Lord, teach us to pray

He was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.”  
(Luke 11:1)

When it comes to prayer, it seems that other people are always better at it than ourselves. This seems to be true for both spontaneous and structured prayer. Recently I found myself having similar conversations with different people about prayer. Distraction is the most common obstacle experienced during prayer.

This is no news and indeed is the most common experience about prayer.

Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.’
 (Luke 18:10-12)

The Pharisee had just started to pray and already got distracted  by the presence of somebody else in the temple.

 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’  I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted. 
(Luke 18:13-14)

Indeed the tax collector was less distracted than the Pharisee. His prayer was spontaneous, honest and simple. And accepted by God.

Let me share with you some pearls of wisdom about prayer and distraction that I collected so far:

1. When your mind wanders during prayer, do not be discouraged. Just acknowledge the fact that it was wandering. It is no big deal. Thank God for giving you a thinking brain and start again.
2. Sometimes distractions during prayer are due to the fact that we don't care too much about what we are praying for. Praying for world's peace is noble and just. But maybe what you really desire right now is a promotion at work and you can't take your mind off it. Pray for this. When you pray for what you really want, you will not be distracted. Be honest with God and God will accept your prayer. You will find easier to pray for world's peace and any other noble cause if you first pray for what you desire. (Hebert McCabe, "God, Christ, and Us")
3. Distractions during prayer might be a cross to bear. Rather than being an obstacle, it can be a way to be closer to God.  Offer this cross to God and ask Jesus to carry it with you. He will come to your help. (St. Teresa of Avila)

Because you have made the Lord your refuge, the Most High your dwelling place, 

no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent.

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. 

On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.

(Psalm 91:9-13)