I confess . . my “sweet hour of prayer” often turns into a mindless wandering.  I begin with the best of intentions.  I know God listens.  But before long my mind has wandered off into memories or anxieties.  I’m back inside my own head, and I couldn’t even tell you how I got there.

Then one day I read a little advice on focusing – a simple outline for prayer that even I can remember.  It works.  Three simple steps were suggested:  (1) thank you, (2) I need, (3) they need.  Even my sleepy head on the pillow can follow this one.   It begins with some words of thanks, words of praise, something specific – a very good reminder before I delve into my own wants and needs.  The second part is the “I need”.   The needs of that particular day may be very mundane but I can pray with confidence that the Lord is willing to hear my requests no matter what they may be.  And then the “they need” part.  This is often the longest as the specific needs of others are brought to my heavenly Father in the name of Jesus our Savior.

I am well aware that there are many ways to approach our heavenly Father in prayer.  He graciously hears. There is no approach to prayer that is “right” or “better” than any other.  The important thing is that we do pray, that we come to our heavenly Father often and confidently.

But, in case there is another “wanderer” reading this blog, perhaps these ideas will help you as they helped me.  Most of all remember that you approach a God who loves you, a God who loves you unconditionally.

Judy

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18