Study 4: Distractions In Prayer
But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. – Matthew 6:6
Head
In Matthew 6:6, Jesus reminds us that prayer is not a performance for others, but a conversation with God. But just as having others present can make us self-conscious or distract us, many other things can keep us focused. Going into your room and closing the door helps you focus on God while you pray.
What are some of the common distractions you face during prayer?
In the video, Nate listed his “5 f’s and a p” Family, friends, fun, fitness, finances, phone. How have you seen these things distract you when you want to pray?
Do you have any rituals or habits (good or bad) with prayer?
Think of some of the times when you were most focused on prayer. Were there things about your environment that aided in that focus?
Hands
Find your “place of prayer”: a good location, time of day, etc. where you can be undistracted for a time.
During your times of prayer this week make sure you leave your phone out of arm's reach.
Experiment with different postures of prayer. Sometimes kneeling onto a chair or getting away from your desk or table can help you focus.