Re-direct Distractions

How's your prayer life?

Ever have a problem staying focused? I don't know about you but I have often had a wandering mind in prayer...even the most intimate ones. I would beat myself up over the fact that I had trouble concentrating, as if it were yet another personality flaw.

I know that I am not alone. I have heard many ideas like; journal, talk out loud, jot down everything distracting you and come back to it, go for a prayer walk to keep moving...you name it.

Then it dawned on me to use these 'distractions' as a guide. That person that keeps popping in your mind while you're trying to talk to God...pray for them! It could be that God is putting that person there!

That situation or concern or that thing that is worrying you, and won't leave you alone while you pray, bring them before God.

Sometimes having a 'list' in prayer is one of the most restricting things you can experience which makes prayer seem like a chore. Try just sitting in quiet...worshipping the Creator, and let him direct your prayer.