Did you brush your teeth?
Yes ma’am.
Are you sure?
Feel my toothbrush.
This was my kids’ favorite argument at bedtime. Well, at least it was a close second to “just one more story!”
It took some training and persistence to teach my children to be responsible for brushing their own teeth, and perseverance to see them doing it correctly. Sticker charts and timers made it interesting while they were small and their lack of cavities at the dentist eventually convinced me they were doing a good job.
Once something becomes a habit, we begin to operate on autopilot. I don’t have to think about my bedtime routine. I go through the motions while thinking of a million other things. So what if I repurposed that brain time? What if I trained my mind to focus on something worthwhile, something with eternal significance, while I completed this daily routine? What if I prayed while I brushed?
I could start by simply thanking God for teeth to care for, for my dentist, and the care he brings to my community. I could add thanks for things I enjoy munching while remembering to ask a blessing on my food and the family and friends I’m blessed to share it with each day. As I rinse, I always lovingly remember a dear saint who once shared how she begins each day with a drink of water, thanking God for sending Jesus, the Living Water. (John 4:10) But that’s only the beginning!
I go about so many tasks each day mindlessly. My brain shifts into neutral and while it may be restful for a moment, the next moment may tax me beyond what I can stand. I think it would be a better investment of my time if I were to purposefully address my Father in heaven. Snatches of conversation sprinkled throughout my day could be redeemed like prize coupons at Chuck E Cheese! Unlike those “one day prizes,” as they were referred to in our house, these moments of prayer would yield results that last for all time and eternity.
“At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.”
John 16:23-24 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.16.23-24.NLT
“You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.”
John 15:16 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.15.16.NLT
““I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!”
John 14:12-14 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.14.13.NLT
Abundant joy, lasting fruit, and glory to the Father through the Son- all readily available when we pray in Jesus’s name. In addition, wisdom and discernment can be ours, along with salvation, rest, peace with God and my neighbor. Many are the precious promises of God, who’s always listening.
“The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”
2 Chronicles 16:9 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/2ch.16.9.NLT
Dear Heavenly Father,
In those moments when I would normally allow my thoughts to falter, remind me that You are with me, waiting for me to acknowledge You. Rather than contemplating how I might affect change in a certain situation, I will petition You. Instead of feeling pleased with myself, may I heap the praise and honor on You. If I’m feeling like venting emotions, remind me they do not fall on deaf ears. When I feel helpless, may I remember that You are my Helper. I surrender these idle moments to You, Lord. May this become so much of a habit until each day is filled with seamless conversation with You! In Jesus’s name, Amen.
A Fitting Reply 