Every once in a while I am in the right frame of mind to pray. My mind is alert, my motives seem pure, concerns and thankfulness are on the tip of my tongue. Like I said, every once in a while I’m completely ready to pray. OK, it’s rare, in fact, it’s so rare that I can’t remember the last time it went like that.

While we will never be perfectly focused before we pray, please don’t let that stop you from starting. Actually, recognizing that you aren’t completely ready is a great step towards a great prayer time.

Here are some things I do when I realize I feel unprepared:

* I start by thanking God for my relationship with Him, no matter where my mind is at the time, it always helps.

* I confess bad attitudes and or other things that come to mind when I begin.

* I ask God to expose any negative motives in me. This one is difficult and I will deal more thoroughly with it later in this series.

* I thank God for the good things in my life. I express gratitude for family and friends, that He provides for me etc…

* I simply ask for help. Not only with circumstances I’m dealing with but also help in my ability to be honest with Him.

There are many things that I communicate once the prayer gets started but I will share those later.

For today, I just want to encourage you to begin, don’t wait till you are completely ready.

It may feel weird if you haven’t prayed in a while, but you know what? Tell Him that. Let Him know what you are thinking, it’s perfectly fine. Trust me, He understands.

More than anything, just start, there really is no need to wait.

Do you ever feel unprepared to pray?

Is there ever a reason to wait to pray?

Written by Tom Wise © Finding Wonder 2013