Praying According to the
Father’s Will
Avoiding Distractions
Praise and Prayer Service
Sunday evening, October 18, 2009
Music Video: Ancient Words
© 2001 Integrity’s Hosanna Music ASCAP
Worship Song: Psalm 5
© 1975 Maranatha Music
Give ear to my words, O Lord,
Consider my meditation
Hearken unto the voice of my cry,
My King and my God
For unto Thee will I pray,
My voice shalt Thou hear in the morning
O Lord, in the morning,
Will I direct my prayer
Unto Thee and will look up
From Webster’s Dictionary:
Distract - 1. To draw sight, mind or attention to a different object
or in different directions; to divert. 2. To agitate by conflicting
passions or by a variety of motives or cares; to confuse.
Distraction - 1. A distracting or state of being distracted; disorder;
perplexity; confusion.
We may think of distractions such as a cell phone, television,
computer or noise. But there is a far greater distraction than these.
Consider a “distraction” that forever altered the course of history:
The Serpent said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘you must
not eat from any tree in the garden’?” Genesis 3:1b

Our response to the distractions we face will affect our “history”,
and that of our family, neighbors, church and community.
May we suggest the antidote to all distractions:
1. Agree with and believe God’s Word is absolutely true. (John
17:17)
2. In context of God’s Word, receive its’ promises. (Psalm 77:8-15)
3. Determine that we will not let distractions deter our faith or our
prayers. Consider the following examples:
“Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced.
Therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know I will not be
put to shame.” Isaiah 50:7, prophecy concerning the life and death of Jesus
Then Paul answered, “Why are your weeping and breaking my
heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in
Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” When he would not
be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”
Acts 21:13-14.
What provision or promise have I believed and prayed for?
• Salvation of a family member, friend or neighbor…(John
3:16; 2 Peter 3:9; Proverbs 22:6)
• Revival in our church, community and nation…(2 Chron.
7:14)
• Physical and financial needs…(Philippians 4:19, Mat. 21:22)
• Spiritual and emotional healing…(Luke 4:18-19; Acts 10:38)
• Physical healing…(Matthew 10:8, James 5:16, Acts 4:30)
• __________________________________________________
_
When engaged in earnest prayer, we must do all possible to avoid
the distractions of fear, doubt, uncertainty, impatience, negative
talk, or questions about God’s Word. Read James 1:2-8.
Finally, consider the story in Genesis 15 of God’s covenant with
Abram. He had prepared a sacrifice; in verse 11: “The birds of
prey came down on the [sacrifice], but Abram drove them away.”

This example warns us that we must “drive away” all distractions
from our sacrifice of praise and prayer.