*sit, stay*
What to do with distractions in prayer
This week, my little sister stopped by my office and Rocco got to show off what he’s been learning at obedience class. She was thoroughly impressed, especially by his most recent command: “Leave it.” That one’s been a gamechanger for us.
Last week at obedience class, all of the dogs learned how to sit. Rocco already knew how to sit, so naturally I felt like the superior pet owner.
So, after showing off his impressive sitting abilities quite a few times, I stopped giving him treats. He knows how to do it and over the course of a single obedience class, Rocco can consume A LOT of treats. It seemed like a good idea to take a break.
Rocco was not on the same page, though. He sat and he sat and he sat and he didn’t get any treats at all. That’s when he looked at the Sadie, the dog next to us. Sadie was still getting treats.
Next thing I know, Rocco his headed straight for Sadie and her owner, trying to get their treats. I wasn’t giving him what he was looking for, so he simply went somewhere that he knew he could get some treats.
Rocco got distracted. It was as simple as that.
You see, Rocco knew what he wanted: treats. And as long as he thought I might give them to him, he was willing to look to me. As soon as he realized he wasn’t going to get them, he went to the place he thought he would get it.
A similar thing happens when we’re distracted in prayer.
We start our time in prayer knowing exactly what we want: to grow closer to God. As long as we think that’s what’s happening, as long as we have a colloquy (that is, essentially a conversation) going between us, we’re good. If we’re doing intercessory prayer, we may be listing intention after intention, with the faith that God will answer.
And then a distraction comes. We realize that prayer will not satiate our need for breakfast. We remember that we left our coffee in the other room. We think about how nervous we are for the day ahead.
Then all bets are off. Or are they?
When Rocco ran away to try to get Sadie’s treats, it was a chance for me to use the command we had learned the week before: “Look at me.” Sure enough, Rocco looked at me. He came back. I gave him a treat.
When we get distracted at prayer, it is an opportunity to practice looking back at God. It is an opportunity to acknowledge that yes, we are human, we need breakfast and coffee and we have worries, and so we bring them to Him. It is a chance to train ourselves to learn that God is who we want to look to above all.
Now, it doesn’t always work that cleanly. I know sometimes my prayer is just me saying over and over again, “Dear God, I am just so tired.”
That’s a prayer too: God understands, he became human in Jesus! Opening ourselves to whatever we are experiencing, without exception, without true distraction, also opens us to receiving God’s grace in that moment.
You may not get a treat for looking to God in every moment, but you will get to heaven. And there’s nothing better than that.
Three Reminders:
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Rocco’s book club is underway! If you’re interested in the next book club, it will be on Friday February 4th at 8pm EST. The book is The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley. Reading the book isn’t required, but I have lots of thoughts about it so be prepared for me to get excited. For more info on joining the book club, read this post.
I just enjoy your letters. Always uplifting and inspiring. Thank you so much.