My daughter’s feet clomped heavily against the wooden floor. She dutifully stood nearby without saying a word. As I silently congratulated myself on the effectiveness of my “Mom’s rules for uninterrupted prayer time with God,” I heard the distinctive snip of a scissors applied to my daughter’s long hair.
“Grace, put down the scissors! The timer hasn’t gone off yet; Mom will be out soon.” Grace got my attention, but I did not leave my prayer time. Our children are excellent rule testers—and our challenge is to persevere in guarding our time with the Lord.
Strategic Mom Rules
If you want to establish a consistent prayer time in the midst of the hectic responsibilities as a mom, you need to set some rules with your children. My children know, “when Mom is in her prayer position and the timer hasn’t gone off yet, please don’t talk to her.” That’s our basic Mom Rule.
I also use four consistent strategies with my prayer sessions: time parameters, specific location, physical position, and use of tools.
I set a consistent, non-frantic time that works for my family. Before my children rise or after they go to bed are great moments to reduce any cute and needy distractions. I choose a location outside of busy life. In this space I keep handy a journal, pens, and my Bible. You may want to use something to block out distractions, such as a fan, music, or a white-noise machine.
What is your prayer posture? Mine is a “full surrender” position, kneeling with my head to the floor. When my children see this posture, it reminds them to stop. If they stumble upon me when I am praying this way, there is no question that interruption is not an option.
The most useful tool I have found is a timer. I had to ignore interruptions for a period of time before my children figured out the need for compliance. But now they know they cannot intrude until they hear the timer go off.
The timer strategy created two surprise benefits. First, it changed the way I view time. I now compare other ways I spend my time to the length of time I give God. And I see time wasters as encroachers on my prayer life. Second, the timer helps me stay focused and unworried that I might go overtime and neglect other responsibilities.
Our vivacious children deserve a gentle, patient mother filled with God’s wisdom. We need uninterrupted time with God to best fulfill our wonderful calling of motherhood.
HEATHER ROBERTS is from Somonauk, IL. She is an ordained minister, a leader on the children’s ministry team in her church, and the mother of four energetic children.
