Screwtape Letters - Distractions in Prayer

My wife Michelle and I had the opportunity to attend a dramatic presentation of C.S. Lewis' classic work "Screwtape Letters" at Willow Park Church this past weekend.  For those unfamiliar with this book, it's an interesting take on the journey of the Christian life, looking at it from the perspective of our enemy, the devil and his demons.  In this play, senior tempter Screwtape is training up a new tempter, Wormwood, showing him the ways to trip up humans and keep them from experiencing God.  It's a powerful book and play, as Lewis pulls the curtain back on a world we don't often think about, but are engaged in every day. . . the spiritual realm.

Paul said in Ephesians 6:12 'For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places."  Until we come to recognize this truth, we will be blindsided by the attack of our enemy, which is constant.

One scene from the play sticks out to me, the picture of a new Christian trying to pray.  A junior devil does everything she can to get him to stop, primarily through distraction. . . other thoughts, a wandering mind.  As I watched, I saw myself many times in that exact spot.  My best intentions are met with crazy distractions and sidetracks.  I want and need to fight through those distractions, because the enemy knows the real power of prayer.  I'm starting to as well!

Prayer is not meant to be our last resort, but first.  And when things get in the way from us praying, acknowledge the attack of the enemy and ask God to silence that voice, protecting you in that moment. 

Here's a great reminder.  While our enemy is real, the Bible says "Greater is he that lives in us than he that is in the world" 1 John 4:4.  Teach me heavenly Father to push through Satan's tactic of distraction, that I might break through in my prayer life!

Pastor Mike Penninga