I got into my car. Instead of listening to the radio or a podcast on my way to work, I chose silence.

It felt good.

Today I was moved to pray while I drove. I’d had a decent prayer time with the Lord earlier, but I felt that something was missing. There was a sense of incompletion. Soon I realized that for the first time this morning, I was really connecting with God.

You might know what I mean. God taps you on your spiritual shoulder and you’re drawn to him to pray. This morning, God brought a lot of people to mind who needed prayer. One by one, I slowly and quietly prayed for them.

He could have moved me in a different direction. I might have spent time releasing burdens to him. Or used the drive to praise him. Or let him examine my heart. That’s happened before.

Today, though, it was prayer for others. And it felt good. I was drawn into their situations and needs. From my heart, I gave them to God. Salvation for some, healing for others. Faith for one person. Clear direction for another. One by one, I lifted their needs to the Lord.

I call this “spontaneous prayer.” We all need it. Our relationship with God can’t be put in a box. When the Lord wants to meet with us, we should respond. It’s an invitation for a rich time of fellowship with him.

Perhaps my prayer time had become too ritualistic. I make it a habit to start the day in prayer and Bible study, but I don’t take that attitude of prayer with me throughout the day. Today was different.

Do you need to break away from your prayer rituals and be more spontaneous?

We are reminded to “pray continually.” (I Thessalonians 5:15 NIV). That’s not a suggestion. It’s a loving command. When we do, we’re connecting with God throughout the day. We’re sensitive to his leading and we come face to face with him more often. We converse with God and dive into our relationship with him.

When I arrived at work, I felt like I had inhaled 100% oxygen. My spirit was refreshed. I was more relaxed. I felt like I had responded to God and had intimately communicated with him. Indeed I had.

Let your prayer life flow into our day. Let the Holy Spirit lead you. Then respond. It doesn’t have to be on a half hour drive to work. It could be on the way to pick up the kids or walking to a meeting. It might be at lunch or in line at the store. God is there, waiting for you to talk with him. This is an important ingredient of incredible prayer. 

(Enjoy a rich, intimate relationship with God. Experience my devotional Your Life With God: 30 Days of Incredible Prayer. Available in Kindle and Paperback formats on Amazon).