Does your mind ever wander when you try to pray? Or even worse, do you ever just fall asleep?
Many of us have fallen victim to today’s overstimulating life. There are any number of things that keep our mind constantly humming.
When we attempt to be still and pray, satan sees a major opportunity. His playbook never changes. He begins with distraction.
Satan might whisper,
“Oh you are going to pray? Aren’t you tired? Did you remember to add that one thing to your grocery list? What about that Birthday greeting to your sister?
“I know you’ve got a lot on your plate. You better get your 40 winks now. Here, let me sing you a little lullaby. You’re getting sleepy. Don’t worry, God knows everything you were going to say anyway. Don’t worry about Him.”
Jesus’ Disciples were tired. Sitting quietly in a dark garden, after a good meal, they waited for Jesus to return from His Private Communing with God.
He had only asked them for one thing.
“Stay here and keep watch with Me.”
Matthew 26:38
But … when Jesus returned …
… “He found them sleeping.”
Matthew 26:40
The question Jesus asked them, He could easily ask us.
“Couldn’t you men keep watch with Me for one hour?” He asked Peter.
One hour? Many of us couldn’t make it 15 minutes!
It is interesting that Jesus directed His question to Peter, who was about to face temptations beyond anything he had ever experienced.
Jesus told him, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Matthew 26:41
Watch? Who are we watching out for? Remember that other being who is watching you. Peter later wrote,
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
1 Peter 5:8
Satan would very much like to be able to capture your soul. But first he must get through your flesh and then convince you to choose him instead of God.
So his first target will be your flesh … your body … your mind. What can you do to stay alert?
A good soldier trains for battle. Soldiers learn how the enemy operates, so they are not surprised by his tactics.
A good soldier knows when to expect a battle and prepares. Read Ephesians 6:10-17 to see how to dress.
And then … focus. Begin with thanking God for being God. Thank Him for all the ways He has blessed you. When we turn our focus to Him and off of the world and its troubles, we enter into His Presence.
When we think of all He has done and enjoy The Wonder of His Presence at this moment, praise naturally follows. Satan will not want any of that. He will retreat.
Is it ever ok to fall asleep in prayer? Yes. Falling into a peaceful sleep in prayer assures a beautiful rest!
“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28
“In Peace, I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
Psalm 4:8
This one is very timely for me, thanks! BTW, where do you get all the great pictures? Thank you for your ministry! Blessings!
Most of them are from Shutterstock, a great subscription for writers who need illustrations. I also have an app that allows me to add my own captions. It’s my creative hobby! Thank you for the positive feedback. Blessings in return!