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PROGRAM D-7984
Ephesians 6:18 tells us to pray at all times with all kinds of prayer for all people. So, to do this, we have to learn to pray with our eyes open, wherever we are, right?
In her book, Praying with Eyes Wide Open, Sherry Harney says, “When we pray with our eyes wide open, our time with God is limitless.” God invites us to be with him—consciously aware of his presence—at all times. This means whether we are in a quiet place alone, standing in line at the grocery store, driving to work, or singing praise songs at church, we are able to directly and personally connect with God.
Amazingly, God delights in our presence! Zephaniah 3:17 says, “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” Don’t you love that thought? The God of the universe rejoices over you and takes great delight in you! When you choose to be in his presence throughout your day—verbally or silently—he’s very pleased.
Let me give you some examples of ways you can pray at all times—with your eyes wide open. While you are at work, take those short opportunities you have for prayer. When you walk down the hall, pray for the people you work with. When you’re sitting in a meeting, pray for those in authority over you. When you’re talking to a customer or client, send up a silent prayer for wisdom and care for that person.
Here are some other suggestions. When you watch or listen to the news—most of which is not good—pray for those in the news. The news is full lately of all kinds of tragedies. Simply stop and pray for the people involved. Instead of griping about our government leaders—and I admit that there is much to criticize—pray for them even as you listen to the news, with your eyes open, silently or even out loud, if you can.
If you don’t like the way your organization is headed, you’re upset at something your boss has done or said, or some new policy seems wrong to you, instead of participating in the office gossip, pray about it as you perform your work. If you’re concerned about a situation at your church—maybe something the leadership is doing—pray about it every time it comes to your mind. This is so much more helpful than criticizing and complaining, don’t you think?
Praying at all times is not mission impossible. It is totally doable, provided you set your mind to pray throughout your day, talk to the Lord who is there with you, and let prayer be a part of your daily flow of life. Then you will pray much more than you do now!