(Summary of Article–Let’s face it, if you have ADHD, you want a short article!)
For those with ADHD, prayer can feel challenging due to the need for focus and stillness, which may seem restrictive. However, in a world full of distractions and stress, prayer offers a vital way to reconnect with God and find peace. It’s not just about asking for help but about nurturing a relationship with God and seeking guidance. While traditional prayer advice may not always work for those with ADHD, there are strategies that can help improve focus and deepen your prayer life.
One important step is to minimize distractions, such as avoiding Bible apps on your phone or removing your smartwatch during prayer. Finding a quiet space, even unconventional ones like a car or laundry room, can also help. Establishing a consistent prayer time and setting a timer for short sessions can make prayer feel more manageable. For those who struggle with silent prayer, using a journal or speaking prayers aloud can help keep focus. Movement, such as walking or using prayer cards, can also aid concentration. Combatting boredom can be accomplished by not using the same method each day or changing the topic of prayer. Breaking up the prayer time over the day into small chunks may also be a way to get more prayer time in.
It’s important to remember that prayer is about progress, not perfection. Even if distractions occur, God values the effort to connect. Embrace your unique way of praying, knowing that God cherishes every moment spent with you.
(Full Article–for more ideas and explanations.)
For someone with ADHD, anything which requires focus and stillness can feel restrictive—like being handcuffed. Prayer can feel that way too. However in a world filled with distractions, stress, and uncertainty, prayer offers a powerful way to reconnect with God and find peace. It’s not just about asking for help, but about nurturing a relationship with God and seeking guidance. Whether you’re facing challenges or simply seeking connection, prayer is essential in today’s fast-paced world.
Traditional prayer advice doesn’t always work for people with ADHD or anyone struggling to jumpstart their prayer life. If you find it difficult to focus, these strategies can help. Even if you do not have ADHD, these tips can be useful for deepening your prayer life.
1. Remove Distractions
Distractions can pull us away from prayer, so it’s important to minimize them. For example, avoid using the Bible app on your phone—it’s easy to get sidetracked by social media or emails. If you wear a smartwatch, take it off during prayer to avoid distractions from notifications.
It’s also helpful to find a quiet space. If you’re in a busy household, consider praying in non-typical places like the car, bathroom, laundry room, or even during a walk with the dog. I’ve had some of my best prayer moments in the shower, where I’m undisturbed and focused.
2. Get into the Habit
Consistency is key. Try praying at the same time every day. This helps your brain recognize that it’s time to focus, making it easier to stay on track. Over time, prayer will become a natural part of your routine, and consistency can build a stronger connection with God.
3. Set a Timer
If you struggle to sit still for long periods, set a timer to help manage your time. Many people with ADHD feel pressured to pray for long stretches, like 30 or 60 minutes, but this can lead to perfectionism and frustration. Start small—set a timer for just **five minutes**, or even **two minutes** if that feels more manageable. You’ll be surprised how quickly the time can stretch. Avoid using your phone’s timer, though, to prevent being tempted by other apps.
Any prayer time is better than none. God understands our limitations, and He’s just thrilled that you want to spend time with Him. If you feel called to pray more in the future, simply pray about it and trust God will guide you.
4. Use a Prayer Journal
If silent prayer is difficult, try writing your thoughts in a prayer journal. Writing engages the mind in a way that can help you stay focused. Plus, a journal lets you reflect on your prayers and see how your connection with God grows over time.
5. Speak Your Prayers
Sometimes, speaking your prayers aloud can help keep you focused. Prayer is a conversation, and voicing your thoughts may prevent your mind from wandering. You can pray while driving, walking, or sitting—just speak from your heart, and remember that God hears you wherever you are.
6. Movement While Praying
For those with hyperactivity, movement can be helpful. If you tend to be restless, try praying while walking, in nature, or even while on a treadmill. Movement can channel your energy and help you stay focused on God during prayer.
7. Use Prayer Cards
Whether you stay seated or move while praying, prayer cards can be a helpful tool. These cards can serve as visual reminders, guiding your thoughts and keeping you focused. Keep the cards simple—perhaps with one word or image per card to remind you of something specific to pray about. To keep them organized, use a small photo album or ring them together. This will help prevent them from scattering, making them easier to find and use.
8. Seek Progress Over Perfection
Don’t strive for perfection in your prayer life—seek progress instead. You’re going to stumble at times, and that’s okay. Prayer isn’t about getting everything “right”; it’s about the connection with God. If you find yourself distracted or inconsistent, don’t see it as failure. It’s just how your brain works, especially if you have ADHD. God doesn’t judge your thoughts or distractions—He celebrates your desire to connect with Him.
9. Mix it up
Boredom is a major challenge for people with ADHD. To combat this, try varying your routines throughout the week. For example, you could journal on three days and use prayer cards while walking on the other four. It might also help to switch up the topics on the prayer cards to keep things fresh and engaging.
10. Break up the time
If you want to pray for 15 or 20 minutes a day, but do not feel like you can do it all at once, try breaking it up into small chunks a few times during the day. If you can pray a few or several times for 2 to 5 minutes that adds up. Many times people with ADHD can do things for short periods several times easier than one extended time.
Remember, your way of praying is unique to you, and it glorifies God in a way that no one else’s can. Even in the messiness of your thoughts, your prayers have value.
Final Thoughts
At the heart of prayer is your relationship with God. It’s not about achieving perfection but about progress—connecting with Him in the way that works best for you. God loves you as you are, with all your distractions, restlessness, and imperfections. Embrace your unique way of praying, knowing that each prayer, no matter how scattered, is meaningful. God cherishes the opportunity to connect with you, and that’s what truly matters.
Prayer is not about being still or perfect; it’s about being present with God, in your own way, and finding peace in the process.
