My sister recently received a gift from one of her students. It was a little green cloth bracelet that said, "Always Say A Prayer-ASAP-Always Say A Prayer." When you clasp it closed, it makes a cross. What a precious gift and a precious reminder to always be in prayer.
As I reflected on the acronym ASAP regarding "As Soon As Possible," I quickly substituted that for "Always Say A Prayer." When I did, 1 Thessalonians 5:17 came to mind: "Pray without ceasing."
When things arise, we should "always say a prayer" ASAP. (As soon as possible.) Confused yet? You shouldn't be, these two ASAP'S fit quite well together.
When we open our eyes for the first time in the morning, do we thank God for a new day?
"This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24
As soon as our feet touch the floor, do we pray for direction?
"A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps." Proverbs 16:9
As we brush our teeth, do we pray for God to help us to, "be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:" 1 Peter 3:15b
And to "speak the truth in love?" (Ephesians 4:15)
As we dress for the day, do we pray to be strong in the Lord by putting on the armor of God?
Ephesians 6:10-18
As we go about our day, are we praying and praising God for all things?
"By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name." Hebrews 13:15
And at the end our day do we thank God for His help, and protection?
Psalm 121-
vs 1-I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
vs 2-My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
vs 3-He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
vs 4-Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
vs 5-The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.
vs 6-The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
vs 7- The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
vs 8- The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.
As soon as possible...
Always say a prayer...
I love that!
But that's just me!
"Careful for nothing, prayerful for everything, thankful for anything." Dwight L. Moody