Overcoming Distractions During Prayer: Techniques for Staying Present

Do you ever find yourself trying to pray, but your mind keeps wandering off to other things? Perhaps you’re struggling to focus on the words you’re saying or the message you’re trying to convey to God. This can be frustrating and can make it difficult to feel connected to your faith. If you’re a woman with ADHD or without ADHD, you may find it particularly challenging to overcome distractions during prayer. But don’t worry, you’re not alone.

 

In this blog post, you’ll explore some techniques for staying present during prayer that can help you feel more connected to God and deepen your faith.

 

The Struggle of Distractions During Prayer

It’s not uncommon to feel distracted during prayer, even for those who do not have ADHD. Your mind is constantly racing with thoughts, worries, and distractions. This can make it challenging to focus on the present moment and connect with God. But for women with ADHD, distractions can feel overwhelming and make it nearly impossible to stay present during prayer.

 

It can be frustrating when you’re trying to pray, and your mind keeps wandering off to other things. You may feel guilty for not being able to focus on your faith (relationship with God) or feel like you’re not doing enough to connect with God. However, it’s important to remember that this is a common struggle and that there are ways to overcome it.

 

As someone who has struggled with distractions during prayer, I understand how challenging it can be to stay present and focused. It’s easy to feel discouraged, and like you’re not doing enough to deepen your faith (relationship with God). But with the right techniques, you can overcome distractions and feel more connected to God.

 

Call to Action: If you’re struggling with distractions during prayer, know that you’re not alone. Take a deep breath and know that it’s okay to struggle. But don’t give up. Keep reading to learn some techniques that can help you stay present and focused during prayer.

 

Techniques for Staying Present During Prayer

  1. Start with a Clear Mind: I know this is easier said than done, but with intentional practice, this will become somewhat easier as time goes on. Begin your prayer by taking a few deep breaths and clearing your mind of any distractions. Try to let go of any worries or stress and focus on the present moment.
  2. Use a Prayer Focus: Choose a specific focus for your prayer, such as a scripture verse or a particular prayer request. This can help keep your mind from wandering off and keep you centered on your purpose.
  3. Incorporate Movement: If sitting still is too challenging, try incorporating movement into your prayer. You can walk, dance, or do some gentle stretches while you pray. Walking on the treadmill and praying is one of my favorites. This can help release any pent-up energy and allow you to feel more present in the moment.
  4. Use a Prayer Journal: This is a practice I use every day in prayer. It has helped me remain focused when my mind is distracted from the events of the day. Write down your prayers and any distractions that come up during your prayer time. This can help you identify patterns and triggers for distractions, which can help you better prepare for future prayer times.

Call to Action: Try out one or more of these techniques during your next prayer time and see how they work for you. Remember, it’s okay to experiment and find what works best for you.

 

Overcoming distractions during prayer is a common struggle, but it’s not impossible. By using techniques such as starting with a clear mind, using a prayer focus, incorporating movement, and using a prayer journal, you can stay present and deepen your connection with God. Remember to be patient with yourself and keep trying. With time and practice, you can overcome distractions and feel more connected to your faith. As it says in Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT), “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

 

Let’s Chat!

  • Have you ever struggled with distractions during prayer? What techniques have you tried to overcome them?
  • What helps you feel more connected to God during prayer?
  • Do you have ADHD? How has it impacted your ability to stay present during prayer?

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let’s build a safe and strong community of support.

 

Photo by Tachina Lee on Unsplash