Distractions are an inevitable part of our life, especially in a modern age where distractions may be commercialized. It is not inherently wrong to be distracted, you won’t find that on any list of sins no matter how extensive. However, the Bible does have plenty to say about how the mind is drawn away, and how one may be diverted from their God-ordained responsibilities. In this light, it is easier to see how distractions can easily take us from our mark in the Christian life, even if that simply leads you to inordinately value things in your life. If you are pursuing silly small things at the expense of doing your job, this is a distraction which costs you, to varying degrees, your role as a faithful employee. Distractions can even cause us to miss important things in our lives. Parental responsibilities are also something God calls us to fulfill to his glory and our good, but a distracted parent may miss many of the enchanting opportunities of watching your children grow and giving them the love and attention they need.
Distractions occur in Scripture as well, such as when Satan tried to divert Jesus from the path set for Him by the Spirit when he was driven into the wilderness for 40 days (Mt 4). Hunger was a distraction to Jesus, as was comfort, but Jesus used Scripture to speak back against the distractions of the enemy who sought to tempt him. The biblical word for distraction, περιεσπᾶτο, is used only in Lk 10:40, where Martha almost allowed distractions to cause her to miss Jesus’s teaching and some of the precious few moments she had with him before he left. So we see that distractions are like a lot of things in this world: not inherently bad, but can be used for terrible purposes.
If you have felt yourself constantly afflicted by distractions and unable to fulfill the responsibilities assigned to you, this prayer is for you. My hope is that this prayer would alter your perspective, focus your mind, and set you back to accomplishing the tasks required of you today. The roles God has assigned to you, such as worker, parent, sibling, Christian, spouse, child, or citizen are worthy callings and God has designed that you be faithful and fruitful in these roles, but He has also ordained that they would be of great joy and fulfillment to you in this life as you go about them while abiding in Him. Therefore, do not turn so easily from the course He has set for you, do not let distractions rob you.
Ever-present Father, Today I am drawn, taken aside by this and that, whether by worry or by whim. As a ship at sea, adrift and unguided, my way is set by the wanton will of waves. I am as a subject of weak forces, rather than their master, buffeted about even within my own mind. But you have deemed that the control of self is a gift, Spirit-given. You have set good works before me, that I should walk always in them, though I am plagued by fits and starts. I have been charmed by the momentary, at the cost of the enduring. Or else fear fogs my way til I falter. You have ascribed dignity, responsibility, and direction to the people of Your world, those who, though fallen, are not removed from Your first purpose and vocation; yet who am I among them? May flourishing and dominion describe me? For flourishing seems too fine, and dominion too dazzling, to describe my path today. For I behave as one ashamed, hesitant, aimless and unmoored. While you tend perfectly both the lilies, the sparrows, and all human life, I see that I am often over-matched in managing my own small affairs. What is it that draws me, distracts and diverts? And how worthy is it, truly, of my consideration? Does it stand in opposition to You, or Your words, or the path you've set me today? Far be it from me to entertain enemies at my own table, so let not my own thoughts be directed against me. For your desire is that minds be renewed and fixed for Your purpose, that all our meditations be acceptable to you. So Lord, let no worthless thing occupy my mind, but set it, as Your domain, on things above, intent on fulfilling Your purpose in the next task set before me. Prepare my mind for action, that I would not settle for distraction, but endeavor forward to fulfill my role as called. For no obedience is so small that it does not please you, nor are any of my tasks so intimidating as to frighten You, so let my duties be undistracted delight to me this day, given as they are from You. Restore resolution in me, that I would tend only to that which is mine, leaving to You those things beyond me. Whether in family or fortune, whether in work or world events, let me be one who is faithful in the little given me, and You be the One who turns the world. Scatter preoccupation with Your purpose and presence, that I would meet the next task you've set me this day. Amen.