A remedy for wandering thoughts in worship by Richard Steele (Available from Heritage Books or free here) - Continue Chapter 6 by reading up to the section with the heading: 'Section XI. A divided heart'.
Firstly Steele informs us that Satan is a cause of distraction in worship of God. The remedy is that of Christ's own prescribing, "Watch and pray, lest ye enter into temptation".
Secondly Steele teaches us that vain thoughts at other times are a distraction in our Lord's service. The remedy against idle thoughts when out of duties is:
(i) a right understanding of what a vain thought is;
(ii) be thoroughly convinced that vain thoughts are sin;
(iii) daily wind up your spiritual watch and renew your covenant with God in prayer;
(iv) repent thoroughly and heartily for them.
I think the point about vain thoughts at times other than in worship is very important: 'These vain thoughts at other times make us apprehend it more impossible to conquer, and less sinful to be conquered by them. And when distractions appear so powerful that there is no resisting them, or so harmless that they are not worth our trouble to resist them, then is a flood- gate opened to let them in ; when once our courage is conquered, or our conscience is seared, we are quite undone. And thus you see that one sin ushers in another, and the looseness of our heart at one time, prepares it to be so at another. Even as you observe your children are more unruly before strangers, or when they should be most demure, than at other times; and you are then more aware and troubled at their shrewd words and gestures, than the whole year besides ; alas! it is not merely that they are worse then, but then you take more notice of it ; it is then more observable and apparent, though their carriage be much the same as usual. So it is with your hearts : O, cry you, I am more pestered with foolish thoughts in prayer or sermon, than in all the day or week besides; then my heart is worst, when it should be best. Alas ! it is naught all along ; it does but as it used to do, only you observe it not at other times, and now observe it a little and find it out, but it is always so.'
You can't expect to think sinful thoughts all the day long and then not have them when you come before your Lord in worship.
Next week's reading
Conclude Chapter 6.
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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