prayer

   The Bible is full of God’s promises and declarations. Speak them over your life as you go about your day and during your prayer time.
   

4. Allow Room for God to Speak Prayer is a conversation between you and God. It's easy to do all the talking and asking, but take time to listen to what God has to say. Sometimes, I’m even too tired to speak. Just be still and let God speak. We need those Selah moments as well.
   

5. If You Don’t Know What to Pray, Let the Holy Spirit Do It on Your Behalf Romans 8:26-27 says, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.”
   

6. The Lord's Prayer If you are really at a loss, God has made it easy for us in Matthew 6:9-13. All you can do is pray the following:

Our Father in heaven,

Hallowed be Your name.

Your kingdom come.

Your will be done

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts,

As we forgive our debtors.

And do not lead us into temptation,

But deliver us from the evil one.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Remember, developing a consistent prayer life doesn’t require large blocks of time. It’s about being intentional and making use of the moments you have. God understands the season you are in and honors your efforts to connect with Him.