In the last blog post, we discussed how to deal with mind wandering in prayer. Today’s blog post continues on the same topic. If you have not read the first part, please click here. My desire and prayer for you is that you will overcome mind wandering in prayer by the time you are done reading this blog! Can you say a believing amen to that?
Have a consistent Prayer Routine:
To overcome mind wandering in prayer, you must set a daily prayer schedule and train yourself to be consistent with it. A consistent routine helps you focus and concentrate more on what you are doing. When you are consistent with the same prayer schedule, you train your body and your system to get used to doing the same thing at the same time every day. Your body begins to shut down once it’s time for prayer. I have also discovered that the secret of consistency in prayer is to be consistent.
The more consistent you are in prayer, the easier it becomes, the sweeter it becomes, the less burdensome it feels, and the more momentum you build. The momentum you build through consistency increases your focus and concentration in prayer. With consistency, you overcome the force of inertia in prayer. Prayer becomes a lifestyle.
Your Environment Matters:
I have learned that timing and location matters. Choose a place where you are not easily distracted, usually your room or a secluded spot where no one will find you easily. Also, choose the time that works for you. Be intentional about having a specific location and time for your prayers. Early mornings and late evenings are highly recommended.
Switch off your phone and all devices: Switch off all your devices or put them on DND to avoid the temptation of picking up calls, responding to messages, or checking notifications. One of the greatest distractions of our time is our phones and devices. You will be surprised what a difference it makes to switch off your phone and put it away.
Prime Your Heart:
Avoid rushing into prayer. I have discovered that rushing into prayers is one of the biggest causes of mind wandering during prayer. When you rush into prayers, your mind is still trying to process thoughts and prior events, and so for the first 30 minutes, you are struggling with thoughts of what happened earlier. 10-15 minutes before prayer, start shutting down every other activity and focus your mind on the Lord. That is what it means to prime your heart. It’s like a spiritual warm-up. Just like you wouldn’t get right into a workout without an excellent warm-up to stretch your muscles, so also learn to stretch your prayer muscles by priming your heart before you start praying.
To prime your heart, you must learn to gather your spirit and focus your thoughts on the Lord. You can put on a background worship instrumental and start soaking in God’s presence.
Control what you feed on:
If your eyes are single, your whole body will be full of light (Matthew 6:22-23). Guard your eyes and your ears. Your mind will always think about the things you have heard and watched. Watch and hear only things that will inspire and edify you.
Don’t give up:
Never let a wandering mind stop you from praying. Continually refocus your mind whenever you notice your mind is drifting, and don’t ever feel guilty about it. The enemy knows how powerful your prayer is and will do anything to stop you. Please don’t stop!
Trust The Holy Spirit to help you:
No matter the strategy I share, without the help of the Holy Spirit, it will amount to nothing. Open up to the Lord to help you in this area. The Holy Spirit is your helper! He will help you!
I hope you were blessed! Connect with me on my social media pages:
@lovenzeadu
@theschooloftheword
