A Different Take on Prayer

We know that he hears us—whatever we ask.
                                        —1 John 5:15

Does your mind ever wander when you pray? Mine too.

That’s when we mentally chastise ourselves and force a get-back-on-track.

C.S. Lewis had a different take on it. Instead of forcing a return to the intended prayer pattern when our mind wanders, he suggested that we accept the distraction as our present predominant concern, and lay it before God as the primary focus of our prayer.

I have a friend whose mind frequently outruns his mouth. He changes subjects—sometimes in mid-sentence. I listen—and wonder, “What are you talking about?”

You don’t have to worry about that when you’re talking to God. He knows what you’re talking about—always. So if some thought disrupts your meditation, maybe you should shift gears and make that the centerpiece of your prayer.

Your conversation with God is private. He understands
your language—and even your silence.

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