Most of us learned to pray in segmented blocks of time: morning quiet times, meal time, and bedtime prayers. Others have regular rhythms of prayer at various times of the day: morning office, noon prayer, vespers, or compline. All of these are valuable to our spirits and are important practices, yet they still leave gaps in our awareness of the presence of God.

Is it possible to narrow the gaps of “unawareness” of God’s presence so that every moment from mundane daily activity to intentional times of prayer—and everything in between—we can make space for God in our hearts? Here are some ways to practice such wakefulness:

• Set the alarm on your watch or cellphone at regular intervals. Begin with once per hour and work your way to once every 15 minutes. When the alarm goes off, take a few seconds to focus on being aware of God’s presence—the God who lives within you. Don’t ask Him for anything. Simply be aware that He is your companion in this moment. With this discipline you will soon find your thoughts turning toward God even without the alarm.
• Fast for a meal or longer, asking God to make you aware of His presence and draw you closer to Him with every hunger pang.
• Find Scriptures that place you in the presence of God, Scriptures such as Psalm 16:11: “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Meditate on these passages throughout the day, memorizing them and allowing God to manifest Himself in their practical application to your life.

KIM BUTTS is cofounder of Harvest Prayer Ministries.