Drifting Prayer
Years ago, as part of the pastoral team of a large church, I was often called on to perform ceremonies of life transitions. Once, having just finished a memorial service, I was positioned at the head of a long line of cars proceeding to the cemetery for the graveside service. As the lead car, I was to follow behind the hearse for the several miles to the cemetery. The slow pace and the monotonous sound of my flashers had a hypnotic effect on me as I drove along on auto-pilot. My thoughts drifted off somewhere far, far away.
When I finally snapped back to the present and felt the slowness of pace, I instinctively put on my blinker and moved out to overtake the hearse ahead me. It only dawned on me what I had done when I glanced to my right to see the confused look on the funeral director’s face as I passed the hearse! To my horror, in my rearview mirror, the entire column of cars had started to follow my lead and were moving out, as well. Fortunately, a police officer saw my faux pas and easily zippered us all back in, redeeming my embarrassing mental moment.
I have a confession to make: I’m easily distracted. Particularly so when I pray. I know that’s not the kind of thing you want to hear from a pastoral prayer guy, but it’s true and I wonder if it’s not just me?
Spending time talking with God is something we know we should do, but sometimes we’re not sure how to do it. It seems simple, “talking with God”, but why does it feel so awkward?
It’s easy to default to something more tangible, like reading the Bible, or listening to worship music, or serving at church, maybe even praying for the needs of others, but when it’s just you and God alone, it can feel a bit nebulous.
I wonder if the disciples ever felt that when they observed Jesus spending long periods of time praying to the Father. I’m sure it prompted the question, “Lord, teach us to pray.” (Luke 11:1). Jesus answered them with a guide, a tool that directed the heart and mind to God. We know it as the Lord’s prayer. The most repeated prayer in history, I suspect.
Jesus knew that men’s hearts were prone to wander; perhaps that’s why He gave them a personal pathway in prayer. He knew that when practiced, the Holy Spirit would lead them to the Father’s heart of love. Would you like to know a simple tool that has helped me build a prayer life?
I have a friend, a mentor who I highly respect, and he shared a simple way to focus my mind in prayer. He learned it from his spiritual father, who likely took it from another. “Share it with anyone you like,” he said. “My copyright rule is your right to copy.” Trust me, you’ll like this and hopefully use it:
WHEN WE PRAY, we speak with the One who lives within us. Therefore, there’s no need to fill up the space with a flood of words.
Your goal should be to speak slowly, no need to rush. I encourage you to speak softly, as softness invites attention. Speak briefly, feel no pressure to exhaust the topic, and speak affectionately as one does with someone they care about. Let these distinctives set the tenor and tone of your prayer experience.
Now, use the letters of the word T-R-U-S-T to guide your flow.
T - Thank Him
R - Reign in Me
U - Use Me
S - Strengthen Me
T - Teach Me
T - Thank Him: Begin by slowly, quietly, briefly but affectionately, thanking God for what He’s done, who He is, etc. As you practice, the Holy Spirit will help retrieve different scripture verses or promises to your spirit that can easily be incorporated into your prayer of thankfulness. Linger here lightly then move to the next segment:
R - Reign in Me: “Lord, reign over my life, my mind, my relationships,” etc. Again, linger lightly, working to keep the tone of “slowly, softly, briefly, affectionately” then move to:
U - Use Me: “Lord, use my family, use me in my workplace, use me any way You choose.” Move gently again to:
S - Strengthen Me: “Lord, strengthen my love for You, strengthen my life with joy….” And then, finally:
T - Teach Me: “Lord, teach me Your ways, so I walk in Your truth, teach me to love You,” etc.
Rinse and repeat!
I generally cycle through the letters a couple of times when praying. But there’s no magic rule. I will promise that if you practice, you’ll grow more familiar with the themes and flow. You’ll feel more comfortable talking with God and, when that’s true, you’re just moments away from truly enjoying Him, and that makes all the difference.
If I’m honest, at times I can still get distracted in prayer, but when I do, this helps me to get back. I use the prayer of T-R-U-S-T, and just like that motorcycle policeman who saved the funeral procession from my mental lapse, it directs me back to the place I want to be.
If you woke up tomorrow with only the things you talked to God about today, what would you have?