How to Stay Focused In Prayer

 

 

The other morning as I prayed, the petitions rose beautifully.

I felt the Spirit, and the prayers came from a deep place as I lifted up different people, individuals who I often fail to remember. It felt so good. I got up from my knees feeling rather spiritual. I’d partnered with the Divine.

But the next day . . .

As I closed my eyes my mind wandered to the worries in my head. There was not one thing spiritual about my thoughts the first few minutes of “prayer.”  As soon as I became aware of the invasion, I lassoed those non-prayers, threw them out, and proceeded to try to pray.

But I was stuck. Nothing wanted to come. Every prayer attempt seemed repetitious and empty. I tried to think of why this was happening. Did I do something wrong?

I read my Bible last night before I went to bed. Why were my prayers this morning so empty? How could I focus them?

I threw out prayers of thanksgiving and praise, my normal petitions for family and friends, then I gave up and opened up my Bible.

 

(Cue Music of angel choir singing “Ahhhhh . . . “)

And I read,

“Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul and forget not all His benefits–who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagles” Psalm 103:1-5.

My soul quieted as my lips mouthed words of praise, and I was reminded of the times I’ve simply opened my Bible and used the Psalms to be my prayer. God’s Word is eternal. Our prayers no longer threaten vanity or emptiness but hold the weight of an inspired pen when we use Scripture to pray.

[bctt tweet=”Our prayers hold the weight of an inspired pen when we use Scripture to pray. #FaithFriday” username=”wordsbyandylee”]

I sat for a moment with God.

No words.

Just waiting for direction.

My eyes landed on a book I’m reading that was sitting on my coffee table. I opened to find the author’s words warning of the spiritual battle on this earth. Her words were comforting as I read about the God of Angel Armies fighting for us. But her words also reminded me of the need to put on my armor everyday.

The enemy works to confuse and weaken our prayers.

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything to stand” Ephesians 6:12,13.

 

[bctt tweet=”If focus is impossible in prayer, there is  very good chance the enemy is running interference.” username=”wordsbyandylee”]

 

Put on your helmet, and tell him to go away in Jesus’ name.

Here are five things to do to help stay focused in prayer and win the battle:

• Pray Scripture or at least read your Bible before you jump into prayer.
• Be aware of the spiritual battle. Put on the armor, Eph. 6:10-19.
• Speak the name of Jesus. The authority of His name weakens the enemy.
• Write down your prayers/journal.
• Pray out loud.

And remember, you are not alone. You’re not bad or less spiritual. You just need Divine help to pray, just like the rest of us.

 

Battling with you.

 

Digging Deep,