1Thessalonian 5:17 says pray without ceasing. When I started dedicating myself to start my day with praying and spending time with God I would set my timer for 2 minutes and 32 seconds. The first few seconds may have been spent with praying. But then my mind begin to wander. I blamed it on my ADHD. I would work to get back on track. But I did not feel like my prayer life was fulfilling, besides just praying for my children. Which is a mighty good prayer and I will continue to pray for my children always even when they make me mad. Lol. Honestly I didn’t know what else to say. However, I just felt like I needed to be giving God more. So I started journaling. I love to write this help me to gather my thoughts and stay focused. So I increased my time to 5 minutes and 32 seconds. Because I discovered I had more to say and I needed more time to commune with God. That time eventually was not enough. Im currently at 7 minutes and 32 seconds. The alarm has become annoying because I have more to say to God, and I’m focused. Thank God for regulating my mind so that I can talk to you. Not rushed but with enjoyment.
Sounds like you are on the right track. Prayer is not complicated. God wants us to simply talk to Him. Throughout our day. “Hey God, did you see that?” “God, why was this like that?” Journaling is great. I have to write things down often, or I fail to remember them.
I only have one real piece of advice. One I had to learn. Talking to God is great. However, sometimes we need to simply sit quietly and listen.
Thank you for sharing this! I agree, it’s so easy for my mind to wander while praying, but journaling is so helpful. I have a simple practice of writing down the best thing and the hardest thing at the end of each day. This is a prompt I have found helpful in getting me thinking about my blessings but also what I want to petition God for.
Great advice PeterC. I‘m learning when I sit quietly before God and just allow myself to feel, God speaks inwardly and ministers to my soul in amazing ways. Also, sitting quietly helps me be in touch with my authentic self. Lastly, sitting quietly helps when I’m overwhelmed and unable to articulate my feelings.