How to Focus When You Pray: A Simple Bible Study Distraction Hack That Works

🎯 LIFE HACK #7: “Set a Timer, Set a Goal”

Problem: “I’m distracted all the time—especially when I try to pray or study the Bible.”

THE PROBLEM

Let’s be honest: distractions are everywhere. The dog barks, your phone dings, your coffee goes cold, and suddenly your “quiet time with the Lord” turns into scrolling through social media while feeling vaguely guilty.

• You want to read the Bible.

• You want to pray.

• You want to grow closer to God.

But your brain keeps jumping to your grocery list, yesterday’s conversation, or the weird noise coming from your fridge.

Sound familiar?
You’re not alone. In fact, you’re in very good company with every saint and sinner since Genesis.

THE LIFE HACK: Set a Timer, Set a Goal

Here’s your solution. And like most things we do here on the Holy Highway, it is both spiritual and practical:

✅ Set a timer for 10 minutes.
✅ Set one simple goal.

That’s it. That’s the hack.
You’re not committing to an hour. You’re committing to a moment of focus with God.

Maybe your goal is to:

• Read one Psalm.

• Pray for three people.

• Sit still and thank God for five things.

Once the timer starts, give yourself permission to ignore every other thought and simply show up for that one thing.
When the timer dings, you’re free to keep going or stop. But either way—you showed up. That’s faithfulness.

A BIBLE TRUTH TO STAND ON

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
— Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)

God is not asking for a perfectly undistracted mind.
He’s asking you to present your heart to Him. And even if you start with just 10 distracted minutes, those minutes matter to God.

A QUICK TIP FROM EXPERIENCE

Put your phone in airplane mode.
Set the timer on an old-fashioned kitchen timer if you need to.

Use a notebook to write your “one goal” before you begin.

And remember: Focus grows with practice.

A CLOSING ENCOURAGEMENT

You’re not failing because you get distracted.
You’re growing because you’re still trying in the midst of distractions.

So today, pick a time. Set a goal. Set a timer.
Then smile and say, “Let’s do this, Lord.”

He’ll be there—focused on you, even when your focus wavers.

OUR STORY

That’s our story, and we’re sticking to it! In fact, we’re living the story ourselves right now, even as we struggle like many of you. So what’s your story going to be?

Vivat Jesus! Le’t roll! Let’s pray!

THIS ARTICLE IS REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM “BibleStudyCartoons.com”