10 Minutes of Praying (PrayerLife)

Ice jam on the River Raisin in Monroe

I have had busy people ask me how they can fit in praying when their days are so filled with work, family, and projects. My recommendation is: take just 5-10 minutes alone with God each day. Choose to do this. Think, now, of when you will do this today and where you will do it. 

Use one of the four gospels as your reading. Take a few verses and meditate on them. Bring your requests to God during that time. And listen for God's voice. When God speaks to you, write it down.

Do not think "What a small amount of time to give to God each day!" If you are not doing anything these ten minute of intentional God-connection are significant. 

I have seen people do this. As they begin to experience God during this time their life is being transformed into a heart of praying.

Henri Nouwen writes: "You need to set aside some time every day for this active listening to Jesus, if only for ten minutes. Ten minutes each day for Jesus alone can bring about a radical change in your life." (Nouwen, The Only Necessary Thing: Living a Prayerful Life, 88-89)