Get the Most Out of Prayer
In prayer all things here below vanish, and nothing seems important but holiness of heart and the salvation of others.
In prayer all my worldly cares, fears, anxieties disappear, and are of as little significance as a puff of wind.
The Valley of Vision, In Prayer.
Get the Most Out of Prayer: A Guide to Fervent, Focused Prayer
Tags: Prayer, Christian Living, Spiritual Disciplines, Fervent Prayer, Christian Meditation, Faith Journey
Introduction: The Struggle with Prayer Distraction
Have you ever started praying, only to find your mind wandering to everyday tasks like your grocery list? You’re not alone. One minute, you’re thanking God; the next, you’re mentally adding ketchup to your shopping list. In our fast-paced lives, it's easy for prayer to become distracted or mechanical.
But there's a way to make your prayer life more fulfilling. A simple adjustment—kneeling in prayer—can lead to deeper focus and spiritual connection with God. It’s not that kneeling convinces God of anything about you; it's that kneeling convinces you about your own heart. Paul mentions his practice of kneeling to pray in Acts 20:36, and we would benefit from adjusting our practice to his.
The Importance of Posture in Prayer
Most of us were taught that we can pray anywhere, anytime, in any posture. While this is true, I’ve noticed something interesting: when I kneel to pray, my mind is less distracted, and I feel closer to God. This physical act of submission can have a profound impact on our spiritual state.
We can pray in any position; that’s not the main concern. It’s the condition of the heart. However, our bodies and our souls are not necessarily separate entities. Where the body goes, the soul must follow.
By using the body to lead the soul, you bring focus and intention into your prayers. Imagine how much more centered your prayers could be if your posture reflected the reverence in your heart.
Key Takeaway: Kneeling to pray helps create focus and humility in prayer.
Why We Avoid Deep, Focused Prayer
I understand that we often pray during mundane moments, such as during a commute or multitasking. While these moments are essential to practice, they should not be the only times we relate with God.
If we’re honest, many of us approach God with a laundry list of requests: "Lord, help me get through this day," or "Keep me safe while I travel." There’s nothing wrong with these prayers, but they tend to be hurried and self-focused. Have we forgotten to approach God with reverence, seeking His presence rather than just asking for favors?
Key Takeaway: Regular, deep prayer is about more than requests—it's about connecting with God in a meaningful way.
The Biblical Call to Draw Near to God
The Bible calls us to draw near to God, especially in times of need. Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
This verse reminds us that we receive mercy and grace when we draw near to God. But drawing near means more than uttering a quick prayer—it means humbling ourselves and genuinely seeking His presence.
In these moments, we present our requests to God and find rest for our souls. Like Augustine said, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in You, O Lord.”
Key Takeaway: Approaching God with humility brings rest and grace to our restless souls.
Practical Steps to Deepen Your Prayer Life
If you want to experience the richness of true communion with God, start by adjusting your physical posture and mindset.
Kneel When You Pray: This physical act aligns your heart with humility, allowing your soul to focus on God.
Set Aside Focused Prayer Time: Don’t let mundane moments be the only time you pray. Set aside specific moments for deep, uninterrupted prayer.
Meditate on God’s Character: Before diving into requests, spend time reflecting on who God is. This will shift the focus from yourself to His greatness.
Conclusion: 3 Obstacles to Practicing Lament in Prayer
As you work on developing a more robust prayer life, you may encounter three main obstacles:
Unfamiliarity with Lament: Many Christians don’t know how to lament or express their deep emotions in prayer. Learning to pour out your heart is essential to connecting with God.
Desire for a “Successful” Image: In today’s culture, we often feel pressured to appear as though we have it all together. Vulnerable, humble prayer may feel uncomfortable because it contradicts the image we project.
Fear of Negative Emotions: Many of us avoid deep prayer because we don’t want to face the painful or negative emotions we might need to process. Lament allows us to bring these before God for healing.
By overcoming these obstacles, you can transform your prayer life into one filled with focus, reverence, and deep spiritual connection.
Best Praxis,
Jordan McKinney, Th.M.