If you’ve been a Christian for any length of time you are probably familiar with the concept of prayer. It’s one of those things that sounds super simple (it is) but at times feels super complex.

The complexity comes from people we’ve seen who are first good at public speaking. Then, they pray in front of the group and it’s deep and moving and stirs us up to want more of God.

We mistakenly think those prayers are the only ones God wants to hear. If I can’t pray like, then it might not be worth doing at all. However, God is not concerned with the eloquence we bring. God does not care if you “do words good.” God just loves you and wants to hear about your day. God wants to hear about what’s on your heart.

In Philippians 4:6b-7 we’re told, “6 …in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

In EVERYTHING let your requests be made known by God. This is great and reassuring, though it always brings up the question of how. “I’m so busy how am I going add something else to my already packed calendar?” This is where our friend Brother Lawrence comes in to change our view on busyness.

Brother Lawrence worked at a monastery for a decade as a cook and a cobbler, wondering why he still felt a sense of spiritual darkness. Until it all changed when he decided to make a resolute effort to see God in all he did.

There are certain tasks in his day and in ours that take a little elbow grease but no mental effort. In doing those tasks, what if you switched your mind to the things of God. Brother Lawrence called this practicing the presence. You can pray literally any time you want to.

Instead of filling your ears with background noise, take a moment to thank God for the good things you have, ask for help on the things that worry you, or anything in between. God just wants to know your heart.