4 Prayers to Overcome Distraction During Bible Reading

We live in one of the most distracted civilizations of all time. Just driving down the road, if you aren’t distracted by your phone, you will most likely be thinking about what is on the radio, or the billboards on the side of the road. Different messages and noises are coming at us in many different directions. Thankfully, the biblical authors give us four verses that we can pray as we prepare our hearts to take in the Scripture.

1. Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain. (Psalm 119:36)
2. Pray that the Lord would give you a desire and love for the words that you are about to read.

2. Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. (Psalm 119:18)
3. Pray that the Lord would open your eyes to the truths set before you in Scripture. That the Holy Spirit would illuminate that truth and that it would be set on your heart and mind.

3. Unite my heart to fear your name. (Psalm 86:11)
4. Pray that the Scripture you read would illuminate the weight of your sin, but also the grace and mercy of God. That your heart would be set ablaze with fear of His name.

4. Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
   (Psalm 90:1-4)Pray that the Lord’s love would satisfy your soul. Pray that any anxiety or fear you have would be taken away as you set your gaze upon Christ in Scripture. Pray that you would not desire any other thing than God.

Practice defeating distraction each day by praying through these Psalms before you enter into your Bible reading. Distraction may be difficult to defeat on our own, but it doesn’t stand a chance against the Word of God. Expect to fight against distraction during your time with the Lord, but know that routines and the power of the Spirit can keep you focused.