Responding to a follower’s question
about how to stop one’s mind from wandering during prayer, Graham
suggests that first, Christians must remember who they are praying to.
“You aren’t praying to yourself or
another person; you are praying to God, the all-powerful and glorious
Creator of the universe,” Graham writes, adding that Christians must
respect their opportunity to speak to God in the same way they would
prepare to speak to the U.S. president or queen of England.
“How much greater is God!” Graham exclaims, adding, “He alone is ‘majestic in holiness, awesome in glory,’ Exodus 15:11.”
The religious leader and renowned preacher goes on to encourage
Christians to “take time when you pray to praise God and thank Him for
His goodness,” arguing that too often, Christians come to God with a
laundry list of demands and requests.
“Begin by thanking Him for His love, a love so great He sent His son into the world to die for you,” Graham says.
Another tip for staying focused during
prayer is to keep a prayer list, Graham continues, suggesting that it
helps maintain concentration, as well as keep track of which prayers
have been answered.
“Give God the best moments of your day,”
the evangelical leader concludes, “because of Christ ‘we have access to
the Father,’ Ephesians 2:18.”
The 97-year-old preacher has previously
spoken on the importance of remaining focused on God, not only during
prayer but also through busy schedules and life changes.
In response to a May 2011 question posted to “My Answers” on
the BGEA website, Graham said that “even when we forget God, He never
forgets us! He knows what’s happening to us every moment of the day, and
He also watches over us.”
There are lots of strategies for staying
focused on God throughout the day, Graham says, the first being to
start the morning with a prayer and a reading of the Scripture.
“Pray about things you know you’ll be
facing that day, and read a portion of God’s Word, the Bible. Then let
that portion of the Bible take root in your soul all day long,
remembering it and calling it to mind,” Graham writes, noting that
another method is to “develop a habit of constant prayer.”
“When you meet someone new, utter a
silent prayer for them. When you learn about a problem someone is
having, pray for them. When someone tries your patience, pray for them.”
While prayer is necessary, it is not all
that Christians should do to strengthen their relationship with God,
Graham wrote in an October 2004 post. Christians must also look to Scripture for guidance, because “prayer by itself is like a diet without protein!”
“You see, without the Bible we are in
danger of making up our own ideas about God, and even wondering (as you
do from time to time) if God exists or if it is all in our imagination.”
Credits sundayadelaja
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