I’m just not feelin’ it!

Sipping a steaming cup of tea, my bottom planted in my favorite chair, my Bible nestled on my lap- I set out to pray. Before my eyelids shut completely, I notice a thick layer of dust on the fireplace and nag myself to dust it later. Attempt number two begins as my chubby dog saunters by. I think about walking her later in the day. Focusing my mind again, attempt number three begins. But not before I notice the chips in my toe polish…

I generally do not own an ADD disposition, but many a morning, my brain will not cooperate with my prayer plans. I’m just not feelin’ it!

Do you ever experience this conundrum: right place, right time,  wrong mindset?

I have learned over the years that I need a different approach to getting prayer in motion when my brain is trailing away and using up all of my time thinking about  dusty fireplaces, full-figured dogs, and ugly toes.

Two of my “go to’s” are Psalms and Prayerbooks.

Psalms: The book of Psalms is a book of prayer. A rich collection filled with praises, poetry, laments and prayers to God. While reading through the Psalms I highlight the verses that speak to my heart. Then, on a dry day, I pray these highlights aloud as they become my own prayers and praises. The cry of David’s heart becomes the cry of my own.

Prayerbooks: Books printed with  prayers. They are scripture-based, dealing with anything from grief, addictions, marriage and so on. Traditional church prayerbooks include Doxologies and Catechisms. But my favorites are less formal than these. I regularly use The Power of Praying  books by Stormie Omartian; prayer guides used to pray for my husband and children. Secondly, I use a book by Beth Moore  called  Praying God’s Word. It  is thorough, covering most issues that humankind struggles with. There are many others available, explore online (www.christianbook.com) and see what suits you in your season of life.

I yearn to make the most of my time with God, so I am thankful for His word and enriching resources to help me on those hard-to-focus mornings.

I pray God will bless and enrich your prayer time. May you hone your focus as you draw ever closer to Him.

Now if you will excuse me, I’ve got a dog to walk.

 “The Lord has heard my supplication; 

The Lord will receive my prayer.”

Psalms 6:9 NKJV