Why We Pray Less in Busy Seasons.

In our fast-paced world, it's all too easy to let the demands of daily life overshadow the place of prayer. As we juggle work commitments, family responsibilities, and social obligations, many find themselves sacrificing prayer for productivity and making progress in life. But what does this say about our priorities? What does this say about our belief in prayer?

Though appearing harmless, this can lead to profound consequences that affect not only our relationship with God but also our mental and emotional health.

In the heat of ministry, Jesus would withdraw to pray. Of all the things that Jesus could do, He prayed.

Prayer in ministry was a matter of priority for Jesus.

Also, look at the point He turned to pray—when everyone wanted Him to perform more miracles! I suppose that Jesus guarded Himself against intoxication and frenzy from the crowd's demand for Him by re-centering through prayer.

He kept Himself tethered to God's heart for the mission through prayer.

He kept Himself tethered to God's heart for the mission through prayer.

It is His example that we follow.

In busy seasons, we may convince ourselves that there isn't enough time to pause and connect with God, what is in front of us must be attended to and prayer is sacrificed. Yet, it's during these times that we need prayer the most.

But why does prayer take a backseat? Whether knowingly or unknowingly, why is it one of the first items crossed off the list?

In this blog, we will explore the dangers of praying less during hectic periods, the why behind praying less, and practical tips to integrate prayer into our busy schedules.

Let's dive into it.

1. Why We Pray Less

I’ll make a quick & “ouch’ punch line and then go on to flesh it out.

We pray less because prayer doesn’t matter as much. It has become less needful in our eyes.

Praying less is an indicator that our spiritual condition is unwell.

“I’m busy!” is the classic rhetoric when asked why we aren’t in prayer or praying as much.

But is busyness the reason or is it a callousness of heart toward God? Because, if it is important, we will make time for it. We make time for what matters. We make time for what is of priority. We make time for what we need.

So, when we don’t make time for prayer in busy seasons, we’re saying to God “I can do it just fine without You”. I’m sure this isn’t the prevailing thought in our minds but it is what the situation reveals about our beliefs about prayer.

Let’s take the example of food. We eat food daily because we know that if we don’t, our bodies are at risk of malnourishment. Food is fuel for the body. Hence, food becomes a matter of priority.

Some of us live our spiritual lives on autopilot

But we are not only body, we’re spirit and soul too and prayer attends to them. So when you and I fail to pray, we’ve neglected our spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being. We become more vulnerable to temptations & spiritual attacks. We become a house unguarded.

Besides catering to our spiritual and emotional well-being, when we pray it’s a sign of our dependency on God.

Whether we realize it or not, we depend on God for everything, from the air we breathe to the tasks we perform without second thought.

Some of us live our spiritual lives on autopilot. We don’t attend to them because we have spiritual blind spots. We’re unable to correlate God with the victories, safety, provision, & wellness we experience. We credit that to our ability to care for ourselves or to our knowledge.

Deception is the finest trick of the enemy. He deceives us into thinking that we have it all covered when we can supposedly “sustain ourselves”. In a way, the “self/ego” becomes a god. We become a god to ourselves which is idolatry.

This is no small thing as it indicates when we’re full of strength then we’re farthest from God a state we should be petrified about.

But are we? Are you?

2. The Dangers of Praying Less

Here are some dangers of praying less for a Christian:

• Weaker Communion

- Reduced Intimacy with God: Just as communication is necessary for human relationships to thrive so is prayer. Prayer fosters a deeper relationship with God, and praying less will create distance.

- Discernment of God’s will: Prayer is a source of spiritual direction; without it, one may struggle to discern God's will for them, especially at decision-making junctures. Being in the habit of prayer makes it easier to tell God’s will than a Christian whose prayers are intermittent and sporadic. Praying once, won’t tell you instantly what God’s will is but a close fellowship with the Lord through prayer amid other disciplines will help you know His will.

• Increased Vulnerability to Temptation

- Less Strength Against Sin: Regular prayer helps to fortify one against temptation; a decline makes it easier to succumb to sin. Your sense of morality is also compromised because the spiritual forces operating in the world can make the lines blurry.

Do not make prayer complicated, as much as you can, keep it simple

• Emotional and Mental Consequences

- Higher Levels of Anxiety: According to this article by a secular institution, accredits prayer as having positive outcomes on overall mental health. Prayer provides comfort and peace; because God gives comfort, God’s presence is peace and He offers Himself to us when we pray.

• Stagnation in Personal Growth

- Limited Spiritual Growth: Prayer is a pathway to personal transformation and growth; neglecting it can hinder spiritual development.

- Lack of Reflection: Prayer provides an opportunity for self-reflection and accountability; less prayer may lead to complacency in one’s faith journey.

• Impact on Relationships

- Strained Relationships with Others: Lack of prayer can affect one’s ability to forgive or show grace, leading to conflicts in personal relationships. If prayer is the channel through which God will convict our hearts as to our relationship with others, then what becomes of our relationships when we don’t pray?

3. Practical Tips to Integrate Prayer in Our Schedules

Integrating prayer into a busy season of life can be a rewarding yet challenging endeavour. Here are some practical strategies to help you maintain this spiritual discipline amidst a hectic schedule:

• Set a Regular Time for Prayer

Isn’t it ironic that you set aside time for the time you feel you don’t have?

For anything to be in your schedule means it has been allotted time. This will feel hard to do initially but you start from where you are as you move to where you need to be and that is, to be a person who prioritizes prayer.

• Set Yourself Up For Success

Do not make prayer complicated, as much as you can, keep it simple. Do what you’re likely to maintain.

For instance, start with short prayers but ensure that the prayer is meaningful. A way of making it meaningful is by praying scripture. You can pray a scripture you have memorized or you can read out the scripture that is meaningful to you as the prayer!

Another way to set yourself up for success is to create a prayer space. You’re more likely to stick to the habit when you see the prayer space. Visualization is a powerful tool that can work in your favour.

Additionally, you can include items that inspire you, such as candles, images, or quotes

Incorporate Prayer into Daily Tasks. Look out for moments of the day where you’re attentive and mindful e.g. pray while commuting, walking, cooking, or doing household chores. Just take advantage of moments where it’s easy for you to whisper a prayer.

Being in the habit of prayer makes it easier to tell God’s will

• Utilize Technology If Technology Works for You

Consider using apps that send reminders or provide structured prayers if you’re that kind of a person.

Audio Prayers. Listen to podcasts or recordings of prayers during your commute or while exercising.

• Join a Prayer Group

I am amazed at how community support strengthens habits we’re trying to build. Find a local or online prayer group to keep you accountable and motivated.

With your community, share prayer requests with them to deepen your connection and commitment.

• Be Flexible and Gracious with Yourself

Adjust as Needed. Life can be unpredictable; adapt your prayer schedule as necessary.

Create a no guilt rule. Guilt is your enemy. It is counterproductive. If you miss a day, give yourself grace and only recommit when you can.

So, where are you in your prayer life?

What are some of the things you need to change?

A lack of it tells a lot. Take some time to find out what is really causing you to pray less and recommit to prioritize prayer.