What Happens When You Actually Stop and Pray
Living a balanced life isn't about perfection; it’s about connection.
I am so excited to move on to the next part of our B.A.L.A.N.C.E.D. Living series! We are starting Part 1 of the letter C, which stands for Control for Moderation on the physical side, and Commune with God on the spiritual side.
Here is the simple truth: communing with God is necessary for us to have true moderation in our lives. We can't have one without the other!
I want to start out with the physical side of things: C = Control for Moderation. The question I want to pose to all of us today is this:
In what areas of my life do I need more self-control?
As we ponder this question, the best place to start is always God’s Word. Let’s begin with Galatians 5:22–24 (KJV):
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.”
When I read this passage, it acts just like a mirror—it shows me the areas in my life that need cleaning up. But here is what I’ve learned: I cannot clean myself up. The only way I can truly experience change is by allowing Jesus into my heart to do the cleaning.
This leads right into another verse that brings me so much comfort and strength when I realize my own deep need. 1 Peter 1:5–6 (KJV) says it so perfectly:
“Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:”
What a blessing to know that it is by God’s power that we gain control over our lives! It isn't our own willpower; it is Him living in us that produces the fruit of the Spirit. Self-control is not something we manufacture in our own strength—it is a gift He gives, and we simply have to receive it.
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” — 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)
This brings us right into the spiritual side of B.A.L.A.N.C.E.D. Living: C = Commune with God.
The question here is: How can I deepen my personal prayer life?
To have the physical control and moderation we need, we must deepen our personal spiritual connection with God. Look at how the disciples approached Jesus in Luke 11:1–4 (KJV):
“And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.”
We need to start every day by asking God to forgive us and to guard our hearts against the temptations we face. We want to ensure that nothing stands between our Heavenly Father and us so that there is a clear, open channel of communion.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV) gives us a short command that says so much:
“Pray without ceasing.”
It sounds so simple, yet at times it feels so difficult! You might ask, "How can I pray without ceasing when I have to work, sleep, and take care of daily responsibilities?"
I think of it as an attitude of prayer. No matter what is happening around us, our first and foremost thought should be to turn to God—just as a flower turns toward the sun. Prayer becomes our automatic response whenever we need self-control, whenever a trial comes our way, or whenever our hearts overflow with thanksgiving for how He sees us through each moment.
Jesus also gives us beautiful, intimate instructions in Matthew 6:6 (KJV):
“But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.”
We need intentional time alone with God, away from the endless noise and distractions of the day. It is a quiet place where we can lay our hearts completely open before Him. In those quiet moments, our deepest connection with Him is formed.
I love this verse,
“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” — James 4:8 (KJV)
As we draw closer to Him, He will draw closer to us.
When we spend dedicated time communing with God in secret, His Spirit naturally strengthens us to walk in moderation and self-control throughout the day. We cannot master physical self-control through human effort; it is the fruit of an abiding prayer life. True balance happens when our quiet fellowship with the Father produces visible, holy restraint in our daily walks.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for reminding me today that I don't have to carry the burden of changing myself in my own strength. Lord, I yield the areas of my life where I lack self-control into Your hands. Cleanse my heart, forgive my sins, and teach me how to pray with a single-minded devotion. Help me seek You first in the quiet moments and maintain an attitude of prayer throughout my day. Let Your Holy Spirit produce the fruit of temperance in me so that my life reflects Your love and grace.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
5 Action Steps
Identify Your Triggers (Examine Your Heart): Take an honest inventory of the physical areas where you struggle most with moderation (e.g., eating habits, screen time, speech, or spending). Bringing these specific areas to God in prayer is the first step toward freedom.
Establish a Daily "Closet" Time: Set aside a specific, uninterrupted time and quiet place each day to shut out distractions and talk with God. Consistency in secret prayer builds spiritual strength for public life.
Practice the "Sunflower Principle" (Instant Prayer): Whenever you feel overwhelmed, tempted, or lacking self-control this week, train yourself to turn immediately to God in your thoughts—just like a sunflower turning to the sun—before reacting.
Memorize a Scripture on Temperance: Pick one Bible verse from this post (such as 2 Timothy 1:7 or Galatians 5:22–23) and write it on a card or set it as your phone background. Reciting God's Word renews your mind when self-control is tested.
Keep a Daily Gratitude Journal: At the end of each evening, write down three moments where God helped you or saw you through the day. Cultivating a heart of thanksgiving keeps your mind focused on His power rather than your weaknesses.
Living a balanced life isn't about perfection; it is about connection. As you walk through this week, remember that you don't have to strive harder—you simply need to draw closer to the One who gives you victory. Let Him be your strength, your peace, and your constant companion!
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