First steps

Focused prayer is not unattainable...it just takes some practice  and INTENTION to do it. We can all do things we really want to do, and learning to focus during prayer is one of them. So what is prayer, anyway? What is focus?

I like the definition of prayer that says it is communication with God. It's not some recitation of a to-do, or want list, but an exchange with God. Have you ever been talking with someone when they suddenly zone out and you know they are thinking about something else? How often we all do this during prayer....we start off OK then our thoughts suddenly switch to something else. It happens. The thing to do is be aware of this and then immediately switch back to focusing on our conversation with God.

And what is focus? Think about an archer....Focus is true concentration on the 'task' at hand...in this case the task is hitting the mark. If she looks away or loses concentration, someone might get hurt and she certainly will not hit her mark. If we concentrate on talking with our God during prayer like an archer focuses on their mark, just think how much we will grow in our walk with God. And That, is what I believe to be the main objective of prayer...not the gaining of things, or even the answers we seek to our prayers, but finding a closer, deeper, richer relationship with God....reaching higher and allowing God to live more fully in our lives, so God receives the honor and glory.

So, today as you pray, when you find your thoughts wandering, bring them back and keep your eye on the mark....the bull's eye...focused prayer.