Romans 12:12 - Instant Prayer

I was visiting a patient the other day. Due to some dementia issues, there were some communication barriers. The other party had difficulty articulating a phrase, let alone a sentence. I wasn't quite sure if we were "connecting" at all.

Rather than frustrate them by trying to converse, I sang several hymns. Afterward, I offered to pray before leaving. There was more of a blank stare than a response. So I went ahead and prayed for the person and their family. 

When I was done, the patient said very clearly, "You went right to it, didn't you!?"

I couldn't help but think of a challenge from the King James Version of the Bible:
"Continuing instant in prayer." (Romans 12:12)

There's a bit of diversity in how different versions translate that phrase:
"Devoted to prayer" (NASB)
"Faithful in prayer" (NIV)
"Persist in prayer" (NET Bible)
"Constant in prayer" (ESV)
"Keep on praying" (NLT)

So what would it mean to be "instant in prayer?" Even fixing instant hot chocolate means nuking some water in the microwave. It's not ready-made, it requires preparation.

But prayer isn't a food or drink. It's a relationship. When my wife and I are both at home, we don't set up scheduled times of conversation. We may start talking about an important issue and then come back to it throughout the day. It seems instantaneous but that's only possible because we're aware of each other's presence. The preparation has been years of relationship.

God, too often I wait until it seems like the "right time" to pray with someone else, or to pray by myself. Keep me aware of Your presence and Your listening ear--and that You are constantly talking to me. Deepen our ongoing conversation. Amen.