I know so many of us may wonder if we’re dedicating enough time to God when we’re dealing with the to-do that is life: a full-time job, children to be fed, clothes to be washed, family to be called, dinners to make, etc. But aren’t there always our inner thoughts asking, “What am I doing? How can I serve God in all of this? How can I separate my time willingly for Him?”

I know it’s hard, because for many people, “free time” really only exists from 6-9 p.m. – if that. Sometimes, your devotional time to God looks more like a tired prayer, while your unwashed hair is knotted in a bun as you lay in bed. It’s even harder during the busy holiday season when it’s difficult to focus on what’s really important.

You’re not alone in this struggle. But there’s a secret shared in the Bible that just might make it a little easier on you during this sometimes chaotic time of the year.

Forming A New Habit

Instead of dedicating a certain allotted time frame to God, just make it a habit. Daniel had a habit of praying three times a day to God; he would pray on his knees in isolation. His prayer time was his service and thanksgiving before God.

“Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.”  —Daniel 6:10

I don’t know about you; but this isn’t saying Daniel specifically devoted three hours for every prayer; it’s simply saying he did it. Daniel went on his knees three times a day and prayed to God.

A Natural Need For Prayer

Our faith isn’t supposed to be so ritual that we lose the excitement of getting on our knees or singing to the Father; it’s not supposed to be obligation. It’s like what Daniel did; it’s habit. It’s natural, because it’s who we are. As believers, we’re prayer warriors. As believers, we are worshippers.

By doing this, we will be able to walk freely in peace like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego did, because they refused to worship a 90-foot golden statue and were still walking freely and unscathed amidst the flames because they chose God over this world.

Going It Alone

I know without a doubt that if we simply spent more time alone praying to God, then when our lives feel like we’re walking in a furnace, we simply won’t be overpowered. Instead, we will walk freely, unharmed.

Like Daniel, we should make it a habit to pray. Like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, we should refuse to make anything else an idol in our lives. Go wherever you can to simply be alone with our God. You will never regret a single moment of time spent this way. Your prayers will become unhurried, still and reflective.

“He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”  —Psalm 46:10

Our God already knows what you will ask before you open your lips, but go ahead and lay your requests before Him, give Him thanks and praise Him, and just be still and know that He is God.

You may also be interested in The Simple Prayer Habit That Could Radically Transform Your Life