Praying

On Sunday mornings in our church we spend a lot of time praying. There is often extended time for praying for Christians who are being martyred in other parts of the world. I find myself so easily distracted during prayer and don't know how to keep my heart focused on prayer. Praying for martyrs shakes me out of my distracted thoughts which include but are not limited to-

• why doesn't Lydia wear that dress more often
• I wish I had painted my nails yesterday
• I hope Abigail doesn't need to go potty or have an accident
• I hope I remembered to turn on the oven so lunch will be ready

And that's just in my own family on my own row.  If I am not working hard to focus on prayer, my heart wanders. Being shaken by the needs of others helps bring me to the reality that I live a very easy life. I am deeply humbled when I realize my own thoughts compared to what Christians in other lands have to face. What a blessing that in this day and time right now, I do not have to wonder if my family or I will be persecuted for our faith.