Intentional Prayer in a Busy Summer
Summer Activity Overload Can Crowd Out Devotion
With spring behind us and summer in full swing, things feel busier than ever. Not just with appointments, but with social plans too. The longer days and warm evenings have invited more of everything into my life.
From sports to hikes and church events to backyard barbecues, it’s easy to find that the calendar fills up faster than expected. That’s all wonderful, of course. But I’ve learned that when the social invitation pile grows, our devotional life often shrinks.
The Danger of “Popcorn Prayer”
C. S. Lewis wrote in The Screwtape Letters that
“The best thing, where it is possible, is to keep the patient from the serious intention of praying altogether.”
That hits me hard. When the enemy can’t stop us from praying, he invites us into fleeting, off‑the‑cuff “popcorn prayers.” Action-packed but lacking depth.
Choosing Serious Intention with Your Prayer Time
But I believe it doesn’t have to be impossible. Even now (before summer is over), I can make prayer with serious intention a priority.
As the days are long, planning a specific time for God becomes more crucial, not less. I set reminders, mark devotional times in my calendar, and guard them like precious appointments.
Tip: Schedule to Stay Rooted
- Set consistent reminders on your phone or planner.
- Treat devotional time as non-negotiable.
- Commit to “intentional prayer in summer,” even if it’s only ten minutes to start.
When I do, I find that God’s presence fills me far more than any activity ever could.
Embedding Scripture (ESV)
- “Pray without ceasing” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV (Read on Bible.com)
- “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” – Matthew 6:33 ESV (Read on Bible.com)
Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts
- Do you find warmer weather brings busier schedules?
- How do you stay focused on the Lord during such a busy season?
- How do you cultivate serious intention in your prayer and devotional life?
