Every Sunday morning at 7:30, I meet with the pastors and worship team to make sure we’ve got all our bases covered. Once we review the items for the day and everyone is on the same page, I always conclude with a prayer asking God to bless the day’s worship services and use us to bring others into the light of his love.
Yesterday morning, I was in a real hurry. I had worked all week long on a sermon I will politely call substandard. I rushed through the meeting as fast as possible so that I could get back to my office to see if I could salvage that stinky sermon. God and the congregation deserved better. I was feeling the pressure of a real time crunch.
At the meeting, as we finished the last item on the agenda, I started walking towards the door when someone said, “Tom, have you forgotten something?” Then, everyone reminded me I was supposed to end the meeting with prayer. By the way they were acting, you would have thought I had sacrificed a chicken on the altar. I said a quick prayer and returned to my office.
It wasn’t until I was sitting at my desk, looking at the worst sermon in the history of sermons, that I realized what had just happened.
I had been in such a hurry to work on that stinky sermon, I omitted what matters most. I had forgotten to pray.
In leading the Reformation, Martin Luther was incredibly busy and stretched thin for time. It is reported when he was asked what he would do for the day, Luther said, “Work, work from early until late. In fact, I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.”
Luther remembered what I had forgotten. The only way a Christian can truly live up to the potential that God has placed within each of us is to begin every effort with prayer.
So as you begin the mad dash of a new day, take time to calm your mind and connect to the One who matters most. Ask God to mold and equip you to meet the challenges of this day. God is the only One who can truly see you through.
Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8)
No matter how big a rush you are in, you’ve got time to pray. I promise.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, remind me to pray in all times, in all places, and in all situations. Give me the peace, guidance, and wisdom that only comes through prayer. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Prayer is worth the time. It is one of the best investments you will ever make.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 