Whats a good thing to think of during church?

Question

I usually derail my train of thought and need help.

Answer 1

How about concentrating on the message?

Answer 2

Try keeping your mind on what's going on, what's being said, and such. That said, if you could do that without help or suggestions, you wouldn't have asked the question. I hope what you really meant to ask was "how do I keep my mind on what's happening and being said in church?" That's what I'm going to answer.

To keep your mind actively involved in what's going on, find things to notice. Make a mental list if needs be. See if you can identify any patterns in the minister's speaking or writing. My pastor usually says things two or three different ways when he's explaining things. He'll repeat himself using other terms. He explains things well by coming at them from different angles. I'm bad at it, so you can probably very easily see that I just did it. I didn't notice he was doing it until I started having to sign-interpret the sermons for a deaf gent that started attending there. (My pastor's a "he" so I will just say "he" all the way through. If your pastor is a "she," you'll know I mean her, too.) Look for patterns and preferences. Watch how he says things. Don't set yourself up as a critic, just observe for information. Does he preach from an outl;ine? See if you can copy down his outline by listening to what he says.

Another thing to try is making a page with the alphabet running vertically down the side of the page. Listen carefully to find an interesting word that starts with A, then a good one that starts with B, then C, etc, all the way through. Keep them in order; it makes it more challenging. Tell yourself the words have to have at least 7 letters, or some such thing. Listen carefully to the sermon to find these words. Practice so you can do it without your paper after a couple of weeks. That's a good way to listen to what's being said.

If it's not your mother tongue that he's preaching in, see how many words you understand. I used to do that when I was in Europe, in countries where I was far from fluent. I'd understand about 25%, then 35%, and on up. Listen for words you don't know, even if it is your mother tongue. Write these words down and look them up later, or ask someone what they mean. If it's a small church, ask Pastor. He'll be glad you were listening.

Over in N Europe, a lot of the churches are full of statues and pictures and such, all of saints and heroes of the faith. I've been told that these were put into the churches so that when people's minds wandered (yours isn't a new or unique problem by any means) they'd have Christian things to look at and think about! If your church has things like that, think about what life was like for the people represented in those pictures. Pray that you can have the same strong faith they did.

Answer 3

Sometimes I have the same problem. I was just talking to a pastor about it earlier and she said we all get different things out of going to church. I don't what you think about during church but I know I get all philosophical and start coming up with all sorts of things and questions about God. In that way it's not exactly a bad thing but I really do try to focus on what the Priest or Pastor is saying.

Answer 4

Focus on the Holy Spirit asking Him to help you listen to the sermon. A measure of self control and discipline would also help your cause. Don't sit with or around other people who also have a hard time paying attention or who may like to interrupt during the service. Being a Pastor I find it very annoying when people don't listen or interrupt me and others. There is allot more I could say on this subject...just make up your mind to stay on track!

Answer 5

Our Father God The Holy Spirit And Jesus Christ the Son the Lambs Book of life and if your name is written in it Praising our Lord for saving our lost souls

Answer 6

for the past thirty seconds i been trying to answer the question "Whats a good thing to think of during LUNCH?" and i am wondering, "what the heck is he talking about?" and then i look at the question again and see i misread it...

now i feel like an idiot...(just thought i'd let you know)

your answer: id say just listen to what is being said and try to relate to it somehow (like if it happened to you)

Answer 7

How about concentrate on the sermon being preached. Chances are there is something being said that you need to hear, and can relate to life. God bless*

Answer 8

Precious thoughts are love, unity, peace...and how to practice them under the guidance of God.

Answer 9

How about thinking about why you are there and growing in your relationship and education with the Lord? Otherwise- why bother going?

Answer 10

Think of how you and all the Christians will be going to your heaven and all the rest of humanity being left behind.