How do I focus in prayer for 30 minutes?
1. You need a quiet place, because you don't want the regular distractions that come from noise and traffic.(sight)
2. You can certainly do this with your eyes open. Praying with your eyes closed is kind of a western culture thing. It's good, but not necessary.
3. Calm your spirit, because you do speak to the LORD, and He speaks to you spirit to spirit. (1 Cor.2)
4. Read a Psalm. Sometimes that can be calming. Ps.46:10 says, "Be still and know that I am God."
5. Have pen and paper ready for when God speaks. Just write it down, don't worry about figuring out what it means. Pray for discernment. If He lays the name of a person on your heart then pray for them. Sometimes I will send the person a note or call and let them know that God put them on my heart and I prayed for them. (Sometimes they will tell you why or just thank you.)
6. Since this is a new habit, you might have to stand up or something to keep you from nodding off. Certainly don't attempt this at bed time. Be fresh we you spend time with God. Don't give Him the scraps of your day. (He knows!)
7. Don't hog up the prayer time. Pray what is on your heart, and then shut up and listen for God.
8. Talk to Him as face to face.
9. Don't be discouraged. Satan will throw every distraction your way to keep you from praying like this, because he knows the power of prayer. Stand firm!
