Do you ever struggle in your prayer life?  I know I do.  Sometimes I find it so difficult to keep my mind focused.  Sometimes I become so distracted by the things of this world, the plans of the day ahead, things I need to accomplish.  Sometimes I feel like I am a crazy person just talking to myself.  Can you relate?  I hate to confess, but there are times when, because I am distracted, I find that I have repeated the same thing two or three times, without much thought or sincerity.  Or, I will get up in the middle of my prayer time to do something that has popped into my head at that moment.
          This morning in my quiet time, I read Exodus 3:5&6, “‘Do not come any closer,’ God said.  ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.’……….At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.”            

          The commentary in my Bible says this:  “At God’s command, Moses removed his sandals and covered his face.  Taking off his shoes was an act of reverence, conveying his own unworthiness before God.  God is our friend, but He is also our sovereign Lord.  To approach Him frivolously show a lack of respect and sincerity.  When you come to God in worship, do you approach Him casually, or do you come as though you were an invited guest before a king?”i
          This got me to thinking:  if I were sitting with the President of the United States, or the Governor, or my Pastor, or even a close, personal friend, wouldn’t I be focused on our conversation?  Would I be distracted by the day ahead?  Would I repeat myself two or three times because I was not paying attention?  Would I get up in the middle of the conversation to go do something else?  NO!  To do so would be rude and disrespectful!  So how much more so to the God of the Universe and the Savior of my soul??
          Prayer is a tremendous privilege.  There are passages throughout all of Scripture telling us that God wants us to come to Him in prayer. He is listening (whether we “feel” it or not), and He answers.  Now I know that we can pray to God at any time, in any place, and it doesn’t have to be long or drawn out.  My point is this:  in our devoted times of prayer, we need to come reverently, focused, and mindful.  Lord, please forgive me for the times that I have not been so, and please help me to develop the discipline of prayer, and always be thankful for the tremendous gift and privilege that communication with you is.

Stacey Poplawski
WOC Graduate
i The Life Application Bible, New International Version Edition, Tyndale, Wheaton, IL 1991, p.108.