Being still, silent and spiritual can feel like a natural fit for so many of us - how we've heard God clearly at such times, or felt such wonderful peace - but getting to this point doesn't come easy to everyone. Silence and stillness can unsettle some. It's this unsettling feeling which causes us to turn on the radio or TV for background noise when we're home alone, or get fidgety in environments where either of them are required or encouraged.
Although not essential, praying in a still and silent environment can help us focus better. But it's not just noise and movement that can cause us to lose concentration during prayer, there are many things which can put us off.
If you find yourself struggling to find stillness during prayer, these four tips may help you to rediscover it.
Tune out the background noise
God deserves our undivided attention during prayer, yet we can become easily distracted by all manner of things. Turn off the TV, radio - even your phone if necessary. Without these electronic devices competing for your attention, you can completely focus on God. People can be distractions too - accidentally interrupting prayer with trivial conversations or questions. If anyone around you is likely to interfere, let them know you need some peace and quiet to prayer, find a secluded area or invite them to join you.
Finish all your necessary tasks beforehand
Distractions aren't always external, sometimes the many thoughts in our minds can throw us off course. You don't want to be thinking about how many dishes you need to wash up or how you need to get started on dinner. Completing any outstanding urgent tasks before you pray can help you focus on what's important. You don't want your prayer to be curtailed or lukewarm because you're devoting a considerable amount of headspace to chores which could have been easily resolved.
Bookmark a Bible verse
If you do happen to lose your train of thought at any point during your prayer, you can be guided back on track if you have a passage relevant to your personal prayer in front of you. You can even keep your Bible open on a particular Psalm or Biblical prayer which you can recite as you gather your thoughts. Plus, this will remind you that even when you don't have the words, God always does.
Make a prayer plan
It might sound very formal, but it doesn't have to be. A prayer plan can simply be an outline of the issues you want to talk to God about, who, what and where you want to pray for. You don't have to write it down (although this can help) and you can feel free to deviate from whatever is listed down. However, having these things on your mind before you go into prayer will help you to keep focused if you find that you often succumb to distractions.
Be consistent
Just like physical excercise, it can be helpful to make prayer a routine - so sticking to the same time each day and, if possible, the same place, like your favorite comfortable chair or room in the house. This can help get you 'in the zone' and focus your mind on your time with God.
Buddy up
If you really find it hard to keep your mind on topic, it could be helpful to team up with a prayer partner. This could be your best friend, your spouse or a church mentor. But whoever they are, they will help motivate you to make the time for prayer and keep your mind on the task at hand as they share in praying for you and with you.
