My mind wanders during prayer.  Rambling here, meandering there.  Ambling, traipsing and moseying thither and yon!  All when I prefer to focus.  Why is that so hard?  Am I alone?

Hear the Apostle Paul–‘And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.  With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints’ (Ephesians 6:18).   All kinds of prayers and requests.  Keep on keeping on.

Someone says that when you pray and get off track, just follow the path.  See where those thoughts take you…and pray for whatever comes to mind.  Don’t fight it.  Go with the flow.  Follow His lead without second guessing.

You know something?  That thought is liberating.  I waste too much time wondering if I’m praying in the right way.  Agonizing over which wordy formula will break through heaven’s clouds.  Especially if I could only decipher His code to get what I want!  See what I mean about misspent energy?

Now here’s a clearer picture.  Pray for needs I know about.  But don’t shut down ancillary thoughts that seem out of right field.  Who knows?  St. Paul encourages us to pray using multiple kinds of prayers and requests.  Lay it all out before the Lord, knowing that His welcome mat is out (Hebrews 10: 19-25).  His porch light stays on.  Don’t walk on eggshells.  No need to.

Pray with abandon.  Keep it simple like Jesus’ prayer for His disciples (Matt. 6:9-13).  Short-and-sweet works fine.  Or on-and-on if that’s how you feel.  From your heart to God’s own.  Gets through without any busy signals or weak connections.  First in line, every time!

Anyway, both Jesus (Rom. 8:34) and the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8: 26-27) are interceding for us with the Father.  Imagine a better inner circle on your side?  I can’t.  OJ’s legal ‘Dream Team’ a bunch of unranked amateurs in comparison!

So, go for it.  Nothing to lose…much to gain.   Pray…!

Thank you, Lord, for always hearing our prayers.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.