In the task of waiting, as the Lord has been reminding me recently, there is the urgency of prayer. As you are waiting… pray.

Prayer is not just a matter of having big blocks of time to “be in prayer.” It is also to pray without ceasing. To learn to breathe prayer throughout the day is a huge exercise in the presence of God.

Keep at prayer.

We are in a time that should demand this of us. We need to pray without ceasing for the world around us. We need to constantly lift up requests as they come to mind. Just quick breaths. It’s okay!

I have a post it note with one name on it that is on my laptop. I see it, I breathe a prayer, which extends to the family. Then, I may begin to think of other people connected. I breathe their names. It doesn’t have to be long, but it IS constant.

I need reminders around me that say things like: “Immigrants” and “racism” and “margins”. With each one come a specific “breath prayer” I can lift up quickly to the Lord and then keep moving.

The key is staying at it. It is to pray and not give up.

Bother God.

Do not let up. Prayers that lift up… prayers that tear down. Prayers to bless. Prayers to cause downfall. (Honestly, if that bothers you, read the Psalms. There’s a lot I’m leaving out.)

There is a phrase in Romans 12:12 that serves as my constant reminder right now:

Be faithful in prayer.

This is the task. There is where I am called.