I sure hope I am not the only one who has nodded off during a prayer and then felt guilty when I woke back up. I know sometimes I am praying about something then my mind wanders off on some tangent.
This verse reminds us it is important to set aside time to pray without any distractions. Stay focused and keep your mind on the conversation between you and God. I think it's important to find some place to be alone without your kids, tv, phone and just have a quiet moment to pray.
Praying with a thankful heart is a way of showing your gratitude for everything that God has given to you. God loves to hear 'thank you' just as much as we do. People with a sense of entitlement have no response of appreciation, thus receive less and less.
Mark 12;30 '' Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’
''Prayer is to be a time of separation from the world in order to be with God. It occurs when we surrender our schedules, our priorities, and ourselves to the joy of drawing near to our Father in heaven. It’s a time to experience His love and express ours to Him; to remember that life is centered on Jesus and that our priority is to obey Him. It’s where our souls are nourished and we gain strength to continue.'' intouch.org