Too Busy to Pray? Here’s How I Found Time for God

I used to feel like life was running me. Between work, family responsibilities, and endless to-do lists, prayer always seemed to fall to the bottom. I’d tell myself, “I’ll pray when I have time,” but the truth was, I never did. Sound familiar?  

One day, I stumbled across Matthew 6:33: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” It hit me—I was chasing after everything else, hoping I’d find peace, but neglecting the One who could actually give it to me.  

That realization changed everything. I decided to make prayer a priority, even if it was just for five minutes a day. Instead of waiting for the “perfect time” to pray (spoiler: it doesn’t exist), I began weaving it into my daily routine.

I’d pray in the car during my commute, while folding laundry, or even while waiting in line at the grocery store. Those little moments added up, and over time, I realized prayer wasn’t just another task on my to-do list—it was the fuel that kept me going.  

Another verse that kept me grounded was Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  When I made time for prayer, I truly experienced that peace, even in the busiest seasons of life.  

Here are a few tips that helped me overcome the busyness and prioritize prayer:  

1. Start Small

You don’t need to carve out an hour right away. Begin with just two minutes in the morning to thank God for a new day or whisper a prayer before your feet hit the floor. Over time, those minutes will grow naturally as you experience the joy and peace prayer brings.  

2. Turn Waiting Time Into Prayer Time

Life is full of waiting—whether it’s in traffic, at a doctor’s office, or in line at the store. Use those moments to talk to God. Even short prayers, like “Lord, guide my steps today,” can make a huge difference.  

3. Create Prayer Triggers

Link prayer to your daily activities. For example, pray every time you brew your coffee, do the dishes, or hear a notification on your phone. These small cues can remind you to pause and connect with God.  

4. Pray With Scripture

When you feel stuck or don’t know what to say, let Scripture guide your prayers. Verses like Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God,” remind us to pause and focus on Him.  

5. Schedule It Like an Appointment 

We schedule meetings and appointments, so why not schedule prayer? Block out time on your calendar, even if it’s just five minutes, and treat it as non-negotiable. 

 6. End Your Day in Gratitude

Before going to bed, take a moment to reflect on the day and thank God for His blessings. Ending the day in His presence brings a sense of peace and rest.  

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by busyness, remember this: prayer is not about perfection, it’s about connection. God isn’t looking for perfectly worded prayers or long-winded sessions; He simply wants your heart.  

How do you balance prayer with a busy schedule? I’d love to hear your tips (or struggles!) in the comments.

Let’s encourage each other to keep God at the center of it all. 😊