Prayer is the foundation for being a good steward

Have you ever scheduled time or set an alarm for prayer?
How does prayer fit into the time + talent + treasure = stewardship formula anyway?  Is volunteering or serving in a ministry considered stewardship of our time? No, actually, volunteering and serving in ministry is being a good steward of our talents. However, time in the stewardship formula refers to time in prayer. The stewardship formula could be simply stated, pray + serve + give = stewardship.
St. Teresa of Calcutta said, “If you face God in prayer and silence, God will speak to you.”
Life is hectic and too often we don’t set aside time for prayer. We often call our best friend and loved ones for advice or just to hear their voice. The most important thing we should do every day is to have a conversation with our Heavenly Father. Cultivating our relationship with God is the first step in living a life of stewardship. By nurturing our relationship with God, we are able to have a clear understanding of God’s will for our lives. We are reminded of this throughout scripture. 
“Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” (I Thessalonians 5:16-18).
One way to start a routine of personal prayer is to schedule God into our busy day. If we have a meeting with a client, a doctor appointment or dinner with friends, we add it to our calendar. We may even set an alarm or reminder so we are on time. Why not schedule a daily appointment with God? Our days are very busy, but thankfully God always has time for us and He rejoices in every minute we share with Him.  We are called to make prayer a priority. 
Do you have time to pray a Rosary on your morning commute? If you are a morning person, set your alarm five or 10 minutes earlier each morning to start the day with prayerful quiet time. We have many opportunities to deepen our relationship with God. In addition to Mass and the sacraments, which help us grow closer to God, we have the Rosary, Eucharistic Adoration, Bible studies, retreats and quiet meditation. Just remember that prayer is the foundation for becoming the steward that God wants us to be in all areas of our lives.  
“Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.” (Philippians 4:6).
­­— Shannon Roh is the Executive Director of the Office of Development and Stewardship for the Archdiocese of Mobile.