Do you live a busy life, and feel like you want to nourish your soul – but just don’t know when or how?

I have been feeling busier than ever lately.  So busy, I wonder what commitments, if any, I need to let go of and what need more of my time and energy.

I believe the answer lies with God . . . but I am going to have to spend some time with Him if I expect to hear and feel the direction in which He is calling me!

So . . .here are some ways I am spending more time in prayer – despite my incredibly busy life.

Take Nike’s Advice and Just Do It.

Seriously, right now.  Talking and listening to God is far more important than reading this article.  Stare out the window, put your phone down, do whatever it is in this moment to stop and lift your heart to heaven.  You may only have 30 seconds right now – or you may have five minutes.  Wherever you are and whatever you are doing -stop.  Breathe.  Say hi to the Lord. Pray.  This article will still be here later. Don’t know what to say?  Just breathe in and out and say His Holy Name – Jesus, over and over.  Then, take a moment to listen to the quiet.

Commit to an hour of Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration

This was something I had done “religiously” before I was married and after I was married but before I became a mother.  Once our son came home from the hospital, I felt that something had to give – so I gave up Thursday nights at 8 – the holy hour my husband and I would take turns attending.  This year, I decided to go back to volunteering an hour a week to sit with Jesus in my parish’s adoration chapel.

I discovered that there were some hours that needed coverage during the week – and one of those hours that needed coverage was 9:00 am to 10:00 am on Wednesday.  That is the first hour of the week I have to myself.  I look forward to it.  I have the house all to myself and no one needs me.  If there is one hour a week that I covet the most – it’s that hour. I thought, isn’t it ironic that that this is an hour that needs coverage.  I volunteered to give that hour.  It means more when it’s a sacrifice and I’m looking forward to that hour of prayer.

Create a Circle of “Prayer” Friends

Luckily, I was blessed with a few friends that started saying the Rosary together years ago (Rosary Group and The Origins of Prayer, Wine and Chocolate).  This is really helpful, because now I’m not the only one suggesting we get together to pray.  Last week one of my “Rosary girls” texted me and suggested we pray this week.  We’ll have our kids with us, it’ll be crazy and hectic – but it will be wonderful.

Another way to make it social is to get your spouse involved.  I know my husband and I need to do this more . . .

If you plan to go for a run, and you plan to go with someone – you are less likely to bail out.  Someone is depending on you and expecting you.  The same can work with prayer. Sometimes you are there because you feel you need it – other times you are there because you know someone you care really needs it. The buddy system is a great way to increase prayer time.

Replace Music with Silence or Prayer

Do you run or workout on an elliptical?  Ditch the ipod and say a rosary (or any prayer) while you work out. (Ginny from Not so Formulaic shares how she does this in her workouts in her post: about an “ultimate Rosary workout”.  Check it out!

Interested in learning more?  Check out this resource: The Rosary Workout on Amazon

Do you often clean listening to the radio?  Turn off the radio and recite an Our Father . . . then tell God what you are thankful for.

Do you drive to work?  Replace the book you are listening to with a devotional CD or Christian music.

Need a suggestion?  This devotional, for some reason, appeals to both my and my four year old son.  He requests “the lady” over the music when we are driving! Teresa Tomeo’s Walk Softly and Carry a Great Bag