Narrowing our Focus
There’s been a lot of research about just how many thoughts you can have at one time. Many people have come to the conclusion that at any given moment, you can be thinking about up to 4 different things. This is why so many of us feel like expert multitaskers. I’d argue that most days I feel like I’m juggling way more than 4 things at once.
If our brains are able to do this, then why does our focus seem to dissipate so quickly? The real answer is that while it may feel like we can juggle multiple lines of thought at once, research shows us that in reality our brain is switching from one thought to another so fast that it almost feels simultaneous.
How often has prayer felt like this to you?
One of the great difficulties (and gifts) of communing with God in prayer is a clear mind and focus on Him. Prayer is a way for us to quiet all of the other thoughts and voices that drown out God’s voice and narrow our focus on hearing Him and responding. It is difficult, and sometimes feels impossible, but that is the exercise of listening for the voice of God.
What stops you in your tracks and reminds you of God’s majesty? Is it a sunset, or maybe the laugh of a child? For me, the hot water from the shower hitting my chest is almost a gut punch into focused prayer.
When we read what Jesus has to say about prayer, he puts a great emphasis on getting into the “secret place,” where we can give God our attention and focus.
“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Matthew 6:5-8
Our prayers are not for the world to see us, but for us to see God.
I’m sure that as you read this, there are dozens of other things vying for your attention. There is always more work to be done, errands to run, and family to take care of. When Jesus invites us into the secret place, it is for us to practice humility, but it is also for us to practice focus.
For these next few moments, find something that brings you back to God’s majesty. Is it a place, a song, a thing or person?
As you pray, use that thing to narrow your focus back to hearing the voice of God. What does he say to you?
Whenever your mind wanders, center yourself back with what you entered into prayer with, and say this centering scripture.
“Be still, and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10
Repeat that process, as many times as needed to recenter and narrow your focus on Him. With your undivided attention, what does He tell you?