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Thursday, August 25, 2016

Wandering Thoughtfulness

"I am intimately involved in all your moments, and I am training you to be aware of Me at all times. Your assignment is to collaborate with me...(when) your mind goes off in tangents...do not be alarmed by your inability to remain focused on Me...redirect your mind...whisper My Name." (248)
I've often battled with wandering thoughts, even in the midst of prayer, bible reading or worship. That tendency troubled me... until I discovered how research affirms that most of us can catch ourselves thinking about things other than what we are actually doing much of the time. This cognition tendency can be a huge hindrance or, if handled creatively, can be a great asset, especially when it comes to prayer!
So, I started using those wandering thoughts like mental stepping stones to redirect myself back to Jesus. Now, whenever my mind wanders, I immediately talk to Jesus about it. I've discovered this allows me to confess quickly and to "bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ." (2 Cor. 10:5)
With quick confession comes the ability to ponder the situation from a whole new perspective! Wandering thoughts become another opportunity for prayer!
I've noticed that when I get distracted and share it with Jesus I am immediately put back on track, prayerfully "collaborating" with Him. I have talked to Jesus about many things that would have never made my official prayer list, but they've certainly become a part of my prayer journey.
This kind of unceasing prayer becomes a type of ongoing conversation with Jesus, who's become a close traveling companion. He knows my heart, is interested in the landscape of my mind, weighs in on the various scenes, conversations and attitudes I am experiencing. The relationship that develops is reasurring, enjoyable and rewarding!
It's a great way to intercede for others, for situations, and for my own deepest desires or hurts that are often too difficult to express otherwise.
Catching Wandering Thoughts with Pondering Prayers...dmc

4 comments:

  1. Thank you so much for sharing that Dawn Marie! I have beat myself up for not being able to stay focused while praying. I thought I wasn't a very good Christian because my mind wandered so much while praying. What a great way to take a weakness and use it to strengthen our prayer time!

    Psalm 25:15 My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only He will release my feet from the snare

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  2. Melissa...I love that verse! Thanks for sharing!

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  3. Thank you Dawn, your suggestion about wandering thoughts is a wonderful solution. God bless your prayers and ministry. Would you please say a prayer for a friend of mine who just buried her beautiful daughter. Prayers for comfort and hope, or wherever your heart takes you. Thank you.

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  4. I'm definitely blessed to have my issue addressed. This is how my prayer life this week has been, wandering thoughts...but praise God that I can redirect them back to him, these things that would never have made my prayer list.

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