Home > Living a Better LIFE > Archives > 2009 > May > 07 > Entry
Pray much?
When is the last time you bowed your head, closed your eyes and prayed?
It might be longer than you wish to admit. I am sure there are plenty of people in the Twin Counties who would be equally proud to say either they haven’t prayed in years or it has been a matter of minutes or hours.
The reason I bring this up is because today is National Day of Prayer. The day dates to 1952, when a joint resolution by Congress, signed by President Harry Truman, declared an annual, national day of prayer. In 1988, the law was amended and signed by President Ronald Reagan, permanently setting the day as the first Thursday of every May.
I have been thinking about prayer quite a bit this week with National Day of Prayer looming. I couldn’t make it to the noon prayer in downtown Rocky Mount, but I plan to go to the prayer service at 7 p.m. today at Church on the Rise, 3520 Bishop Road.
I have struggled with prayer all my life. It is not that I don’t want to talk to God. It is more that every time I try to, my mind decides it is time to think about something else. I have let myself be distracted by thoughts about family, cleaning the kitchen, TV shows, movies, books, friends and even the very problem I am praying about. It is really frustrating and has led me many times to stop praying altogether.
I know we all like to think our problems are unique and so important, but I am sure others have the same issue getting past a confusion of thoughts to say what you really want to say. If that is you, there is a little formula that I heard about that might help, and it is the most appropriate acronym I can think of … P.R.A.Y.
Praise - Start off by thanking God. Praise his name, declare that he is true and express thanks for the blessings he has given you and the good people he has put in your life. This part of the prayer is important, because it is about dedicating time to him, not thinking about what he can do for you.
Repent - Think about what you’ve done in the past. Ask God for forgiveness, even for the smallest things. Don’t rush through this part. Maybe pause for a moment to ask God to show you the things that you have done that are not right there at the front of your mind.
Ask - There are going to be certain things you definitely want to ask God for - jobs, prosperity, good health and healing for a sickness. Don’t forget to ask God to help you in the spiritual and emotional aspect of your life. If you are a Christian, ask God to make you a stronger one. Ask him for a life that better reflects his glory. Ask him for the needs of others - problems you have heard about from friends and family. If it helps you to make a list before you pray, do it. It is better than forgetting things you really want to bring before God.
Yield - This is the hard part, especially if your mind likes to wander. This is the part of the prayer where you shut up and let God do the talking. It involves waiting and listening to see if God has a word or instructions for you. I will readily admit, this is the area I have to work at the hardest.
I don’t know if this will help, but if you struggle with concentrating when you pray, it might be worth a try.
What are the biggest problems you struggle with when praying? Share your thoughts by commenting here or e-mail me at lmcfarland@coxnc.com.
Comments
By Annie Nice
June 2, 2009 12:28 PM | Link to this
I pray a lot, BUT find it best and easier to do when I am at the GYM as that gives me one hour when I know I do NOT have to except interruptions from anyone.. Plus I like to think that God is going to help me look and be my best….