I find that when I attempt to pray, I often find my mind wanders quite a bit. I never want it to wander, but it usually does. Recently I was visiting my parents in Bowling Green, Ohio, and we went to a drive-in church service (due to covid), in the parking lot of Saint Mark’s Lutheran. The sermon was about this very topic, and the preacher asked the parking lot of cars to honk if their minds also wandered when they pray. The entire parking lot honked, making me feel less alone in this struggle.
The following sermon was a helpful suggestion (obviously not a requirement). Use the acronym A.C.T.S. to help you stay on track
A – Adoration
When I start out my prayer, I think about why I adore and worship the Lord.
C- Confess
This is where you agree with God about his way of seeing sin, and confess to him what you need to. We trust we will be forgiven.
T – Thanksgiving
This might be one of my favorite part of this praying acronym. I love to list out as many ideas as I can, of what I am thankful for that God has graced me with. It feels very good to focus on the good.
S – Supplication
This means making requests of God.
I have found this method to really help me, and I wanted to share it in case it helps you also!
ACTS acronymChristianPrayer