Ever open your bible only to quickly find your mind wandering to things to be done, friends to call and errands to run? Scripture tells us there is a war between our flesh and the Spirit. The old man desires anything but God, and our sin nature loves focusing on self. Galatians 5:17
So it shouldn’t surprise us when we find ourselves distracted as we read God’s word. The drawing near to God is a battle. The flesh opposes it. But we are not powerless when spiritual distraction hits. Because of Christ and His victorious work on the cross, we have His saving grace to overcome it. No longer are we enslaved to those selfish desires but free and empowered to faithfully pursue the Lord. Romans 8:1-11
I came across something helpful in overcoming distraction that John Piper of Desiring God shared. I love it. It’s simple and easy to remember. It’s four simple prayers that help center your heart on God and His word-guiding you to the grace that’s available. It’s also an acronym, so you can always refer back to it : IOUS.
Prayers That Center the Heart
I- Incline my heart to your testimonies. Psalm 119:36 We’re inclined to sleep, work and do lots of other things than turn to God’s word. So pray that your heart would be inclined towards God and His word.
O- Open my eyes to the wonders of Your word. Psalm 119:18 Our hearts are often dull and blind to the wonders of His word. We need the help of the Holy Spirit to see and understand the truths found in His word.
U- Unite my heart to fear Your Name. Psalm 86:11. We’re often divided and distracted in many directions-moms, working women, you understand this well. So we need to pray for a united, single focus on God.
S- Satisfy me with Your steadfast love. Psalm 90:14 We’re tempted to be satisfied in so many other things: friendships, adventures, possessions-than in knowing the One who truly satisfies.
So, when my mind wanders, which it does a lot, I recall all or one of the above prayers that help guide me back to what I truly desire most: Jesus.
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