The Challenges of Praying with ADHD: Tips and Techniques for Staying Focused

Frustration had set in as I tried to quiet my mind so that I could pray and read my bible. My mind was racing, and I found myself planning out what I needed to do the next day. I tried to concentrate on praying when my three-year-old came in and asked what I was doing. After addressing her inquiries and shooing her out the door, I started over, this time frustrated at how much time had passed and I had accomplished nothing.

 

Do you struggle with staying focused during prayer due to your ADHD? Do you find yourself easily distracted or unable to quiet your mind? If so, you’re not alone. Many individuals with ADHD find prayer to be a particularly challenging practice. But don’t worry; there are strategies you can implement to help you stay focused and connect with God.

 

The Emotional Toll of Prayer Struggles

Prayer is a powerful source of comfort and strength, but for those with ADHD, it can also be a source of frustration and disappointment. Feeling like you’re unable to connect with God can be a painful experience. For many years, this was true for me. I felt so disconnected from God. My other Christian friends had no problem spending an hour or more praying and reading their Bibles. What was wrong with me? I was beyond frustrated.

 

It’s okay to voice the emotional ups and downs of your spiritual walk. God wants us to be honest about how we feel. Believe me, He understands. After all, He made us.

 

Tips and Techniques for Staying Focused

After years of frustration, I decided that I was going to get up early every morning and spend time in prayer, no matter what. I was tired of feeling the disconnect. I wanted my relationship with God to grow. That first morning at 4 am, I sat in my family room and didn’t know where to begin. My prayer was simple, “Father, I’m not sure how to begin, but I just want a closer walk with you. Please help me find a way. Amen.”  Then I got up and went back to bed. Surprisingly, this was the beginning of what has been thirteen years of a consistent prayer life. Has it been a struggle to focus at times? Yes. With ADHD, it is always a chance of this happening, but what I didn’t do was beat myself up about it. I stayed consistent even through the struggle. 

 

Here are several strategies I use to help me stay focused during prayer.

 

• Prayer Journals. Try journalling your prayers to keep you focused. Using a journal to write out my prayers is one of the strategies I use even now. Writing helps me to stay focused a little bit longer. 

• Prayer Books. Use books that have prayers already written that you can read during your prayer time. I have several prayer books that I use during my prayer time to pray for different situations.

• Bible Apps. Guided prayer or bible apps can help to keep your mind from wandering. After I pray, I often use the YouVersion bible app because it has targeted devotional plans. You can choose any plan for whatever you are dealing with or whatever you want to focus on. You can use this app during your prayer and bible study time. 

• Exercise or Movement. You can also try incorporating physical movement, like walking or stretching, into your prayer practice to help release excess energy and increase focus. When my mind is really going, I will often get on the treadmill and walk while I pray. The constant movement helps to focus my mind as I pray. Then you can cross exercise and prayer off your list of things to do. 

• Pray with a Friend. If you’re having difficulty praying because of ADHD, don’t be afraid to reach out to a trusted friend or family member. Sometimes praying with someone else can help when you are having trouble focusing. This may or may not work for you. For me personally, it was difficult because I am such an introvert and like doing things on my own. But for some, this may be just what you need.

Implement Strategies and Seek Consistency

Try incorporating some of these strategies into your prayer practice and see what works best for you. Remember, consistency is key. Set aside time each day for prayer and make it a regular part of your routine. Don’t worry about how long you can pray. My journey to consistency started at just five minutes every day at a set time. After a while, it was 10, 15, and 20 minutes. Now, on a good day, it’s an hour, and on days that it takes a little bit longer to focus a half hour. 

 

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)

 

While prayer with ADHD can present challenges, it’s important to remember that you are not alone in your struggles. By seeking support, implementing helpful strategies, and staying consistent, you can connect with God and find peace in your prayer practice. With patience and dedication, you can overcome the challenges of praying with ADHD.

 

Let’s Chat!

• What challenges have you faced in staying focused during prayer with ADHD?
• What tips and techniques have you found effective in maintaining focus during prayer?

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