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Praying ‘Round the Clock

September 9, 2013 By Jean Wise

 

praying'round the clock
Is clock watching a curse or a blessing?
I used to think mostly negative things about my relationship with Father Time. I quit wearing watches years ago.
Time became the enemy. Time took the form of a stubborn toddler having tantrums. When I wanted time to move quickly, it dragged its feet in defiance, become spineless and lay unmoving right before my eyes.
Then I woke up one morning, another decade older, looking at winkles and brown spots on the face in the mirror. Moments dissolved and vanished. Children once babies and giggling in my arms, now mother kids of their own and manage mortgages and careers.
I researched and read every book ever written on time management. My expertise led me to even gave presentations full of tips about time. But it was a losing battle.
The hours mounted a mutiny with my common sense, minutes evaporated and seconds flashed by quicker each year.
My war with time focuses most often on what I think I can get done within a certain time period and the reality of how much time projects actually require. My to-do list brims with hopes, dreams, commitments, family wants and needs, my wants and needs and an occasional nap.
Yep, whenever I glanced at the moving hands of a clock, I cringed with despair and defeat.
I wonder if God laughed when I threw my hands up in surrender. To my ego’s amazement and my lack of human humbleness, I admitted I was not in control of time.
In moments of relinquishment, 
God’s grace appears.
A good friend of mine’s life currently reminds me of Job. Every time she turns around another family crisis descends upon her. She is the ultimate caregiver – elderly parents, recuperating husband, financial stressors, and a son’s debilitating illness. Even her faithful doggy companion faced sickness.
Life is not fair.
Another sister in Christ suggested four of us take a part of every hour and lift our friend and her family up in prayer. We were flexible with our plan, as we knew we wouldn’t remember every hour, but would attempt to pray as often as we could.
0:45 is my time assignment. A quarter before every hour, I pray. I don’t always remember, but am pleasantly surprised how looking at a clock now triggers a time with God.
Sometimes it is closer to the top of the hour; sometimes a few minutes before; occasionally it is just as it happens.
But I pray. I pray for her and her family. I pray for others. I pray for peace. I pray for whoever is right before my eyes. I pray in the middle of the night. I pray while I scrub pans. I pray as I drive. And I pray with now as I write this blog post.
I’m not sure who made the first move but I’ve quit fighting time. I am not defeated though. It is as if the clock lowered its defenses and unfolded some new secret to me. “Come walk with me and learn from me,” I heard time whisper.
The clock is no longer an enemy, but a friend who reminds me to think of others, not myself. Its numbers prompt me to pray. Time walks beside me, no longer scolding but gently encouraging me to pray around the clock.
Prayer transformed my relationship with time. The clock ticks with blessings now.
Thank you, Lord!
How has prayer changed you?
What lessons has time taught you?

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Filed Under: spiritual lessons, spiritual practices

Comments

  1. blankJean Wise says

    September 23, 2013 at 1:18 am

    Thanks for stopping by and commenting! Blessings on your week

  2. blankellie petrov says

    September 22, 2013 at 4:19 pm

    I love how you changed checking the time into a positive ritual for you! Thanks so much for sharing this with us! XO

  3. blankJean Wise says

    September 18, 2013 at 11:47 pm

    Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I like to blame time too instead of befriending it. I am beginning to think it has lots of lessons to share with me if I wouldn’t fight it so. you are so well right about time being well spent. Good thoughts

  4. blankJean Wise says

    September 18, 2013 at 11:46 pm

    I am so glad you stopped by and left a comment. I am always like you trying to beat time but now may try a new approach by befriending it. food for thought anyway.

  5. blankJean Wise says

    September 18, 2013 at 11:44 pm

    Hi Karen, thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment on the post. I like your insight about what we gain when we let go. Paradoxical but true.

  6. blankJean Wise says

    September 18, 2013 at 11:44 pm

    Yes Please ponder this when you are able, Kat. Thanks for stopping by and be willing to read my post.

  7. blankJean Wise says

    September 18, 2013 at 11:42 pm

    Prayer is so powerful, isn’t it? I try to turn over my agenda but someone take it back too LOL Yes I think I can do it all too. Wonder if I am trying to be God when I try to control time. ha. now that is a lesson too. Thanks for stopping by and adding to the conversation.

  8. blankJean Wise says

    September 18, 2013 at 11:40 pm

    I do think time speeds up as we age but wow so nice to know/befriend it too. Thanks for stopping by

  9. blankMom Is A Basket Case says

    September 18, 2013 at 9:32 pm

    Time can certainly be the enemy and the older one gets, the faster it seems to pass. This is when it becomes most important to manage your time and take time for yourself, to recharge, to meditate or pray, to enjoy life, to stop and smell the roses-so to speak lol. It is a vital reminder to live in the moment.

  10. blankFisher and Jobi says

    September 18, 2013 at 1:37 pm

    My most current lesson on time is that I have to realize I am much slower as an older person than I was when a younger person. I blamed time. We all have the same amount of it. I am seriously working at giving myself a break, resolving the issue of life satisfaction and joy in what I am doing (that’s a big YES in both cases), and letting go of the war on time I have put myself through. Oh, and I forgot – that takes time, too, but time well spent.

  11. blankJennie Bryant says

    September 18, 2013 at 1:00 pm

    Thank you for this blog post. I feel like every day is defined by my
    battle with time, and I’m so tired of it. I thought I was beating today
    by getting up at 3:30, but here it is 9 and I am already behind. I do
    desire to be more disciplined in prayer; perhaps I can use your
    experience to help me work out something that will help me similarly. Thank you.

  12. blankKaren Curtis says

    September 18, 2013 at 4:03 am

    This is wonderful. Isn’t it funny how much we gain when we let go? God just works on us all of the time. I am standing in agreement with you on behalf of your friend.

  13. blankkat says

    September 18, 2013 at 2:42 am

    I stopped praying a long time ago. And I am not even sure why, Definately need to ponder this some more

  14. blankDevoted SONriser says

    September 17, 2013 at 7:46 pm

    Oh, prayer has definitely changed me! Not only in my own battle with time management (and realizing that I can’t “do it all” with the small amount of time I have), but prayer has also just changed my heart and attitude in so many other ways. It makes me love and forgive more and have more patience.

  15. blankTatiana says

    September 17, 2013 at 6:38 pm

    I never used to value time as much as I do now that I have a baby. Time seems to be flying by now. His first year flew by, and I find it hard to believe. Thanks you for this post. I do need to start praying more.

  16. blankJean Wise says

    September 17, 2013 at 1:38 pm

    Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. This blog hop has been fun to find new blogs!

  17. blankJean Wise says

    September 17, 2013 at 1:36 pm

    So glad you stopped by April and it is wonderful to read you are listening to God for how you use your time. I get so wrapped up in my agenda I tend to tell Him what and when instead of listening first. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

  18. blankJean Wise says

    September 17, 2013 at 1:34 pm

    Thanks for visiting Natasha. Great name you have – it also my daughter’s middle name. I certainly know what you mean about the not enough time syndrome. A deep breath, lots of prayer and quit playing on the internet usually helps me. Have a great week!

  19. blankKidsRunningWild says

    September 17, 2013 at 1:41 am

    I love this post! Thank you for the reminder to be mindful in my prayer life.

  20. blankApril @ A Simple Life Too says

    September 16, 2013 at 11:39 pm

    I can see your writing experience come through in your post.

    I have been seeing lately that when I don’t “have enough time” it is because I am wanting something that probably isn’t bet for me to have. Not something specific, mind you, but whatever that day I WANT and God says, no this is what you need. I try to fight for the time to get to that want. So, I (most of the time, I am a bit stubborn and thick headed) give up what I want and time flows nicely again.

    Blessings!

  21. blankNatasha Papousek says

    September 16, 2013 at 10:41 pm

    I love how you shifted your relationship with time — what a beautiful story! I sometimes get caught up in the “Not enough time” syndrome and have to take a deep breath and remember that I have enough time for everything that is important… and to put first things first. Thanks for the reminder!

  22. blankJean Wise says

    September 16, 2013 at 10:00 pm

    Hi Tiffany, I like how you described time as funky. Great description as it plays mind games with our hearts. Thanks for stopping by today and leaving a comment

  23. blankJean Wise says

    September 16, 2013 at 9:59 pm

    I know when I see one of my babies raising her babies it always stuns me too. They do grow up quickly . I love how prayer saturates your day. Great example of how to use time. Thanks for commenting today.

  24. blankJean Wise says

    September 16, 2013 at 9:57 pm

    I like how you said time heals and takes away pain. That is so true. Thanks for commenting and adding to the conversation.

  25. blankTiffany Hathorn says

    September 16, 2013 at 3:51 pm

    Time is funky. It flies when you are having fun and when you have deadlines to meet. It slows down when you have something else you would love to be doing and sometimes moves in slow motion when something bad is happening.

  26. blankThe Jenny Evolution says

    September 16, 2013 at 2:12 pm

    I stopped wearing a watch years ago and now rely just on my iPhone. Now when I look for the time it is purposeful rather than always being reminded.

    Jennifer @ The Jenny Evolution
    http://www.thejennyevolution.com

  27. blankAimee L Freeman says

    September 16, 2013 at 1:23 pm

    My oldest daughter started 2nd grade this year. It’s an exciting time – as
    each new school year is. At the end of the first day she came out with a huge
    folder full of forms for me to fill out. I have often thought I’d be rich if I
    could just get a dime for every form I have filled out as a mom 🙂

    One of the forms was partially filled out. There was my daughter’s
    name and under grade it had 2nd printed. I don’t know what this stopped me in
    my tracks. But seeing 2nd grade on paper seemed so very grown up. In fact I
    have been wanting to write a post about it. I just kept wondering how we had
    gotten here. My baby was a 2nd grader. 7 years old – how could that be?

    As a mother of 3, there are many days I just want to crawl under the covers
    and not come out. My life often resembles a zoo. But I know…and I remind
    myself often that I will miss these moments. That one day the house will be
    just too quiet. That times goes by just too fast.

    Prayer I have learned can come at any time. I use to force myself each night
    to pray before bed. But most nights I was so exhausted that I could barely keep
    my eyes open. And prayer became a chore. I have learned that there is no set
    time for prayer. I can pray at any time during the day. I pray on the car ride
    to work. I pray during the quiet moments of the day. It gives me time to enjoy
    my conversations with God more – to take my time instead of rushing through
    prayer so that sleep can finally come. Pray anytime. Pray often.

  28. blankASwirlGirl says

    September 16, 2013 at 3:18 am

    I’ve found time to be a friend in that it lives up to the saying “Time heals all wounds.” I’ve experienced heartache and heartbreak with first one thing an another, yet the grace of God and the sweet balm of time has taken away the hurt. Time has also been a friend to me in that I’ve set goals within specific timeframes and have been blessed to reach them.

  29. blankJean Wise says

    September 16, 2013 at 2:07 am

    I know just what you mean about a love hate relationship with time. me too. But this praying round the clock has been such a blessing for me; I just had to share with others. May you have a wonderful week ahead!

  30. blankJean Wise says

    September 16, 2013 at 2:06 am

    I certainly agree with you Stac about prayer keeping us grounded. I know my morning devotions start the day off on the right foot and when I miss them – look out!

  31. blankJean Wise says

    September 16, 2013 at 2:06 am

    I think it is a life long process to learn to manage time. Whenever I think I got it, i learn something new. a never ending target I guess. I love how you are savoring the present. A great practice!

  32. blankJean Wise says

    September 16, 2013 at 2:05 am

    Thanks for your kind words and for visiting my blog. May you have a wonderful week!

  33. blankJean Wise says

    September 16, 2013 at 2:03 am

    Yes this is a practical way to remember to pray for others and I know it has enriched and blessed me more than I ever expected. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

  34. blankJean Wise says

    September 16, 2013 at 2:02 am

    I have struggled with time for so long, it amazes me that know I have befriended the clock in this way. Prayer always heals in some way – this one certainly surprised me.

  35. blankJean Wise says

    September 16, 2013 at 2:01 am

    Thanks for the nice comments. I know praying by the clock has been such a blessing for me – I just had to share it with others.

  36. blankJean Wise says

    September 16, 2013 at 2:00 am

    Hi Jennifer. Thanks for stopping by. I know this praying by the clock has really helped me to remember to pray, hope it helps you too

  37. blankJean Wise says

    September 16, 2013 at 1:58 am

    Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. This has been amazing insight for me – to befriend time. What a blessing it has been. A surprising one too.

  38. blankcharchar says

    September 15, 2013 at 10:52 pm

    I have this love and hate relationship with time. There are times that when the moments are happy I don’t want to move time. I just want to stop it there. When bad times happen I just want to end it, get away from it. I guess, life is really like that. But no matter what God has a plan for all of us.

  39. blankStac says

    September 15, 2013 at 8:33 pm

    Prayer keeps me grounded. No matter how long or how much i get in, it’s a must do.

  40. blankFelicia's Red Door Life says

    September 15, 2013 at 12:45 am

    I love the idea of praying every hour for your friend. I struggle with praying more and this gives me the perfect idea to do it. Thanks for the inspiration.

  41. blanktessii1 says

    September 15, 2013 at 12:36 am

    I have major issues wih time. Ive learned to not fight it as well.

  42. blankNickida Stephens says

    September 14, 2013 at 11:11 pm

    That is a great idea. I would have never thought about doing this but I think I am taking it with me and try to pray more often than just when I lay down to sleep at night.

  43. blankJennifer in PA says

    September 14, 2013 at 9:36 pm

    Great idea. Thanks for sharing that. It might help me pray more for some friends who need it.

  44. blankkristinwilkinson says

    September 13, 2013 at 10:24 pm

    This is really thought-provoking…I, too, have issues with time, coincidentally, much in the same way that you did. It really does drive you to distraction! Also, I like your idea of letting the clock be a reminder to pray. It’s amazing how we let prayer (and time) get away from us — and then pray when we “need” something or when something is wrong. It is a great idea to coordinate prayer with time, say, every time you look at the clock…or every time you hear your clock chime on the half hour (if you have one like that), and so on. Definitely something I need to work on!

  45. blankJean Wise says

    September 13, 2013 at 6:47 pm

    Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment Pam.

  46. blankJean Wise says

    September 13, 2013 at 6:46 pm

    Thanks so much for coming over to my blog and leaving a comment. I love how you pray throughout the day. great idea

  47. blankJean Wise says

    September 13, 2013 at 6:45 pm

    Hi April, Thanks for commenting on my blog!. I certainly agree with you about the power of prayer. and as I journey I am learning that more and more. Blessings on your weekend!

  48. blankJean Wise says

    September 13, 2013 at 6:44 pm

    Hi Carli, thanks for stopping by my blog. I think I am the opposite. For awhile as an adult time was so difficult but now I am befriending it more and more. I loved what you wrote about being in the middle of learning a lesson right now. I think you are right. So often we dont see the truth, the lesson, how we are being formed until we reflect back on it with hindsight. Blessings

  49. blankJean Wise says

    September 13, 2013 at 6:40 pm

    HI Cricket, thanks for stopping by my blog! Yes I am befriending good ol’ Father Time. Thanks for sending good thoughts to my friend and her family. Each day is a struggle for them. Thank you!

  50. blankJean Wise says

    September 13, 2013 at 6:39 pm

    Thanks for stopping by Brandy.glad to hear you are learning lessons from time also.

  51. blankJean Wise says

    September 13, 2013 at 6:37 pm

    Thanks for stopping by April. Sounds like you recognize my struggle with time too

  52. blankShashi Charles says

    September 13, 2013 at 6:09 pm

    Time walks beside me, no longer scolding but gently encouraging me to pray around the clock

  53. blankShashi Charles says

    September 13, 2013 at 6:09 pm

    Awesome post!
    Love this line “Time walks beside me, no longer scolding but gently encouraging me to pray around the clock”

  54. blankpam says

    September 13, 2013 at 1:15 pm

    A beautiful post. I am happy that you have made peace with Father Time.

  55. blankMomMaven says

    September 13, 2013 at 2:08 am

    Great post. Certain activities I do remind me to pray for specific people. I pray for 1 friend while I wash the dishes, another while I brush my teeth. It may sound odd but it works for me.

  56. blankApril Swiger says

    September 12, 2013 at 8:42 pm

    What a great post, Jean! Prayer has changed everything for me. Scripture tells us to “pray without ceasing,” and I believe you are doing that well. I believe that God has given us beautiful access, to His throne of grace, through Jesus, and we can boldly come to Him with our requests. It’s incredibly freeing to be able to do so, and KNOW that He hears our every prayer. Thanks for sharing your heart on this topic.

  57. blankCarli says

    September 12, 2013 at 7:58 pm

    As I get older, I am having more and more of a hard time with time. It always seems to get away from me and I feel like I never get anything done. Then weeks turn into months and months turn into years and then my children are getting so big and I am getting so much older. I wish I could say I have learned some great lesson but I haven’t. Maybe I am in the middle of learning that lesson right now?

  58. blankCricket Webber says

    September 12, 2013 at 12:28 pm

    This is a beautiful post. Like you, I’ve not had a great relationship with time. But this is a lovely reminder that time doesn’t have to be our enemy. I’m sending lots of good thoughts to your friend and her family, as well…I know how those kinds of situations can be, and they are draining.

  59. blankBrandy Nelson says

    September 12, 2013 at 4:46 am

    Thank for your this spiritual upliftment tonight! Time has taught me to live each moment to its fullest. Not to take a second for granted. Thank you for reminding me to allow time for prayer. No matter how fast the day goes by. I really need to work on this and show God my gratitude for all that he has blessed me with.

  60. blankMrsApril says

    September 12, 2013 at 4:29 am

    I understand the feeling of being drained by the clock, feeling like you’re running out of time. There are always too many plans, too little time… or no plans and too much time. It’s a very uplifting message to think of others instead of yourself!

    – April

  61. blankJean Wise says

    September 12, 2013 at 12:47 am

    Hi Chrysal, thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I don’t always remember to pray but when I look at a clock it becomes a real trigger to remember.

  62. blankJean Wise says

    September 12, 2013 at 12:46 am

    Hi Cindy, thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I did find lots of hope and joy in this practice.

  63. blankJean Wise says

    September 12, 2013 at 12:45 am

    so nice to meet you and thanks for stopping by. IT was a new idea for me too and what a blessing it has become.

  64. blankJean Wise says

    September 12, 2013 at 12:45 am

    sounds like you and the clock have become friends. Thanks for stopping by and blessings!

  65. blankChrystal M. says

    September 11, 2013 at 7:22 pm

    That is a wonderful way to encourage a friend. I admire your dedication.

  66. blankCindy Batchelor says

    September 11, 2013 at 7:09 pm

    Loved reading this story! So encouraging and uplifting! Thank you so much for sharing!

  67. blankStacy @ Flights of Delight says

    September 11, 2013 at 1:34 pm

    What a wonderful way to encourage a friend! I haven’t ever heard of the idea of taking a section of each hour. That’s a great practice for keeping prayer top-of-mind and turn it into a habit. Thanks for sharing!

  68. blankTerra says

    September 11, 2013 at 12:04 pm

    What a wonderful way to turn things around in a positive way! So selfless and proactive. I can also really appreciate feeling chained to the clock, For a while I always felt like I was waiting for the next appointment, deadline, etc. Now I’ve stopped waiting and looking at the clock and try to be in the now.

  69. blankJean Wise says

    September 10, 2013 at 12:43 pm

    Our friend has said it has made so much difference too. At times she felt overwhelmed and then felt a surge of energy and love and she knew one of us was praying. Powerful stuff and this experience has really blessed me too. God is good
    Writing is very very slow. I have some time today to write so hopefully will make a little progress. I am behind where I wanted to be and really need to attune more to it again. Thanks for asking. That keeps me going.

  70. blankJean Wise says

    September 10, 2013 at 12:42 pm

    Praying by the clock watching has been powerful for me, Jennifer. I know it has blessed my friend but I never in my wildest dreams expected to many blessings on my heart too. God is so good.

  71. blanksoulstops says

    September 10, 2013 at 4:24 am

    Jean,
    I love what you and your friends are doing to pray and use time as a way to bless and love another…prayer reminds me that God is ultimately in control not me…how is your writing coming along?

  72. blankJennifer Camp says

    September 10, 2013 at 3:32 am

    Jean, wow. Just wow. I just love this. “Time walks beside me, no longer scolding but gently encouraging me to pray . . .” There is Christ. Thank you.

  73. blankJean Wise says

    September 9, 2013 at 8:16 pm

    Well, Ceil, I am being blessed so much by this process. You are so right, cherish time!

  74. blankJean Wise says

    September 9, 2013 at 8:15 pm

    Thanks Johnnie, I think you were the one who suggested we do this in the first place and look at the blessings that have emerged!

  75. blankCeil says

    September 9, 2013 at 6:40 pm

    Hi Jean! How beautiful are the prayers for your friend. Isn’t it amazing what we can do with the right intention? Your friend is so blessed to have you and your buddies to pray for her.

    I used to think naptime would never come! I read a title somewhere that read ; “Twelve hours until bedtime.” I could completely relate!

    But now my kids are grown with their own children and the cycle continues. Cherish, cherish time. It’s here…it’s gone.
    Happy Monday!
    Ceil

  76. blankJohnnie Alexander Donley says

    September 9, 2013 at 5:37 pm

    Jeanie, I love this post. I’ve never battled time in quite the same way you describe, but I sure do relate to how quickly time has sped by — our babies now grown up with babies of their own. How did that happen??

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