Do you find it difficult to stay focused on God during your quiet time with Him?  Does your mind wander to and fro with the cares of everyday living?  Perhaps these suggestions will be helpful.

1) A place that is peaceful and set aside for your prayer time.  I love summer because I can sit in our gazebo and enjoy Creation’s song while praying.  In the winter my desk by the window is my choice.   But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.  Luke 5:16

2) A method that works for you.  On your knees? Standing? Sitting? Journaling? Writing?  That’s my method…writing.  I find it easiest to write my prayers because I am totally focused.  Do take time to reread your words and listen for God’s response.  Write that down, too!  Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker   Psalm 95:6

3) An organized plan.  P-R-A-Y  or  F-A-C-T-S  or  A-C-T-S    Each of these acronyms is designed to focus on those areas that are used in Biblical Prayers.  Matthew 6:8-14

P – Praise      R-Repent     A-Ask     Y-thank You

F – Faith      A-Adoration     C-Confession   T-Thanksgiving     S-Supplication  (The faith section of this acronym is about knowing God’s Word so well it can be used in our prayers.)

A-Acclimation     C-Contrition     T-Thanks     S-Supplication

I’ve used ACTS for many years.  It helps me to remember the actions I should be using in every prayer, whether in community or alone.  Talk to Him daily.  He loves hearing from us!

Worship in Song       Pray On by Babbie Mason

Heavenly Father, may the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Your sight.  Thank You for the ultimate Sacrifice so that I can come before the Throne with a clean heart.  Grant my petitions and those from others, too.  You are my God and King.  Hear my prayer, Oh, Lord!  In the Precious Name of Jesus I ask You to make it so!