Worshiping God in a Minivan and Other Unusual Places

In this wonderfully full season of parenting, I find that my worshipful thoughts toward the Lord sometimes take a backseat to more pressing concerns -- such as which daughter’s turn it is to eat her cereal out of the Strawberry Shortcake bowl...

This is a challenge which seems to continue throughout every stage of life, but here are some ideas I've found to be helpful in my own pursuit of thoughtful moments to worship God.

Use driving time.  Because most of my driving time has something to do with serving my family, it's a great reminder to also pray for them -- or even with them -- while we're on the road. With my eyes OPEN, of course! I find that storing prayer cards for my husband and each of our girls in the sun visor provides some quick prompts to help me get started.

Multitask. If I can cook dinner while helping one of my daughters practice spelling words, then certainly I can listen to a podcast of one of my favorite Bible teachers while going for an evening walk. Or pray for God to clean my heart while I'm already on my knees cleaning up a spill. Or turn up the praise music and worship while I fold laundry.

Rise and Shine.  Although multitasking is great, ideally I like to wake up early each day to read my Bible and pray.  The house is so quiet then, and having the automatic brew cycle set the night before allows me to wake up to the smell and the warmth of coffee. For me, the key to getting up earlier is going to bed earlier. It starts there -- the night before. Nothing else compares to prioritizing and enjoying these regular times of focused time with Him!

Memorize and Meditate.  Even in the busiest times, I can still use my wait times to work on memorizing Scripture. A Scripture memory card can easily be laminated at our public library or copy center allowing me to carry it from kitchen counter to bathroom sink to after school pick-up line without concern for its well-being. Memorization is more than simply recalling words; it is a great way to meditate on God’s Word!

In the Moment Prayers.  I have come to realize that God doesn’t care where I am or how noisy it is when I call out to Him.  I can ask Him for wisdom and patience while in my favorite overstuffed chair in the early moments of the morning or while pushing a two-seater truck cart down aisle 12 at Target.  He is always present – always desiring to help and guide me.

Come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. Psalm 95:6

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What practical ways have YOU found to worship God in the midst of a full life and calendar? Share them by commenting below!