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One way to change your thinking from gambling is to pray. The Bible says to pray without ceasing. Today, consider whether that is something you would like to start doing. The first benefit of this is you begin to focus your mind on something good. Which starts to keep one from constant bad thoughts. Consider praying:

“Father, help me to turn from gambling and teach me how to help others.”

Today I realized that my lack of prayer was leading to negative thinking and critical thinking. That was my signal to pray: “Father, help me to care about people’s souls,” a lot more. That then led me to pray: “Father, fill me with Your strength,” because today is very busy… how can I find the strength to help the last few groups that I write for when I have time? That then led to my reading my printout of verses about strength.

When you try to pray without ceasing, you are not trying to find sofisticated words that can be written down for eternity. Instead, you are stating your availability to walk and talk with God like Adam and Eve did in the garden. Obviously, it is unlikely to be a running verbal conversation. Instead, as I restate my interest in being available to do His will, He may start to give me some direction.

Here are ideas for praying without ceasing:

Constantly praising the Lord

Praying often to be filled with love.

Praying to get the gambling and sin out.

Praying that the Lord will send out workers for the harvest.

Praying to be filled with joy.

Praying for wisdom.

Praying for humility

Praying for peace.

Praying for longsuffering, and toughness.

Praying for Gentleness.

Praying for Goodness.

Praying for meekness.

Finally, simply ask God to teach you how to pray. Then keep trying to pray.

The more we think about and do other things, the less time we have available for gambling.