Prayer is a vital part of our Christian walk, but the busyness of emails, calls, to-do lists, meetings and more, often distract us from living the “pray without ceasing” life that Paul talked about in 1 Thessalonians.

Prayer is a vital part of our Christian walk, but the busyness of emails, calls, to-do lists, meetings and more, often distract us from living the “pray without ceasing” life that Paul talked about in 1 Thessalonians.

Learning to integrate our worship into our work is an important spiritual practice that can help us stay rooted, peaceful, and focused throughout the workday. Setting prayer reminders is a simple and fun way to tune into the still, small voice of God – one that easily gets drowned out amidst the volume of daily life.

Here are some tips on how to set regular prayer reminders throughout your workday:

1. Keep a sticky-note prayer list on your desk so you see it often. Maybe even stick it to your cell phone to remind you to pray before picking your phone up off your desk.
2. Associate daily actions with things on your prayer list. As you walk to the water cooler – who on your prayer list needs the Living Water to fill their parched soul? As you walk past the conference room, who has a meeting today that they’re nervous about and you should pray encouragement for?
3. Don’t forget to make use of technology! Set a recurring reminder on your phone to remind you to pause and pray. Mark time on your calendar or on your task list to prioritize time spent with Jesus in prayer.
4. Before switching from one project or task to another, make it a habit to inhale and exhale deeply as you offer up a brief breath prayer. Recognize God’s presence in your life and ask him for wisdom and guidance as you shift gears during your workday.
5. Remember to let any photos in your office remind you of important people in your life to pray for – a spouse, children, parents, or close friends. Let that glance towards the photo on your bookshelf inspire a prayer of thanksgiving and blessing for those dear to you.
6. Are you able to see the trees and plants outside? Stand by a window and prayerfully work through the elements required for a tree to flourish…

1. SEED – Pray for those who need something new to sprout in their life – a new opportunity, a deeper connection with God, restoration in their family, healing from a sickness, etc.
2. WATER – Think of the water of baptism and pray for those in your life who are new to their faith. Pause to pray for their spiritual maturity.
3. SUN – Pray for joy, hope and radiance to break through to those who are in dark times.
4. TIME – Pray for the fruit of the spirit, patience! Perhaps you need more yourself (if it’s a long workday!) or pray over those you know who are in a season of waiting.
5. GROW – Pray for those you lead and serve that they would continue to grow in their skills, gifts, character and Godliness.

While your specific prayer practices may differ, the most important thing is finding ways to weave prayer into your daily work routine. After all, more prayer is never wasted time!