“Work, work from early until late. In fact, I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” - Martin Luther
Martin Luther, an Augustinian friar, professor of Theology, and father of the Protestant Reformation, said these words when asked about his plans for the day. I think many of us can relate to the first part of his answer! We also “work, work from early until late.” Most of us live in a state of hurry and speed, constantly attached to our to-do lists, checking off things as they get done or stressing over the things we haven’t yet done. Those of us with the most on our to-do lists often make the excuse we don’t have time to pray, we don’t have time to slow down and spend time with God, or we can’t afford to stop and just simply be present in the moment and listen to what the Father is saying.
This week we’re going to dedicate ourselves to slowness. We’re going to set aside the pursuit of hurry and hustle and pick up a mindset of intentional presentness – focusing on what God is doing in the present, not constantly looking toward what’s next and seeking to accomplish more.
Today, as an act of dedication to slowing down, set the timer on your phone and spend a full five minutes in prayer over your day. I won’t ask you to spend three hours like Martin Luther – let’s start small. Then set an alarm for later in the day when you will dedicate another five minutes to prayer. Make time for slowness in your day so your heart can connect with God’s in the middle of your busyness.
If you’re taking the five-minute prayer challenge today, like this post with a thumbs-up!
Author: Anne Bosarge