There is a famous quote by Martin Luther, who initiated the Protestant Reformation, when he was overwhelmed with tasks and responsibilities: ‘I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.’ We know from our own experience that having more time doesn’t necessarily mean accomplishing more. When our minds are calm and ideas come easily, tasks can be completed quickly. Yet, haven’t we all wasted hours mindlessly scrolling through YouTube when feeling anxious or overwhelmed?
It’s often said that we can do anything when we set our mind to it, but looking at it another way, it implies that setting our minds is difficult in itself. However, the most certain way to do so is to pray about everything without worrying. And if even after praying, things remain difficult, then we need to pray even more earnestly than usual. Remarkably, we will soon experience how the anxious and complex thoughts that we couldn’t manage on our own are replaced by God’s peace (Philippians 4:6-7).
The space of our hearts and thoughts is like an open public square where anyone can come and go. Not only ourselves and those around us, but even Satan can come and plant his thoughts. The Bible says that Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’ disciples, decided to betray Him because Satan put such thoughts into his mind (John 13:2).
With many children to care for, along with responsibilities at church, church union tasks, and new plans for missionary work, my mind can become overwhelmed. If I don’t guard my mind and thoughts carefully, I can find myself struggling with inner conflicts for days, feeling as if something is weighing heavily on me. In those moments, when I feel suffocated and overwhelmed, I need to pray to be able to breathe. If the heavy burden doesn’t lift with some prayer, I spend every spare moment calling out to God with all my heart, seeking Him earnestly.
After earnestly seeking Him for several days, there comes a moment when the heart becomes peaceful and mind becomes clearer, which in turn brings confidence in life. Therefore, when the heart and mind feel restless and the weight of life feels too heavy, it is essential to fully commit to prayer. The Bible tells us to ‘rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus’ (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Even looking at this passage, it tells us to pray continually amidst joy and thanksgiving.
To always have joy in my life and to be able to give thanks in all situations is the greatest miracle. Such a life is possible if one prays without ceasing. It doesn’t mean to pray without sleeping or eating. It simply means to pour out one’s heart to God wholeheartedly.
Jesus, who was perfect and without sin, rose early in the morning every day to pray to God and sought solitude amidst busy schedules. Since we are imperfect, we should pray even more. Prayer is the breath of the soul. We need to pray to live properly in this suffocating world.
