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john said:

I do think my prayer life is not what it should be though. Even when I am praying, I often find my mind wandering. I have the desire to have pray more and commune more with God, but, at the same time, I just don't seem to have the strength to do it oftentimes. I realize this is indication of what's actually in my heart many times, and it's a bit discouraging.

I really understand what you're saying here because I think we all have times when it's hard to pray and other times when it's hard to stop praying. Don't be discouraged, God understands and sympathizes with our weaknesses. However, it's wonderful to know that we can come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain mercy and find grace in our time of need. Oswald Chambers wrote: "Beware of placing the emphasis on what prayer costs us; it cost God everything to make it possible for us to pray."

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Going back to prayer for meals, one of the biggest problems I have with that is I find myself falling into very formulaic prayers at that time.

I understand your concern here too. I don't think we have to be overly concerned about whether we use the same words frequently as much as the genuineness of our faith when we express what's in our hearts. Most of all don't make prayer a legal obligation, it should always be looked at as a priviledge. Moses wrote: "For what great nation is there that has God so near to it, as the Lord our God is to us, for whatever reason we may call upon Him?" (Deut. 4:7)


Wes

When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died, my richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride. - Isaac Watts