Prayer can be tough for many reasons.
And I think one reason
why we can be shallow in our prayers is because we can get distracted easily.
I mean, we live in a very entertaining world.
So instead of praying,
we can play our video games, we can watch our movies,
listen to our music, hang out with our friends.
And even if we do decide to pray, we can get easily.
Oh, look about it.
The point is, is that it's hard to pay attention sometimes.
So in this video, we will cover three healthy habits that can help you focus
when you pray.
So habit number one, build a habit of making sacrifices.
First, Peter for seven reads.
But the end of all things is at hand.
Therefore, be serious and watchful in your prayers.
I think one of the best ways to stay focused in prayer is to first
take it seriously.
So if you easily get distracted, identify the source of your distractions.
If your phone is a distraction, make the sacrifice and turn it off
for 5 minutes.
If you think about your games too much,
maybe it's because you're spending too much time playing games.
For some people, hobbies can be their god that they worship.
Like shopping, for example.
For some, that's their form of church, their source of satisfaction,
and what they look forward to.
So if you're getting distracted by something in particular
during your prayer, it may be an indicator that you are worshiping another God.
It might be your social media, your friends, your games, your hobbies.
What takes your time and what consumes your thoughts?
Now, I'm not saying to cut these things out of your life,
but what I do suggest is you taking a good
and honest look at your life and answer these questions.
Who is your God?
Who is the Lord or ruler of your life?
And is it Jesus?
Are you just saying that or do you mean it?
Who do you obey?
Habit number two Build a habit of finding solitude.
Matthew 1423 reads And when Jesus had sent the multitudes away,
he went up on the mountain by himself to pray.
Jesus, in many different passages, left the masses and prayed by himself.
And if Jesus did it and made it a habit, it'd be good for us to do the same.
Sometimes we can't focus on prayer because it's too busy and chaotic around us.
Now, for some of you,
the thought of sitting still in a silent room might terrify you.
So go outside.
Go for a walk and pray while you walk.
Solitude doesn't look the same for everybody.
Maybe some of you can find solitude in physically writing out your prayers.
A couple of people that recorded their prayers on paper were Moses and David.
Some other things you can try to help you focus is to try praying with your eyes
open.
Sometimes when your eyes are closed and your mind wanders.
Also, some of you might focus better if you pray out loud.
To pray in our minds is definitely needed and useful.
But some of us easily get distracted with our thoughts.
Also, be aware of body positioning.
Some of you might not be able to focus in prayer because you're lying down
where it's warm and cozy and you're in bed and you pray your Jesus.
Thank you for today and for my warm bed.
Amen. And then we fall asleep.
The point is, if you position your body in a certain way,
it might help you focus better.
So try kneeling when you pray.
Or maybe go outside on the porch or go in your closet.
All of that to say make a habit of finding solitude in habit.
Number three Build a habit of praying shorter prayers.
Ecclesiastes these five two.
Do not be rash with your mouth
and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God.
For God is in heaven.
In you. On Earth.
Therefore, let your words be few.
Now, don't assume that in order to have a great prayer
life, you need to pray these hour long prayers.
So if you can't concentrate, you have some options.
Either focus and be thoughtful
or keep the prayer short.
The Bible says that God is in heaven.
So whether your prayers are long or short.
Be mindful when you talk to him. Yes.
Be comfortable enough to talk to God.
But don't disrespect him with you dozing off or you're rambling.
So in the event where you can't concentrate as hard,
let your words be few.
Now, if you truly find it difficult to pray for longer periods of time,
that's totally fine.
It's better to pray three words that are focused and genuine than to pray
3 hours of nonsense, three word prayers can actually be really helpful.
God help me.
Give me strength.
And, Lord, I'm sorry.
If you read Nehemiah chapter two verses one through five,
you'll actually see that Nehemiah prays a small prayer
in the middle of his conversation with King and exerts his
and if he can pray small prayers that were effective,
small prayers that God answered, then we can too.
So, my friends, don't let your lack of focus discourage you from praying.
A strong prayer.
Life is something you work on over time.
So build some habits to help you make the sacrifices.
Find solitude and pray shorter prayers and all your praying.
Never forget Jesus loves you.