I’m sure most people struggle with the same thing I do during prayer – keeping my mind focused. I have so many things flowing through my mind all the time from work, kids, personal life, etc. that it’s actually hard to focus on anything for any amount of time!
Brother Lawrence was a 17th century monk who wrote a book, “The Practice of the Presence of God.” I’ve not read the whole book, but am planning to at some point. In his book, Brother Lawrence not only talks about why we pray, but offers advice on how to pray. He makes a very valuable statement that is helping me to keep my focus:
“One way to recall the mind easily in the time of prayer, and preserve it more in tranquility, is not to let it wander too far at other times. You should keep it strictly in the Presence of God; and , being accustomed to think of Him often, you will find it easy to keep your mind calm in the time of prayer, or at least to recall it from its wonderings.”
What wonderful insight! Keeping my mind on God and in a state of prayer helps me to pray more effectively. Protecting my mind by keeping other thoughts in check is also important. Not becoming too consumed with entertainment, personal goals or personal desires helps my mind stay closer to God and makes the transition to prayer much easier.
Do you know a friend who would be encouraged by the thoughts in this blog? Tell them about it! Also, let me know what you think at rlynx@lynxmultimedia.com
