Maintaining focus In Prayer
For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit
prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful (1 Corinthian 14:14).
One vital element of effective prayer is
focusing your mind on what you’re praying
about. Imagine that someone is praying for the
salvation of souls in a particular region of the world.
He’s interceding that, through the preaching and
teaching of the Word, God’s righteousness would
prevail in the towns, hinterlands, and cities without
hindrance. While at it, his mind wanders away, and he’s
thinking about some nice cars, houses or a meeting
he’s scheduled with a friend. His prayer would hardly
be effective that way, and this happens to a lot of people.
Focusing your mind, emotions and entire faculties
on what you’re praying about is very important, and
praying in the Spirit is a great advantage in this regard.
When you pray in the Spirit, your spirit prays; your
mind is unfruitful (1 Corinthians 14:14). Therefore,
it’s important that you yield yourself to the Spirit by
giving Him your mind—paying attention to Him as you
pray. That way, you’ll be in sync with Him; His visions,
promptings, ideas and thoughts will be clear to you.
Praying in the Spirit gets you synchronized with
God’s will, His purpose, and timing. But your mind
has a role in this; you must get your thoughts together
as you pray in tongues. You might say, “As much as
I try, I just can’t help it; my mind keeps drifting as I
pray.” Maintaining focus in prayer is something you
do consciously. Your mind is a tool. You’d have to
discipline your mind to think in the direction of your
prayers, and switch it back to that thing you’re praying
about. If it wanders again, bring it back until your mind
gets the message.
In prayer, arrest your mind; channel your thoughts
and emotions in the direction of the Spirit, and you’ll
receive the ministrations of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer
Dear Father, I thank you for the tremendous blessings and
impact of speaking in other tongues. As I set my mind on the
realities of your Kingdom and pray in the Spirit, I’m aligned and
in sync with your will, purpose, and direction for me, fulfilling
your perfect will and bringing you glory in all things, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further study
1 Corinthians 14:14-15; 1 Corinthians 14:39; Jude 1:20
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
1 thessalonians 1-2:1-16
Isaiah 54-56
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
hebrews 5:1-14
ezekiel 5-6