Many of us allocate quiet time for prayer several times a week, if not every day, yet long for more in our spirit. How do we pray continuously as the apostle Paul encouraged us, while our jobs, household tasks and family life consume most of our days? Split-second prayers!
These are quick, unceremonious conversations and impromptu thoughts we express directly from our heart to the heart of God throughout the day, often times without audible words.
I find myself saying brief prayers from the moment that my eyes open, “Thank you, Lord, for a new day.” On my drive to the office, “Lord, direct my steps and help me to achieve my goals for the day.” While walking into a staff meeting, “God, give me wisdom to direct your people.” I meet a colleague who shares about their sick parent, “Lord, heal the parent and strengthen my co-worker.” I am amazed how many prayers flow continuously throughout the day.
It doesn’t require elaborate, lengthy sentences to reach the heart of God. Brother Lawrence, author of Practice the Presence of God, reminds us,” A little lifting of the heart suffices; a little remembrance of God, one act of inward worship are prayers which, however short, are nevertheless acceptable to God.”
The spilt-second prayer connects us with God when we or others need it most. The blind man by the Jericho road cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy upon me.” The father with a sick child prayed, “I believe, help my unbelief.”
Maintaining a prayerful mindset helps us to stay in tune with God. As we make instant supplication for His will in our life or in the lives of others, we invite His intervention into the moment, thus releasing His blessing.
Have you ever felt a nudge to pray for someone you didn’t know while waiting in a doctor’s office, sitting in traffic or shopping at the mall? These are great opportunities to invade their life with the power of prayer. They may be strangers to us, but God knows them intimately and sees their needs. Their circumstance can take a turn for the better, just because we obeyed the prompting of the Holy Spirit to lift them in prayer.
I believe that there are thousands upon thousands of people saying short prayers for others every day with huge impact, but most will never know their lives were touched by the intercession of split-second prayers.
Lord, help me to remember that my prayer, however short, is acceptable to You. It’s not about how long it is; it’s about how big You are!
