“Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

“What?! Pray continually? Like, never stop? There’s no way. He must not really mean that. Impossible! How am I going to get anything done if I’m constantly talking to God?”

As selfish as that all sounds, that’s exactly what went through my head after reading those three dramatic words in my Bible one night. You see, I had a way of dismissing God’s Word if it wasn’t convenient and didn’t line up with my day-to-day routine. It was a habit I was so desperately trying to break because I knew, deep down, that every word was there for a reason.

So, in an attempt to train myself to “pray without ceasing,” I started to thank God for the little things, as well as the big things, throughout my day. 

If you were a fly on the inside wall of my head it would sound a little something like this . . . 

Dear God,

Thank you for the snooze button. Those extra 10 minutes were amazing.

And thank you for waking me up for another day. Please use me to bring you glory today.

RELATED: When You’ve Come to the End of Yourself—Pray

Thank you for these clean clothes on my back and please forgive me for always complaining that I have nothing to wear. I definitely do. And I’m grateful, Lord. 

Thank you for my sweet kids and thank you for waking them up for another day.

Thank you for coffee.

Thank you for the convenience of microwaves. It warms these French toast sticks right up.

Thank you for paper towels. Syrup. Everywhere. 

Thank you for these baby cuddles, but please soothe his aching gums and help his little teeth to come in soon.

And Lord, please give me patience and help me give grace.

Thank you for my toddler’s sweet giggle when he’s happy, but please help him to handle his little emotions when he’s not. 

And Lord, please give me patience and help me to give grace.

Thank you for Paw Patrol.

Thank you for this lunch you have blessed us with even if my toddler won’t eat it.

Thank you for nap time.

RELATED: 6 Bold Prayers To Pray Over Your Children Daily

Thank you for this alone time in your Word, please help me understand what I’m reading.

Thank you for this home. Please give me the motivation to clean it. And forgive me for complaining about things that don’t matter. This house is more than I could ever ask for. 

Thank you for after-nap quiet time and snuggles. 

Thank you for these little moments of joy throughout the day. I love seeing my children play together.

OK, now they’re fighting.

Lord, please give me patience and help me give grace.

My house is a disaster and there are toys everywhere—sorry, Father. Thank you for all of these toys we have been blessed with.

Please help me be present with my children and tend to the mess later.

Yay! Daddy’s home! Lord, thank you for a husband who works all day to provide for us, then comes home and helps at night. I am forever grateful for him and his love for us.

Father, thank you so much for this supper. And thank you for crockpot liners. 

Thank you for bedtime stories and good night prayers. We love you and love talking to you.

Thank you for warm, running water to bathe and relax in.

RELATED: Dear Son, I Pray My Love Shines Through the Messy Parts of Me

Thank you for this cozy bed and soft blankets.

Thank you, again, for my loving husband lying next to me.

Thank you for this day. Forgive me for the times I fell short. Please help me to do better tomorrow. Thank you for your grace. Thank you for saving me from my sins. Please help me to love you like you deserve. 

Amen.

P.S. – If it is your will, please help the baby to sleep three consecutive hours tonight.

Thanks! 
Amen.

You see, I found that talking with God throughout the day is not at all tedious. In fact, it’s a relief. It’s a gift.

He hears me, big or small. He’s with me, always. Through every tickle fight, tear, and tantrum. The good the bad and the ugly. He’s there. 

And you know what else? The little things aren’t always that little and the big things are the greatest blessings ever. Everything in my life is because of Him. He deserves to be thanked for it all. 

Thank you, Jesus, for the gift of prayer. Thank you for being with me throughout my days. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for blessing me. But mostly, Thank you for listening without ceasing.
Amen.