Pastor Rick Warren
God loves you,
Friend
Today’s Podcast Teaching
Talking to Your Heavenly Father - Part 1
Your Generosity Brings the Hope of Jesus to the World
When you give to Daily Hope, you're a vital part in the work we do together to take the gospel to every nation.
Leather Notebook
Pastor Rick Warren
How to Give God Your Attention
09/27/2025

"My eyes are always looking to the LORD for help. He will keep me from any traps." Psalm 25:15 (NCV)

When you were in junior high school, was there someone you thought about all the time who was totally oblivious to you? It’s hard to imagine that someone who occupied so much of your thoughts could hold no space for you in their own mind. But it’s happened to most of us at some point, and it can be a painful experience.

Now imagine this: The Bible says God is always thinking about you. But how often do you pause to think about him? He’s not distant—he’s near, waiting for your attention, not because he needs it, but because he loves you.

God wants your attention! But how do you give it to him? One way is to pray about something over and over.

God had a particular affection for King David, and one reason is because David gave God his attention all the time. David said, "My eyes are always looking to the LORD for help. He will keep me from any traps" (Psalm 25:15 NCV). That means David was persistent in prayer. 

Like King David, you face unexpected traps every day. God is the only one who knows them in advance, and persistent prayer is the best way to show that you’re trusting him to keep you safe.

When you’re going up a mountain road, it’s always helpful to be able to anticipate what’s ahead. But if you're stuck behind a slow truck and can't see around the curve ahead, it can be really frustrating. At that moment, how helpful would a helicopter be to give you the “all clear” to pass?

God is like that helicopter. He can see what you can't see. He can see the traps you're going to have this week, this month, and this year. If you will give him your attention and focus, he’ll go ahead of you and show you how to navigate those traps.

The Bible says, "Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!" (Psalm 105:4 ESV). How often should you seek God? Continually. Prayer is not something to be checked off a list. It is an ongoing conversation.

Be persistent in your prayer. Keep seeking God for his direction and help. Don’t stop talking to him! He loves your attention, and he is ready and waiting to answer your prayers.

Talk It Over
  • We tend to be most persistent in our prayers when we are in deep pain. Why do you think this is so?

  • How is it possible to seek God continually? What is a practical way you can do this?

  • What are you anxious about? How does the act of prayer help give you peace over that situation?

Share
Pastor Rick’s Daily Hope brings biblical hope and encouragement to people around the world. Through his daily audio and written devotional Bible teaching, Pastor Rick shares the hope of Christ and the biblical truths people need to live a truly purpose driven life.
CUSTOMER CARE
English
800-600-5004
Spanish
949-946-6194
© COPYRIGHT 2025 RICK WARREN. PO BOX 80448 RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA 92688