In March I had sat with Sonya and Lisa, discussing ways to improve our family daily scripture reading.  The lesson for the month was calling to each of us to work on this area.  As we talked together, I felt that despite different families, we had similar challenges and all wanted to do better.  When I left that morning, I felt inspired and uplifted (as always…thanks ladies), that our lil’ family could do better. 

With support from that morning, and a brilliant idea of the designer, our family scripture study has greatly improved in consistency, spirit, and comprehension by the kiddos.  The past few weeks I have felt so much gratitude for the overall improvement, and feel ready to accept Sister Julie Beck’s call in the June Visiting Teaching Message.

Taken from her talk on Standing Strong and Immovable,

Think of our combined strength if every sister had sincere prayer every morning and night or, better yet, prayed unceasingly as the Lord has commanded. If every family had family prayer daily … , we would be stronger.

In Sister Beck’s call to action, two words jump out in particular to me: strength and unceasingly.

1. Strength – As women today with various challenges and goals, we truly need all the strength we can muster.  Strength in Christ, strength in the Spirit, strength from family and friends, strength from our individual faith, and here, we are told to use and share the strength of our sisters in Christ…through prayer. 

I am reminded of Sister McNaughton’s talk at the Mill Road Ward to think happy thoughts for one another when we can’t do everything.  She spoke of the strength and blessings that come just from happy thoughts (or prayers).

2. Unceasingly – I would like to “step-it-up” in this area.   If the kiddos can pray when they are having a tea party (as pictured above), I can sure be trying to be better as well!

While Stacee was giving me this month’s message this week, the thought came to me to pray in the car.  I used to pray while driving when single, but when I became a mother, I had so many distractions, that the thought of doing anything but unceasingly paying attention to the kiddos, seemed impossible. 

But as the Spirit whispered to me, I knew that the time has returned.  Lately, as we drive, the kiddos are happily singing to the music (usually, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” or “Little Red Caboose”), and I am happy to have a peaceful moment.  This is just the time for me to be working on unceasing pondering and prayer.

This week I’m going to try and pray 5 times each day (besides, meal times and family prayer).  It may only last a moment or two, but it will help me get closer to the Lord’s unceasing commandment.

This is where I need your help.  I’d like to make a list of ways we as sisters can be accepting Sister Beck’s call to pray unceasingly.

My list so far…

• in the car
• in the shower
• while doing laundry
• washing the dishes
• after a kiddo tiff
• when nursing the explorer

What else needs to be on my list? Where are your favorite places to pray, or when do you find a moment? 

Will you join me in accepting Sister Beck’s call to pray unceasingly?  Think of all the strength and good we would accomplish!  Make a goal, and let me know how it goes!  Sending happy thoughts to each of you!