I don’t know about you, but when I set aside some time to pray, all types of distractions enter my mind. All the things I have to do that day or the next seem to drift in and are hard to get out.
I read somewhere that when that occurs, you are supposed to say to yourself: “Satan, get behind me!”. I have tried that, but my focusing power isn’t strong enough to maintain that focus for very long.
Years ago, our church decided that they would give us a “cheat-sheet” of sorts, for people who like me, need some help to focus while praying. And they also wanted to teach people how to pray. It is called The Circle of Prayer. I keep it in my bible and have used it many times throughout my life.
As I opened my bible today, it fell out and I was reminded, once again, how to pray and thought I would share it with you today.
For each topic on the wheel, you are to pray for 5 minutes on that item. It all begins with Praise and then moves clockwise through each section until you end with Praise, again. This will enable you to pray for an entire hour. Here is a key to help you stay focused.
Praise – Honor God for who He is and what He has done.
Forgiveness – Pray for those who have offended you.
Confession - Ask God for help to overcome any sins you are struggling with.
Petition – Make requests to God. Ask for advice.
Intercession – Pray for others. Use the prayer list in bulletin. Pray by name for people at accept Christ.
Read the Bible – Select a chapter from the Bible and read it.
Meditation – Think about what you’ve read and what it means.
Thanksgiving - Tell God all the things you are thankful for.
Pray the Bible – Pray about Bible passage you just read.
Singing – Sing out loud a favorite Christian Song. Reflect on the words of a Christian song.
Listening - Be silent before God.
Praise – Honor God for who He is and what He has done.
Hope this is helpful. Have a great Sunday!
