While brain drain refers to the departure of the bright and educated from a particular country, I also use it to describe the terrible drain on focus, energy and attention when our thoughts are consumed with things negative or unproductive.

Studies demonstrate that most of us find our thoughts go south when alone and unoccupied. It appears our thoughts are like water, unhindered they flow downhill, sometimes into the gutter or down the drain.

Not infrequently, my brain fixates on a difficult circumstance, something I failed to do, or some distraction or unpleasantness. From there, I easily slip into negative feelings and shame. That’s when I desperately need a stopper in the drain.

When it happens to you and you find your brain obsessing with worry, struggling with temptation, or feeling condemned, try this little prayer: “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

Repeating it over and over gives a focus for your mind and turns your grief toward God. You may still feel pain and distress, but it becomes fuel to turn your heart toward God. He is an ever-present help in time of trouble. He is a rock, a strong fortress, and mighty tower. You can run to Him and be safe.

Another form of the prayer, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner”, is called the Jesus prayer, coming to us from the Eastern Orthodox Church. The prayer’s origin, however, is found in the book of Luke. Here it is –

To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable:  

“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’

“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’

“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”                                                                                           – Luke 18:9-14

So look up when you are down and turn your grief toward God. His mercy comes to us like the rain, filling and refreshing after dread brain drain!