Too Important to Miss

Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.

—Ephesians 6:18  

“No!” Mabel stopped me just as I reached down to scoop up the scrap of paper from the floor, “Leave it there. It’s my reminder.”

“What? A reminder on the floor?” I laughed.

“Hey, it works. You noticed it.”

I had to admit she had a point.

How do you remind yourself of important things? Write them on the calendar, leave strategically placed notes, or make lists?

I’ve done it all. In fact, I’ve even been known to write messages on my bathroom mirror with a dry-erase marker.

Hey, it works.

But I’ve also been known to miss the important things because I’ve overlooked my reminder.

What are those important things in your life you don’t want to miss? A doctor’s appointment, a birthday, a job interview? Those are all significant. But there is one thing more important than each of those that many of us miss on a regular basis.

Prayer. Yet there are reminders all throughout the bible. Apostle Paul wrote:

“Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.”
              —Ephesians 6:18  

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”—1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”—Romans 12:12 

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”—Colossians 4:2 

And this is just an abbreviated list.  

Prayer is important. It ushers us into the presence of God. It prepares us for our day and all those special occasions. Prayer brings peace to an anxious heart (Philippians 4:6-7). It places the problem in God’s hands (1 Peter 5:7), saying, “I am weak, but You are strong (2 Corinthians 12:9-11). And You give me the grace and strength to do all things (Philippians 4:13).” Prayer is recognizing the preeminence of God, declaring, “You are Lord of all, so I trust You with the outcome of every situation (Romans 8:28). And no matter what, I praise You (Psalm 71:14) and give You thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:18).” 

Prayer is too important to miss. 
 

The pages of my childhood scrapbook have faded,
but one memory remains clear to this day--Sister's strategy.

My third grade teacher Sister Ellen Paul knew that.  And she had her own way of reminding herself to pray. “Throw your shoes under your bed at night,” she said, “In the morning while you’re on your knees reaching for your shoes, you’ll remember to pray.” 

I tried Sister’s strategy and it worked, but somehow over the years I got out of the habit of throwing my shoes under the bed. 

What about you? Have you gotten out of the habit of praying? Is your prayer life spotty? Perhaps you’ve never established a prayer routine at all.  

Studies have shown that it takes 21 days to create a habit. Of course the number of days may vary from one person to the next. But the point is you cannot form a pattern of prayer until you start. Why not start today? After all, you just read a list of reminders. 

But how will you remember tomorrow? Well, that’s up to you.  Maybe you’ll use Mabel’s method or maybe you’ll leave a message on your mirror. If it’s important enough, you’ll think of something. 

As for me, I think I’ll throw my shoes under the bed. 

Dear God, I know prayer is important. Not only does it strengthen my relationship with You, but it prepares me for my day. May prayer always be part of my morning routine, as habitual as putting on shoes. Amen.