Note: originally published September 15, 2007

*Part 1

Got a minute?  I pray that you will give it to God.

Of course, ‘Got a minute?’ is just an expression.  It may take a couple of minutes to read this and perhaps more to consider it.

I have an electric toothbrush with a one minute timer.  I must confess to you (and my dentist) that I have great difficulty waiting the full minute before I finish brushing.

I have heard others ask our boss, ‘Got a minute?’ and had to wait the better part of an hour for my time to communicate some question of importance.

I have had complaint of my prayer of thanksgiving at the table taking too long.  I remember my favorite prayer of my childhood was, “God is great, God is good, and we thank Him for this food.  Amen.”

In considering a more mature thankfulness to God and our hurried neglect for prayer, I have regularly prayed for more than the food.  (At least it is something of family prayer, be it ever so brief.)  Yet in deference to the Lord and our family, I doubt these small offerings of prayer have ever lasted even one minute.

 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

I do not pray without ceasing as I should.  Thankfully, after frequent urging of my wife, I pray more often (even for more than a minute); yet petition weighs heavier than the brief praise given to the Lord for the many blessings He has given us.

 Got a minute for prayer? 

May the Spirit of truth convict us that even in a minute of prayerful silence not taken, the Lord may hope to speak to our hearts.