The Importance of Prayer

Disclaimer: I am not a mental healthcare professional, and the content within this article should not be interpreted as medical advice (not even a single statement). This article is simply a description of why I feel as though prayer and meditation are important. Please consult with your healthcare provider regarding any healthcare needs.

Regardless of your spiritual beliefs, you may find that alone time spent in prayer and meditation has many benefits. You also may find yourself strengthened when you pray and/or worship with a team. As for me, regardless of whether my prayer and worship time is spent solo or not, I always feel rejuvenated afterwards.

What I Do (My Routine)

Regarding my daily routine, this is what I do. When I wake up each morning, I first thank the Lord for allowing me to see another day. I then proceed downstairs to my kitchen and make my coffee. With my coffee mug in my hand, I make my way to a quiet area and I begin to pray, as well as read my Bible.

In the past, I have completed prayer and reading plans developed by others. However, I also have followed my own prayer and reading plans, and I have been immensely blessed by both. You may have opted to complete a plan developed by another person or organization, or you may have chosen to develop your own plan. With either option, my hope is that you benefited from it.

Why I Pray/Meditate/Worship

I pray, meditate, and worship for several reasons, but the most important reason is that I love the Lord. However, I have consistently discovered that these activities have helped me in the following ways:

Encouragement

Say that I have had a very busy day or have faced more challenges than I usually encounter on any given day. For me, beginning my morning with the constructive activity of reading and praying gives me the encouragement I need to tackle my daily activities. Also, at times I have written my favorite scriptures in a notebook or on a small piece of paper, and I placed that note in various places (e.g., work desk, my dining table, my nightstand, et cetera). These scriptures served as excellent reminders that God is with me and that there is nothing He cannot handle.

Spiritual and Mental Strength

At times, life can involve various battles (metaphorically speaking), and I feel as though spiritual and mental strength are both needed to overcome barriers. For me, prayer provides me with just that – spiritual and mental strength. I also heard someone once say that it is important to have your prayers “built up” just in case a crisis arises. My opinion is that when you have dedicated time to prayer and meditation, and on a daily basis, you have already obtained the spiritual strength necessary to face that crisis and to come out victorious. Please note I also believe that support and assistance in other forms may be appropriate.

Refreshment

In addition to encouragement and spiritual and mental strength, my opinion is that prayer and meditation also provide spiritual refreshment. I don’t know about you, but I feel as though I can accomplish more when I am spiritually (and mentally) refreshed. My performance and productivity increase substantially, not only in the office/workplace environment, but outside of that environment as well.

Guidance Regarding Decision-Making

Decisions. Decisions. Decisions. Life is full of decisions and choices that we must make. When I pray and read my Bible, I feel as though this is positioning me to make sound, Godly decisions – whether it is regarding whom I connect with, what job opportunities I pursue, where I travel, et cetera. You, the reader, likely have had to make some big decisions in your life, and you may have discovered that as you carved out time for prayer, reading, meditation, and worship, you were able to make sound decisions confidently.

In summary, I feel as though prayer time is vital. It strengthens you. It prepares you. It encourages you, and it comforts you. Furthermore, my belief is that when you pray and give God His time, you will be blessed and rewarded for doing so.

1 Thessalonians 5:17: “Pray without ceasing.”

Temeka Borden, Pharm.D., M.A., B.S., RPh

Feel free to read my bio and company description: About — Positivity Inspires.

Disclaimer: I am not a mental healthcare professional, and the content within this article should not be interpreted as medical advice (not even a single statement). This article is simply a description of what has worked and/or what works for me when striving to maintain a work/life balance. Please consult with your healthcare provider regarding any healthcare needs.

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