I confess: I'm too busy to pray

Ben Marshall Sept. 22, 2020

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If you're anything like me, reading articles or books or blogs on prayer can leave me feeling guilty for not praying as much as I should. I read about others praying for hours, sitting in the presence of the Father. And I desire this! But my attention span and having two kids under four derails me.

If I'm honest, life circumstances force me to squeeze prayers into limited available time, or pray on the go in a way that lacks depth. Can you relate?

Leading yourself, a home, and a business or ministry can leave precious little time for anything else, including prayer.

As I reflect on my own struggles, I think there are two underlying reason why I don't pray. Perhaps you can relate, either at this time in your life or a previous time:

1. I feel too busy to pray

The point is, I feel too busy to pray. The reality is, as Bill Hybels eloquently pointed out in one of his books, I'm too busy not to pray. Prayer is the most essential part of a Christian's day. Whether leading a business, a home, a small group, or yourself, prayer is the most essential part of your day. It connects you with your Heavenly Father and brings about transformation, peace, and guidance.

2. Prayer feels unproductive

The reason I can feel too busy to pray is because prayer doesn't always feel like it's moving the ball forward. Sometimes, sitting still and silent in prayer can feel unproductive. Anyone else?

It could just be me, but baring my soul a bit here, it's easier to perform tasks where the "completion" is more readily seen than in prayer. Prayer plays a longer game. Sometimes there are quick answers, but often there is patience required in prayer.

These are just two reasons that get in the way of me praying. What reasons do you have? Take some time to answer that question. What gets in the way of a fruitful prayer life? Write that down, own it, confess it before the Lord. Then, set it aside as an excuse.

Though at times I feel too busy to prayer and prayer doesn't always feel productive, I recognize my absolute need for prayer. Without it, my days don't go well. I'm more anxious and worried. I'm a worse leader at home at church and in relationships.

Prayer must not be the activity we cut when we are pressed for time.

Frequently we see in the history of the church, busy men and women were given often to prayer. They realized the necessity and the power of prayer.

My prayer is that we, too, would recognize the necessity and power of prayer, lay down our excuses, and give ourselves over to the regular practice of prayer.

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Ben Marshall is a Pastor at Pathway Church in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. He works with teenagers and young adults. He is passionate about leadership and raising up the next generation of biblical leaders. He is a blogger, guitar player and sports enthusiast. Ben currently resides in Beaver Falls with his wife Connie and their two daughters, Aliya and Sophie Learn More »

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