Distracted Worship
Recently, the Lord has been teaching me about “distracted worship.” Many believers, myself included, often don’t realize how distracted we can be until the Holy Spirit opens our eyes through God’s Word. In this blog post, I’ll share some insights and practical tips that God has revealed to me.
First, let’s define our terms. According to the Oxford Dictionary, a distraction is “a thing that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else” and “extreme agitation of the mind or emotions.”
Both definitions provide a helpful perspective.
- Preventing Full Attention
When you think of worship, you might picture a church service or an intense praise session. But worship encompasses more. Here’s how i see worship – Does your day-to-day living involve God? Do you trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding? Do you acknowledge God in all your ways? Or do you give Him the leftovers of your day after work and entertainment, flopping into bed with an exhausted sigh and muttering a few incoherent lines of prayer?
Do you come to church to hear God’s Word and grow in faith, or are you there out of routine or convenience? Do you pray only when it fits your schedule, yet expect God to respond immediately?
Do you bring your phone to church and rely on a Bible app, only to get distracted by emails, social media, and live updates? Some even come to church more focused on boosting their social media presence than on the service itself, recording and live-streaming instead of listening.
You’re distracted at church, at home, and in your daily life.
How can you hear from God? How can you know what He intends for you to do? How can you build solid convictions?
- Looking Back
“No man, having put his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). Think about it. The man knows what he is striving for and declares, “I’m going with Jesus all the way!” But then he gets distracted by what’s happening around him, wondering if others are struggling too, checking his progress, or reacting to noises behind him.
God’s standard is clear and unwavering.
- Distractions of the World
This is painful but true. The world isn’t looking to the church for guidance. Why should the church take lessons from the world? Don’t deceive yourself with, “I’m becoming more open-minded.” That’s Satan’s lie, making you more worldly.
If the Bible were removed for a week in all you do, would your life still reflect and proclaim who Jesus is?
Remember God’s words are not rules and regulations, they are life!!
- Agitation of the Mind and Emotions
A distracted mind struggles to find peace and focus. It doesn’t take long for the enemy to turn inner agitation into full-blown anxiety. Bringing our minds to rest means carrying our burdens to God in prayer. As the hymn says, “Oh what peace we often forfeit, oh what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.”
Unfortunately, distracted prayer is like driving on autopilot. We might start with fervency but get derailed by phone calls, notifications, or other interruptions.
We ask God to help us know Him more, but when He responds by stirring a desire in us to pray, study, and fellowship with other believers, we often neglect it.
- Self-Reflection
As I look at what worship is, I must admit too that I’ve had moments of distractions. Quickly answering a phone call before returning to prayer or Bible study, or sitting down to just meditate and my mind refuse to come to rest, I end up making more plans and more plans and even more plans. Or choosing to join Zoom Church, I’m the comfort of my bed, and you can complete the rest.
- Practical Tips to Avoid Distractions
1. Set Specific Times for Prayer and Worship: Dedicate uninterrupted time for prayer and Bible study daily. I’ve seen that this helps. The first few days will be tough, but I’ve realized there’s something about consistency. It causes a refining. Showing up at those times creates an atmosphere of intimacy and expectations. God goes before you wait to see if His child will come. It’s like the fellowship in the garden of Eden all over again.
2. Limit Screen Time: Turn off notifications and set your phone aside during these times. Believe me, things will still be fine by the time you come back to your phone.
3. Prepare for Worship: Arrive at church ready to engage, leaving distractions like social media and unnecessary gadgets behind. Even at home, too, create an atmosphere of worship. You might not even be praying, but you know just as I do that praise brings miracles and moves the hand of God.
4. Create a Worshipful Environment: Find a quiet, distraction-free space for personal worship. It can be your sizeable closet, as far as you can get in there and be alone with God. It’s all that matters.
5. Stay Accountable: Share your goals with a trusted friend or group who can help you stay focused.
This right here is the meat; accountability will keep you focused. Try it.
You’ve held yourself back for too long. It’s time
Arise. Get up. Your Father is waiting.
The cross can not be in vain in your life and mine.
# ThatIMayKnowHim
I think this was made for me, cos sometimes I get distracted while praying and even sometimes forget wat am praying about but I thank God that he has been doing something new in my prayer life in the past months and I bless his name for it. GOD bless the Eden place Amen .
Thanks for sharing this, God bless The Eden Place