“I get up at six every morning and hurry off to work. I don’t pray then.” That’s what an elder told me one time. What? I was taken aback at that, because he was a serious, believing man who didn’t minimize his Christian walk. Maybe he prayed every morning at another time.

But how do things sometimes go with the average family? Dad has to leave for work at 7 o’clock. Son Patrick has to catch the bus at eight and gets out of bed at the last moment. Does a family like that begin the day with God? Who knows what lies ahead that day? Busy with all kinds of things and surrounded by dangers in traffic and all over. All kinds of spiritual choices that have to be made on a daily basis. The devil, the ruler of this world, lies in wait for us. How can anyone throw themselves into all the activities of a day without first folding of the hands and praying to God for his help and care? And please read a portion of the Bible too! You should be able to take a moment for that, shouldn’t you? The Bible remains a source of guidance and strength for every day.

I spoke to someone who worked in construction and who had to get up at 5:30 in the morning. He enjoyed a hearty breakfast then and always read a portion of the Bible and from a daily devotional. See, that lays a wonderful basis for each day.

A young man had to again rush out on his bicycle to reach the bus stop on time. “You haven’t prayed yet!” his mother called as he hurried away. “I’ll pray while I bike,” he called back. Better late than never...

Maybe great things are going to be achieved on a certain work day. Maybe good marks at school. Important work accomplished at the office or in the store. But what’s the real value of it all if you haven’t first brought that day before God in prayer, if you haven’t dedicated the day to Him and petitioned Him for his guidance and blessing?

Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after wind.Ecclesiastes 4:6