In Day One, we discussed starting your day with prayer and in Day Two we covered ending your day with prayer. In Day Three we looked at prayer from God’s perspective.

Today we are going to cover:

Practical Prayer Problems

Prayer Problem: The Wandering Mind

Does your mind wander when you pray? If it does, don’t feel too badly. Mine does too. Is that wrong? No, in fact it’s normal and natural.

Though a wandering mind is normal, we have to do something about our wayward thoughts when we pray. If I’m supposedly praying and all I can think about is the barking dog next door, what’s the point?

solution: Take Captive Every Thought

Paul told us to ‘take captive’ every thought:

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:5

To be honest, I didn’t understand this verse when I first read it. I read the verse to mean I should banish ‘bad’ thoughts and think only ‘good’ thoughts. Now I understand it to mean that we should take our thoughts, ‘good ones” or ‘bad ones’ and turn them to obedience.

I am not trying to banish any untoward thoughts whether I’m praying or just thinking. Instead, my goal is to turn my thoughts–good, bad, or just stupid–to obedience in Christ.

Prayer Problem: The Cares and Anxieties of the World

Do the cares and anxieties of the world distract you from praying or invade your thoughts as you pray? I think it’s safe to say most of us could answer yes to that question.

We’re in a spiritual battle and the battlefield is inside our minds. We’re fighting to take charge of our own thoughts and control our fears and anxieties so we can be fearless and disciplined in our daily lives and in service to our Lord.

No matter what distractions, wandering thoughts, cares, or anxieties you face, life will be better if you turn your anxieties over to God. I don’t mean ignore problems and hope they go away. Instead, I mean this:

solution: Do Not Be Anxious

In the past, when I felt anxious about something, my tendency was to jump in and try to fix things. Now my goal is to turn it over to God and take time to ponder the situation before taking any action.

In Day One we read these amazing words from Paul:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:4-7 NIV

Worried about your job, your kids, your mortgage, or your marriage? Turn over your problems to God. Just put them in His hands and go on about your business.

You will be more capable of solving your problems because you turned over all the anxiety and stress to God.

Seek God’s Guidance

The Bible makes it clear that our God wants us to seek his guidance first. For me, it took years to understand that I have to bring my fears, concerns, and anxieties to Him before I will be able to help myself or anyone else.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Matthew 6:33 NIV

So when you experience anxious, stressful moments, turn to God. Ask Him to intervene and help you control your mind, your thoughts, and your concerns. He will help you solve every prayer problem and each human problem you face.

When you’re praying, don’t let fear or anxiety get in the way and interrupt your conversation with God. In every situation, present your requests to God. No matter what his response is, you will begin feeling his peace. And God’s peace transcends all human understanding.

Yours in Christ, Kurt