Prayer - the first fruits of our day

There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven Ecclesiastes 3: 1

There can be a great temptation at busy times or on busy days to ditch the one thing that will help us to have a productive and fruitful day.  Prayer and spending time with God is essential every day and how much more on a busy day.

I think it was Martin Luther who said that if he had a busy day, he must spend more time not less in prayer. We deceive ourselves when we think that we can manage without any time with God. It is unlikely that we will catch up on prayer later or tomorrow – we need prayer and time spent with God for today and every day. There are some wonderful quotations by some of the great men and women of God on the matter of prayer.

"Don’t pray when you feel like it. Have an appointment with the Lord and keep it. A man is powerful on his knees." Corrie ten Boom

"The men who have done the most for God in this world have been early on their knees. He who fritters away the early morning, its opportunity and freshness, in other pursuits than seeking God will make poor headway seeking Him the rest of the day. If God is not first in our thoughts and efforts in the morning, He will be in the last place the remainder of the day." E.M. Bounds

"Satan does not care how many people read about prayer if only he can keep them from praying. Paul E. Billheimer

I can go on! Look up these and many other quotes on the internet – they are inspiring but they must not just stir our hearts but inspire us to pray. The devil wants to persuade us that our prayers are not making a difference, that we are wasting our time and we would be far better getting on with some work than waste time praying. Lies and more lies. We can accomplish so much more on our knees.

If you are feeling discouraged in the place of prayer or if you have a very busy time ahead of you – let me encourage you with a testimony. When I was still working God encouraged me to rise early to meet with him every day – it was hard because I was tired and stressed – yet these precious times were the lifeline that enabled me to accomplish all that needed doing in my busy schedule.  On another day when time was not an issue I had a wonderful time of prayer with God – it was extended and could have seriously cut into the rest of the day but the incredible thing was that this day was the most fruitful day of my life.  I accomplished so much I was amazed.

Time in prayer is never wasted but it can take an effort to get going.  Be encouraged today to place the first fruits of your day in God’s hands and trust him to fulfil his plans and purposes through your prayers. He will guide your days to be fruitful and a source of great blessing to many.