Hi, I haven’t been able to find any resources/tips on how to focus mor - Bible Questions and Answers - Prayer Tents

Share Link:

Question

64. Hi, I haven’t been able to find any resources/tips on how to focus more during prayer. I have an issue where my mind tends to wander during prayer and then I end up apologizing and then getting distracted more and half my prayer turns into an apology. I’ve tried writing out my prayers and saying them out loud but none of those help. If you have any advice, I would greatly appreciate it.
Question asked on June 9, 2022 6:47:33 pm

Answer

Hello,

Thank you so much for writing.

First, I'm glad you are seeking to pray. It is how we speak our heart to God.

One trap Christians fall into is to make prayer into a chore. They may think, I better pray 30 minutes each day. It is certainly a good discipline, just as much as I may want to be sure to speak with my wife at least 30 minutes a day, but when it becomes a routine, guess what? It will just be a way to justify you have done a good deed.

Instead, here is what I suggest, especially as we break out of the pandemic mindset: go speak with your loved ones. (Are you a mom? Then speak to your kids. Husband or wife? Talk to your spouse. Or talk to a close friend). Now, translate that kind of conversation with God.

As you speak with your loved ones, you'll recognize that you are not disciplining yourself (other than making time). You are also not too worried about what you say or if you go down some pre-written list. Instead, you just speak your heart and welcome the other person to your views and understanding.

That is precisely what God wants from us. Just a conversation. An opportunity to share what is on your heart, whether heavy, light, or any where in between. He listens because He is our Father.

There is also no apology or set amount of time to speak. Rather, God who walks with you is accessible any time, that is, as long as you are willing to give that time to God.

Remember, prayer doesn't make you more spiritual or get more wishes granted. It is the relationship God is after, and as you make that relationship a priority, He will take care of all your need.

Please write back if I can support you further.

Many blessings!



Answered by Dr. Sang Sur





Ask a Bible Question

Other Answered Questions

75. I am a Muslim man. It has been a long time since I thought about Christian Lord Jesus. I like to hear about Jesus because I can feel that the Lord Jesus is the real God. I am 33 years old already, and I am a Muslim man. But nothing, my soul, my brain cannot rest; it is unfair. Is it true and Real? My heart is now slowly opening to knowing about Jesus. Nobody is pushing me to do this. I do all this coming from my heart. Please help me. I need Jesus' blessing.
Asked by Male, 26-35, Asia, Other Religion on January 24, 2024 2:04:36 am
74. Why did God have to rest on the seventh day?
Asked by Male, 46-60, Africa, Christian on December 16, 2023 11:20:00 am
73. What does the Bible say about masturbation ?
Asked by Female, 19-25, Africa, New Christian on December 3, 2023 11:15:00 am
72. If someone tells me that the bible is just a reading ordinary book, written down by humans, how can I convince that person that it is the Word of God?
Asked by Female, 19-25, North America, Christian on September 3, 2023 9:34:59 pm
71. Exodus 20:8-11 says to observe the seventh day as the Sabbath. Why, then did the world observe the first day as the Sabbath when God (before Jews were around) said we should observe the 7th day as Sabbath? Where in the Bible that Jesus changed it to the first day?
Asked by Female, 46-60, North America, Christian on May 22, 2023 11:10:36 am
70. If Jesus is God and holy, he should not be born of Virgin Mary. How can a holy being be born from an earthly, sinful woman's womb? Please explain.
Asked by Male, 26-35, Christian on May 20, 2023 8:05:51 pm
69. I told my sister it says in the Bible to love our neighbors as we love ourselves and she said “what if you someone who reads that doesn’t love themselves” can you guys answer her question on how can someone apply that teaching in the Bible if they don’t love themselves?
Asked by Male, Under 19, North America on August 11, 2022 4:55:52 pm
68. Jesus has appointed me to give an Encouragement speech for my Pastor. Are there any scriptures you can suggest…?
Asked by Male, Over 60, North America on August 11, 2022 4:52:26 pm
67. What's the biblical response when people say that mistakes do not define us.
Question asked on July 1, 2022 11:06:48 am
66. I have a question. Does Jesus give His peace to just believers or who does He give it to? I’ve been getting peaceful sleep the last couple months and I’m loving it. But I’m also wondering, since my gave my life to Him and He transformed me into a new me, does that guarantee Heaven or what does it usually mean when He transforms someone? He’s all I really talk about with others and I surrendered to Him in March only to become a new me and I feel like this is me possibly going to Heaven, which is where I deeply want to go. What does the Bible say if it says anything about those questions? Sorry if that was a lot of questions.
Asked by Male, 19-25, North America, Christian on June 22, 2022 11:04:51 am
65. What energizes you to walk what you talk?
Asked by Female, 26-35, Asia on June 17, 2022 9:28:02 am
64. Hi, I haven’t been able to find any resources/tips on how to focus more during prayer. I have an issue where my mind tends to wander during prayer and then I end up apologizing and then getting distracted more and half my prayer turns into an apology. I’ve tried writing out my prayers and saying them out loud but none of those help. If you have any advice, I would greatly appreciate it.
Question asked on June 9, 2022 6:47:33 pm
62. Good day, How does one become content with God instead of seeking for friends, women and other form of "idols" to fill that void in your heart. Extrovert who is social and when alone I am lonely and seek sinful actions to fill that void.
Asked by Male, 26-35, North America, Christian on June 2, 2022 6:42:32 pm
61. Dear Sir: I was born in 1964 and my confusion has always been how can Jesus die for someone’s sin who isn’t even born yet? I hear consistently over and over that Jesus died for my sins and that always get’s my dander up mainly because I have paid for everything I have ever done wrong in my life many times over. Please explain how Jesus paid for the sins of someone who has never blessed??
Question asked on May 23, 2022 6:39:51 pm
60. Are we as Christians called to testify, witness, speak about Jesus to others?
Asked by Female, Over 60, North America on May 11, 2022 6:37:35 pm
59. I wonder since the prophecies of the second coming of Jesus have not been fulfilled yet. Then he did not fulfill the law and the prophets. Some say that would mean the law is still to be obeyed. How do we look at this matter?
Asked by Male, 46-55, Europe, Christian on April 29, 2022 6:34:18 pm
58. Philipians 1:27 "NIV:Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel" 1. My question is that despite Paul's strong warning to the philipians church and the present Christians,why do we lack one spirit,one mind and with different gospels ? 2. How can we stop this in the church 3.what should we do to mitigate the effect of this divisions. 4. Is the two above possible to achieve ? Thanks.
Asked by Male, 26-35, Africa on April 22, 2022 6:29:05 pm
57. Hi may I please ask for advice? We were brought up in a generous family like when someone begs for food or asks for a small amount of money, we give and try to help. To me, as a Christian, I am glad to help bc its an opportunity to show God's love, so I enjoy giving water or food, etc. However, sometimes people, especially little kids, come already EVERYDAY knocking and calling for food. This kinda made us uncomfortable and a bit hesitant to give already bc we feel like we are being taken advantage of and our generosity is being abused (though they are just asking for biscuits or water). However, when we sometimes refuse to give, I am haunted by guilt and conscience. I feel like I am super dirty and sinful in God's sight, so I end up being sad and dreading my whole day. What should we do? Should we give every single day? How do we discern if we should give or not? Thank you so much. Your help would mean a lot. May God give you wisdom and understanding as you answer my question. God bless!
Asked by Female, 19-25, Asia, Christian on April 14, 2022 6:26:40 pm
56. Once a brother or sister and there family feel led to leave a church where they were members for years.......Is it wrong for the member to feel saddened that know one called to say hello, we mioss you etc....It's as if we never existed and the christian friends we had no longer exist? My wife and I and daughter left approx 3 months ago, I spoke with the Pastor and he knew we were leaving due to differences
Asked by Male, 46-55, North America, Christian on April 12, 2022 6:25:07 pm
55. Hi there ,this has been bothering me for sometime and im afraid that my salvation might be at risk because of it. So my question is; how can i love someone that goes against your values, i try to help this person but he's a bother to deal with and people expect me to be all lovey dovey with this person just because his my younger brother ,but at this point im tired of being in his company because it feels like im being unappreciated and now im thinking that its a waste of my God given time , spending time with this individual, so how would i love a person that takes advantage of me being related to them?
Asked by Male, 19-25, Africa, Christian on March 18, 2022 6:23:38 pm
54. I'm convinced I don't have a spiritual gift, does this mean I'm not really saved?
Asked by Female, 56-65, North America, Christian on March 11, 2022 6:21:45 pm
53. I have always understood that it's useless to tell a non believer that they are sinning, because they don't care or have spiritual eyes. Yet John the baptist obviously rebuked, corrected Herod about his wife. So should we tell a non believer that they need to repent and stop that behaviour? Thank you for your time, RAVEN
Question asked on February 25, 2022 6:18:30 pm
52. In what ways do we actually do the work of the devil when we allow anxiety to remain in our hearts? What is the solution to this pattern?
Asked by Male, 66-75, North America, Christian on February 18, 2022 11:28:05 pm
51. How to understand rom 8:16. How do I know God's spirit has witnessed to my spirit that I'm his child?
Question asked on February 13, 2022 7:14:04 pm
50. How does having an attitude of humility help us see God more clearly? In what ways can we choose to embrace a humble attitude of complete dependence on God today?
Asked by Male, Under 19, Asia, Christian on February 5, 2022 8:46:18 pm
49. I was on a fast and doing well, my mind was clear and I was functioning good. But then I fell short and watched some porn, now I can't sleep. Can someone tell me why I can't sleep and what solutions do I have?
Asked by Male, 19-25, North America, Christian on January 29, 2022 8:56:39 am
48. What to do when family members don’t want to hear you talk about the Gospel or anything related to God and faith?
Asked by Female, 36-45, North America on January 18, 2022 8:23:42 pm
47. Why would God let my teenage daughter die in our house fire? Please help me with this question. Thank you
Asked by Male, Over 60, North America on January 22, 2022 10:43:03 am
46. I heard that prayer was supposed to help Christians feel better. Yet, when I finish praying I feel worse than when I started. I try to follow the example of the Lord's prayer by praising God first, then asking for what I need, them giving thanks and asking for forgiveness. What am I doing wrong? I don't pray most days because I actually feel better after writing in a journal then praying to God. Sad really if you think about it. Thank you for your help.
Asked by Female, 26-35, North America, Christian on January 5, 2022 12:20:00 pm
45. My manager caught me trying to steal a wallet at work my car insurance was high and was running low on cash for food and gasoline. I made no excuses for it and we talked in the office and I feel really bad about it. Not just because I was caught but because he and the owner of where I work have literally supplied me with free housing and literally bought me a a used car no cost to me just a short month ago and helped me out tremendously when I was homeless in need of a job and in a desperate situation. I want to make this right but I just don’t know how? Are there any Bible passages you know for a scenario like this? I’m extremely lucky to still have a job and promised I would never do it again. Help please.
Asked by Male, 19-25, North America, Christian on December 28, 2021 2:00:26 pm
44. I easily get irritated when people try to irritate me. Even knowing that they are just trying to irrotate me i find it difficult to just ignore it. Sometimes I ignores it, but even then there is this irritated attitude in me and I really feel guilty about this attitude in me. How can I reply without getting irritated. How can I learn to ignore it. How can I overcome this attitude?
Asked by Male, 19-25, Asia on December 15, 2021 8:24:35 pm
43. What does it mean to have an identity in Christ?
Asked by 46-60, Asia on December 9, 2021 1:40:09 pm
42. Hi, I would like to know what it means to pray a bold prayer? Thank you for your help. God bless you and enjoy your day.
Asked by Male, 46-60, Africa on November 24, 2021 1:51:22 am
41. In the Trinity, since the three Persons of the Godhead are distinct and are not each other, how do we interpret Isaiah 9:6, which says that one of the names the Son to be born will be "Everlasting Father"?
Asked by Female, 26-35, North America, Christian on November 12, 2021 9:25:22 am
40. Should people who do not love God go to church? is it still a requirement for them as the third commandment? Would have it been better for the hypocrites as we are told in the scripture to never have attended the religious services as their hearts were far from God, so attending would justify their hypocrisy?
Asked by Female, 19-25, Oceania, Christian on October 27, 2021 11:12:37 am
39. I have many christian friends who ask God to respond through a sign whenever they have to make a decision and are uncertain of what choice to make. Im talking about examples such as: if its God’s will for me to travel on this date, may this thing happen and if not, may it not be. Is is ok for a christian to do this? Is it biblical?
Asked by Male, 26-35, North America on October 16, 2021 8:55:18 pm
38. I have been a born-again Christian since 2012. In 2017, I suffered a relapse back into depression and was admitted into the hospital because of this. Since then, I have lost my confidence and zeal for God. How do I regain my zeal for God once again?
Asked by Male, 36-45, Europe, Christian on October 8, 2021 8:52:28 pm
37. How far is too far in terms of physical contact between friends of the same sex? Like sexual touch is obviously a no-no, but what about things that fall more into the grey area? Such as light kissing, hugging, leaning forward to, etc. Is it okay for friends of the same sex to casually hug each other or lean into each other's shoulders? What does the Bible say about this? I can remember Songs of Solomon 8:1 and Acts 20:37 when it comes to brotherly physical affection, but I wonder if there are more passages I should look into or use as an example. Thank you! Asking this because I have a male friend who has been wondering if it's okay to give frequent hugs to his long-time best friend who he has considered a brother of his own, and I want to get more insight on this topic.
Asked by Female, 19-25, Asia, Christian on October 5, 2021 8:49:48 pm
36. Can I help my family members to be saved by sharing the Gospel or will my effort be futile since God already elected those who will be saved?
Asked by Female, 36-45, North America on September 27, 2021 8:46:40 pm
35. I have almost weekly doubts that I am not actually saved. I believe in the gospel and asked God to save me but I tend to fall into old sin habits and ask forgiveness but sometimes it doesn't feel genuine when I sin again. My prayers also seem to be same and lack focus. I wonder if I am lukewarm or never saved to begin with. Am I overreacting or is there something in my life that needs work?
Asked by Male, 19-25, North America, Christian on September 18, 2021 3:50:00 pm
34. Why in ancient Israel were Hebrew slaves freed in the seventh year (Exodus 21:2, Deuteronomy 15:12-18) but Gentile slaves were not freed (Leviticus 25:44-46)?
Asked by Male, South America, No Religion, 19-25 on September 4, 2021 12:05:44 pm
33. (1)Why did Jesus left the church on the world? (2) what is the essence of the church and the functions of a church?
Asked by Male, Asia, 26-35 on August 27, 2021 3:16:20 am
32. According to Jews as they read in the Scriptures that the messiah would be a prophet but how come that Jesus became God?(im just very confused that what if Judaism is right or Islam is right?)
Asked by Asia on August 20, 2021 8:36:04 am
31. Brothers with a medical history being judged of not having faith for wearing mask to service. What does the bible say about this judgment. Thank you
Question asked on August 12, 2021 4:26:11 pm
30. Is wilderness used figuratively in Biblical days?
Asked by Male, Africa, Over 60 on August 7, 2021 12:18:28 pm
29. How do you know if you love God more then anyone or anything? How do you know if you love God for then your girlfriend / boyfriend.
Asked by Female, Under 19 on July 29, 2021 6:31:17 pm
28. Sometimes I feel guilty about enjoying life and looking forward to and be excited about things, I'm not sure why. They are not sinful things yet I feel like if I'm enjoying things then I am not focused enough on Christ. I know this feeling isn't necessarily valid. How do I get myself to not feel guilty about this?
Asked by Female, Under 19, North America, Christian on July 23, 2021 6:15:00 pm
27. How did Stephen see "Jesus standing on the right hand of God.See Acts7:55. Was God standing in His own right hand or are they separate beings?
Asked by Asia, Under 19 on July 18, 2021 9:20:49 am
26. Paul wrote that Aquila and Priscilla, Nymphus, and Philemon had church meetings in their homes. It appears obvious that the early Christians met in homes of faithful followers. When and why did that change? What verses suggest that church buildings are appropriate, especially when Acts 7:48-49 specifically says that “the most Holy dwelleth not in buildings made with hands,” followed by the question in verse 49, of “what building would you build me?” Thank you.
Asked by Male, North America, Over 60 on July 5, 2021 10:56:24 am
25. Why does God choose some people to worship Him and some not? Why does God allow nations to descend to apostasy and godlessness? In our modern times today, why does God allow nations such as in the West and other nations such as China, Japan, Korea, Cambodia, Thailand, and even the US to descend into atheism and godlessness? Doesn't God want them to be saved?
Question asked on June 21, 2021 11:06:12 am
24. Will Satan be judged along with other fallen angels and the sinful humanity at the Great White Throne, or will he be cast into the lake of fire without being judged?
Asked by Male, Africa, Christian, 19-25 on June 13, 2021 3:48:31 pm
23. Dear in Christ. When a person out of his/her suffering or loss of their loved one ask the question "Where is God?" How do I (we) respond with Bible reference effectively.? Thank you.
Asked by Male, Asia, New Christian, 36-45 on June 2, 2021 8:46:19 am
22. What does the Bible say about a cheerful heart or disposition? How can I gain and maintain one?
Asked by Male, North America, 26-35 on May 23, 2021 9:42:36 pm
21. So when you're saved your life is then transformed by God right? How extreme is this transformation, and what if you are happy with the life you currently have? How will the change affect that? And if I'm being honest with myself, the only reason I have faith in Christ is that I just don't want to go to hell that's really about it.
Asked by Christian on May 17, 2021 2:29:14 pm
20. Ok, so when it comes to salvation all we have to do is just trust and believe that Jesus's sacrifice was enough to pay for our sins right? There is absolutely nothing else we need to do in order to be saved? Or is there still something else we need to do as well? Also when it comes to sanctification is that all God's work or does the Christian have to contribute as well. I am only asking this because I've been doubting my own salvation and being assured that I am eternally secured. And that's mainly due to my general attitude and feelings and lack of guilt towards things that I think I am doing wrong (when I do recognize I am doing something wrong I somewhat try to make amends but it's the fact that I lack any sort of remorse and feel no guilt for what I do that makes me question myself the most).
Asked by Christian on May 16, 2021 10:05:55 pm
19. Why should I have a persecution complex knowing that nobody can be against me when God is for me? (Romans 8:31) Please help to understand this scripture, thanks.
Asked by Male, North America, 36-45 on May 10, 2021 9:16:48 am
18. What were the most important times Moses had with God?
Asked by Female, North America, Over 60 on May 2, 2021 1:16:57 pm
17. Why there was a search for a suitable partner for a man(Adam) among all the other organisms according to Genesis 2:20? Did Adam previously know that God is going to create a woman or a suitable companion for him?
Question asked on April 25, 2021 2:01:45 pm
16. This is a question attempting to differentiate between the Christian Crusades and the doctrine of Original Sin in the New Testament. One possible objection concerns an inconsistency between the two: How is it that Christians shouldn't be held responsible for the actions of things professing Christians did centuries ago, yet somehow find it perfectly Biblical to say that all humans are guilty before God under the sin of Adam? Isn't this a hypocritical way of thinking? My question is this: "What's the difference between holding all Christians responsible for the Crusades, and maintaining that all humans have inherited the guilt of Adam's sin through federal headman-ship, and how might a Christian clear up this misunderstanding with a skeptic?"
Asked by Male, North America, Christian, 19-25 on April 18, 2021 9:45:23 pm
15. It seems like the end times because of everything happening rumors of wars, pandemics almost the whole world has heard the gospel, love has grown cold and wickedness has increased, many don't believe. And I don't think it is wrong to have a girlfriend but if it is the end time should I? I know it is a complicated question but I don't know.
Asked by Male, North America, Christian, Under 18 on April 10, 2021 8:52:45 am
14. What is my responsibility as a Christian I am 17, and I am a little stressed I am not sure what I am supposed to do I know that faith without works is dead but we are saved by grace through faith? I believe but this verse keeps coming to mind. Am I supposed to share my faith with every person I meet or see? Should I give to every poor person?
Asked by Male, North America, Christian, Under 18 on April 5, 2021 9:41:26 am
13. Is it normal to not feel comfortable living my old life but wanting to live more for God, and to not find joy in the things of this world anymore but to simply be with God and do his will?
Asked by Male, North America, Christian, Under 18 on April 7, 2021 9:28:05 pm
12. I was reading Mathew 1:19 in the New Living Translation. It states that Mary and Joseph were engaged, not married and he was wanting to break the engagement. Other versions say that they were already married and he was wanting to divorce Mary. Is there one version that's right and the other not? I don't want to be reading a version that isn't accurate. Please advice me and I will pray God give me wisdom in this.
Asked by Female, North America, Over 60 on March 29, 2021 8:50:08 am
11. If God knows the future, does that mean we’re not really in control of our lives?
Question asked on March 21, 2021 8:14:52 pm
10. Do 2 Chronicles 19:2 and Psalms 139:21-22 contradict Matthew 5:44?
Asked by Male, North America, Christian, 19-25 on March 15, 2021 8:14:53 pm
9. Two related questions: Does God love some people more than others? Is God more pleased with Christians who do more for Him? I’ve heard the phrase, “There’s nothing you can do that would make God love you more or less” and that God is deeply pleased with us apart from our works because of what Christ did for us (the latter from lesson 2 of the Gospel-Centered Life by Thune and Walker). To quote the book, “But when we fail to root out identity in what Jesus has done for us, we slip into performance-driven Christianity. We imagine that if we were ‘better Christians,’ God would approve of us more fully.” I have a hard time reconciling that with the fact that we will stand before God in judgment for the lives that we live and either receive reward or a loss of reward (I Cor. 3). Referring to judgment in Jesus’s parables for instance, God seems to be angry at people who did nothing for Him (I.e. the parable of the talents). If I did nothing for Christ with my life, how could God be pleased with me? Wouldn’t He be disappointed in me? Thank you for your ministry!
Asked by Female, North America, Christian, 19-25 on March 9, 2021 9:23:16 am
6. In Exodus 25, The Israelites were asked to bring a list to build the tabernacle. What more or less will the monetary value of that list be today? Thank you.
Asked by Female, Africa, Christian, 26-35 on February 28, 2021 9:07:43 pm
5. If in Exodus 4:10 Moses has an issue with speaking - some sort of speech impediment, it seems - then what has happened to him by Deuteronomy? He's 120 years old(ish) and he is speaking incredibly eloquently all throughout this book. I've searched and searched and can't find any kind of information, and the Scripture says nothing that I can find. Has he just practiced so much that he's good at it now? Has God cured his speech? Is he not really speaking this clearly but he's WRITING this clearly? Maybe some of this was retold and written by an editor? So many questions. I would like to think God healed Moses' speech, but there's just no info. Thank you!
Asked by Female, North America, New Christian, 36-45 on February 21, 2021 12:00:00 pm
Ask a Bible Question



Info Language Arrow
Prayer Tents is a Christian mission organization that serves Christians around the world and their local bodies to make disciples ("evangelize") more effectively in their communities. Prayer Tents provides resources to enable Christians to form discipleship-focused small groups and make their gatherings known so that other "interested" people may participate and experience Christ in their midst. Our Vision is to make disciples in all nations through the local churches so that anyone seeking God can come to know Him through relationships with other Christians near them.

© Prayer Tents 2024.
Prayer Tents Facebook icon Prayer Tents Twitter icon Prayer Tents Youtube icon Prayer Tents Linkedin icon