The World’s Distractions

A great deal of my prayer life follows a regular and frustrating pattern. "Lord, "I say, but almost immediately, I get interrupted by my thoughts.

I hope my Amazon order gets here today.

I try to recover and refocus on God, but another distraction comes to mind. I am not looking forward to this next doctor's visit.

Prayer is starting to feel like a lost cause. I seem to be more interested in worrying than communicating with God. Even so, I pull myself together and give it another try, but it seems hopeless. I'm distracted again. Our rent is too high. I wonder if I can find another source of income?

I have noticed, however, that my distracting thoughts are related to many of my deepest fears and anxieties. These are the very things that distract me from spending time with Jesus. When I pray, He seems to let them surface so that I will give them to Him.

I have good news, if this is your experience as well. Feeling guilty about these kinds of distractions to prayer is not only unhelpful but unnecessary. Instead, try to pay attention to them, give them a name, and then talk to God about them. He's been waiting to hear about them.

Martha was distracted while Jesus was teaching in her home. When she complained to the Lord that her sister Mary wasn't helping Jesus said, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:41–42)

Martha was frustrated with her sister. She didn't even realize she was distracted until she brought it to Jesus. Her distraction went deeper than wanting to serve her guests. She was anxious about feeding everyone and probably, worried about what they would think of her if she didn't do it well.

But Jesus helped her see her heart. She was doing the right thing in her mind but Jesus helped show Martha that her values were disordered. If we are noticing our distractions, it may well be the Spirit drawing us into a specific focus, like Martha, about the state of our hearts.

While the devil wants us to give up prayer altogether. St. Teresa of Avila in the Interior Castle urges the opposite.  “Surrendering even our weak and distracted minds, we must refuse stubbornly to stop praying.”

Paul Miller, in "A Praying Life," said: "Come [to prayer] overwhelmed with life. Come with your wandering mind. Come messy. ... The very things we try to get rid of – our weariness, our distractedness, our messiness – are what get us in the front door! That's how the gospel works. That's how prayer works."

When I get distracted during prayer, I don't need to resent myself for it or feel bad about who I am. Instead, I can pay attention to what those thoughts are and talk to God about them.

Distraction is a reminder of my frailty and limits, and they, in turn, remind me that I am not God. And since I am prone to such crazy and ridiculous pride, this is very good for me. Distractions humble me and cause me to ask God for the help I so desperately need.

Our Father wants us to grow in grace, and He alone, through the power of His Spirit, can cause our battles against distraction to work for our good (Romans 8:28). He can use them to free us from idolatry and pride and to help us grow in self-control. So, in confident faith, we can pray:

Lord, help me to pursue what you call me to do and deliver me from the fragmenting effect of fruitless distraction.

Thanks for continuing to pray, and, if you have time.

Please Pray: A renewal of faith and financial wisdom. 

Please Pray: The homeless here in South Florida. While the weather is mild the dangers are still very real. Pray that we would find ways to be faithful to God’s call

Please Pray For: Growth in numbers and discipleship here in Miramar

Please Pray For: Bill Izzo and his cancer treatments

Please Pray For: Bonnie Page, and ongoing ulcer problems

Please Pray For: Jorge, as he begins his recovery from alcohol and drug addiction

Please Pray For: Judy Patterson who fell and likely has two crushed vertebrae.

Please Pray For: the family of Aida Mercado who passed away last week. 

Please Pray For: Betty’s continued healing and the spiritual growth of family.

Please Thank God For: Joshua Recker being in remission from his cancer.

Please Thank God For: Francis Evert who is entering hospice care.

Please Pray For: Financial wisdom

Please Pray For: Renewed joy and peace for the coming year

Please Pray For: Sullivan Wilson, a 15 year old with a brain tumor

Please Pray For: God’s help with achieving career plans.

Please Thank God For: For betty’s continued healing

Please Pray For: Regina Bryant, whose husband died unexpectedly

Please Pray For: Edie Crews, who was born with a heart condition that will require surgeries.