Is it sinful to be a "prayer squirrel"?
2
votes
4
answers
414
views
My question arises from a preacher's Facebook post condemning the practice of being a "prayer squirrel" (i.e., getting distracted while praying). He offers the following as an example of what prayers by such a person might look like:
> Dear God, heal brother James of ... i need a coffee, I wonder who will win the hockey game tonite ... God heal brother James of his heart condition, and Lord... sister Jennifer really could use a blessing from you because she ... I forgot to take out the roast for dinner ... the kids are late coming home from school ... bless sister Jennifer because she needs encouragement. Amen.
In support of this being sinful, the preacher translates Colossians 4:2 thusly (emphasis added):
> Devote yourselves to prayer **without distraction** as you pray
Is this an accurate translation of Colossians 4:2? Does the verse prohibit being a "prayer squirrel"? While it certainly makes sense that we should be focused when praying, are we specifically commanded such by Colossians 4:2 or other verses, meaning that distraction while praying is sinful, or do verses such as Colossians 4:2 have a different application in mind?
Asked by The Editor
(401 rep)
Jul 25, 2022, 02:09 PM
Last activity: Feb 2, 2023, 08:16 PM
Last activity: Feb 2, 2023, 08:16 PM