The thing to do is,
not work against listlessness, for listlessness is only a symptom, but
work up a real interest in the object of prayer. Find something to pray
for, and pray for it with all your might.
Mind-wandering during secret prayer can also be attributed to lack of
interest in the right thing. If your mind wanders, it is no sin, but a
sign that you have nothing very pressing to pray for. If you were wanting
something which you needed very much--if you were sorely and severely
tempted, or were sick and suffering, or if you were persecuted and needed
help--you would pray earnestly enough. Or, if you had in mind a friend
or relative who was in need of help, then you could pray earnestly.
The cure for listlessness and mind-wandering, therefore, is in feeling
and knowing the need, either of ourselves or of others, for which we
engage in prayer. There is too much need for any listlessness in prayer.
To be sure, no one can always feel the same degree of fervor and unction
in prayer; but there may always be enough to make prayer a really
refreshing season to the soul.
Prayer is more than asking; it is praise, thanksgiving, communion. We
are exhorted "to be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and
supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God"
(Philippians 4:6).
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