I was practicing with my men’s doubles tennis team in Howard Amon Park a few weeks ago, and I learned a valuable lesson about not letting one’s thought get subtly distracted.

The park is located on the bank of the Columbia River that runs through Richland, Washington. The park is idyllic in many ways, with mature majestic shade trees everywhere, pools for swimming, lush green grass to lounge on, and spaces for community activities, like musical concerts.  And there was a concert happening while we practiced on the courts.

And the music was agreeable! It was my kind of music, and I found myself humming along with the tunes while I hit balls with the guys.

The problem was, I wasn’t playing very well. I missed too many shots, hit the ball long and wasn’t up to par with my serve.

After a miserable set, I asked, “What is the problem with me?”

Eventually, I realized that my thinking was distracted by the pleasant music playing in the background. I was paying 90% attention to my game and 10% attention to the music, and that made all the difference. The distraction was taking the edge off my game, and my playing suffered.

To play well, the game needed my 100% devoted attention!

I shut the music out of my mind, focused on the ball, and my game improved dramatically.

Lesson learned. If you want to do well in whatever you do, you have to give your activity 100% of your attention!

And this rule applies to praying a healing prayer.

If we allow our thinking to get distracted while praying to God for help, even 5 or 10%, by fears, doubts, or other preoccupations, our prayers are compromised. We are not getting “the full message.”

To fully benefit, Truth asks for our 100% attention.

So, to be successful in your prayers today, give God your full attention. Knock out the subtle distractions. Acknowledge the divine Presence in every way, and watch your “game” improve dramatically.