I have a hard time focusing while praying and end up thinking about sinful things. How do I pray better?
Question:
Good Day,
Before I ask my question, I want to thank you for giving us all this opportunity to ask questions and get a reply based on the scriptures. It's enlightening and a humbling experience.
My question can be termed very basic, but still, it is something very important to me as I have always wondered if I am doing things right.
Whenever I pray I get tempted by many things, which is to say I am not completely focused while praying. Temptations can be as sinful as sexual thoughts, desires, lust, foul language or can be something related to office or daily problems.
How can I pray so that I do not get tempted by anything while I am praying and remain completely focused? What is the right way to pray, so that it honors God while I am praying and keeps the sanctity and holiness of prayer?
Answer:
It is very easy to fall into a rut when praying. You don't have anything particular to pray about, so you fall back on general things because you know you ought to pray. As a result, prayers begin to take on personal ritual wordings, which after a while don't require much thought to recite. And then your mind begins to wander.
Have a reason to pray. Before starting, pick the things you most want to tell God, whether it is concerns for friends, help in a personal struggle, or thanks for prayers answered and blessings given. Don't fall into rote words, say exactly what is on your mind, just like you were calling up someone you know.
Prayers don't have to be long. In fact, most of the prayers recorded for us are only a few sentences long. Don't think you have to get every topic into every prayer. Say what needs to be said and don't get caught up in lengthy prayers. "And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him" (Matthew 6:7-8).
Don't wait for a formal time to pray. You will find many prayers are offered at the time of need. If it is important to you, take a moment to talk with God about it. Since it is fresh on your mind, you'll be more focused on the subject.
Finally, start eliminating the sources of bad influence in your life. When we allow ourselves to think about sinful things during our day-to-day activities, it is a small wonder that these same ideas come to mind when we try to focus on God (Mark 7:20-23).
