Too Busy to Pray 
This devotional was written by Jim Burns

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Mark 1:35

A Christian youth worker I know recently described the students in his youth group: "Our students are just too busy to get serious with God." Can you identify with this? Most of us aren't evil. We aren't trying to stay away from God on purpose. We are just too busy to pray.

Have you ever had a conversation like this with God?

God: I'd like to spend some time with you today, Jim.
Jim: Great. I'd love to.
God: How about right now?
Jim: Right now? Uh, I'm a little late for school. I'll catch you later.... I promise.
God: Okay, I'll be waiting.
Jim: I'll see you at the lunch break.
God: Okay, I'll be waiting.
God: Hey Jim, I missed you at lunch. Your body was there but your mind wasn't.
Jim: I know. I'm sorry. I've got so much to do and so much on my mind. I just forgot to pray.
God: Are you ready to spend some time with me now? I know you only have a few minutes before class.
Jim: Well, uh, er, I haven't studied for my math test. I'll have to catch you later.
God: Okay, I'll be waiting.
(After the 10:00 p.m. TV show)
God: Jim, I love you and I miss you. I've been waiting all day to be with you, Jim. Let's just focus for maybe five minutes.
Jim: I know. I'm sorry. I really feel bad. I'm so busy. Thanks for being so understanding, God. Thanks for... (Jim falls asleep.)
God: Oh well, maybe he'll have time for me tomorrow.
Are you too busy to pray? If you are, then you are simply too busy. God loves you and wants regular time with you because you are so special in his eyes. When is your special appointment with God? This may seem overly simplistic but it is true: People with a regular time with God will have a closer relationship with Him.

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GOING DEEPER:

1. What did Jesus do in Mark 1:35?

2. Do you have a set time and place to meet with God daily? If not, set an appointment with God today.

FURTHER READING: 

PSALM OF PRAISE

Happy are those who reject the advice of evil men, who do not follow the example of sinners or join those who have no use for God. Instead, they find joy in obeying the law of the LORD, and they study it day and night. They are like trees that grow beside a stream, that bear fruit at the right time, and whose leaves do not dry up. They succeed in everything they do. Psalm 1:1-3


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