The next chapter in Hughes’ book addresses the topic of prayer. It is a spiritual discipline that takes work and time and quiet. In a house full of people, one needs to be creative. I recall a friend telling me that she had read that Mrs. Wesley would cover her head with her apron if she was praying so that her 11 or so children would know not to disturb her (If you know any details to this bit of history, then please share them).
Everyday can be a little different and present its own challenges. Some mornings I am up early and can have extended time for prayer and Bible reading before the kiddos are up. For example, the alarm was set to get me up before everyone else, but I was wide awake at 5 a.m. I considered it a summons to prayer. I used to write out my prayers in notebooks, so that I wouldn’t bother anyone else by voicing them. That also kept me from losing my train of thought. My mind tends to wander during prayer. Making a list helps me, too. I have retreated in the evenings to my bedroom or bathroom, shut and locked the door to ensure privacy. Some nights I have stayed up after everyone else for the sole purpose of some extra time alone in prayer to God. Lately, my prayers come out in the laundry room. Hubby installed a latch on the door (my Christmas gift). When the laundry room door is closed, they know I don’t want to be disturbed. Usually, I don’t have too many interruptions.
I spend time in prayer everyday, but I am not disciplined as to having a specific time and place in which I do it. I would love to hear and be encouraged by you ladies reading this blog as to what you do to remain faithful in prayer.
Have you had to get creative to carve out some time alone with God? What kinds of steps do you take to make sure you do not become prayerless?
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Leslie Wiggins 
6 responses to “Prayer”
I often pray throughout the day but I can’t say I have a specific time set aside in the day for praying. It’s one of those things I’d like to do but haven’t been very successful at yet.My mind also tends to wander so I have also found it very helpful to write my prayers out.Have you read the biography of John Patton? He was a missionary to Vanuatu – really amazing story. I first heard of the book while listening to a tape of John Piper. Every day John Patton’s father spent extended time praying in a “prayer closet” and the children could hear him praying for each one of them every day. Those prayers had a huge influence on each of the children, and John had an immense respect for his father. The scene John describes when he leaves home, never to see his father again, is incredible. I get teary just thinking about it.
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Thank you for sharing, Amy. I have read a portion of that story in a letter from Piper’s ministry. He sent it around Father’s Day last year, and I cried, too. It is a very moving account.
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I have to have absolute silence to pray so I do it at night. I also do mini-prayers throught the day – when certain situations arise, the news, moments of need or thankfulness. I pray at night whilst I’m getting my two year old to sleep, she likes me to lie down with ther whilst she nods off and I use this time for prayers – I find it relaxing!However, I really lack discipline in prayer. Discipline is just something I need to work on, full stop!
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Hmm, good thing you’ve sewed those new aprons…
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I don’t get it, Karl.
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OH! You are referring to pulling the apron over my head! Sorry, I’m a little slow.
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