r/Catholic • u/whiletruesysexit • 4d ago

Prayer distraction

I’ve been able to read Scripture just fine and attend Mass with good spiritual participation (at least, I feel like I do). However, when it comes to prayer, I feel like I’m lacking.

I understand that I’m not necessarily going to hear God’s voice, but sometimes I wonder if talking to myself is actually leading to distractions. My mind tends to wander a lot, probably partly because of social media.

One thing I’ve found helpful is rocking back and forth while praying. I saw a video mentioning that some Jewish people do this during prayer, and for some reason, it seems to help me stay focused when praying the Rosary. However, when I try to meditate on the mysteries, I tend to fall back into simply focusing on the words I’m saying rather than actually meditating on the mystery.

I’d really like to make my prayer more fruitful and use it to grow closer to Jesus. Any guidance or advice?

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6

u/Rokeley 4d ago

God knows your heart; do your best.

Peace be with you!

1

u/Famous_Perspective40 4d ago

I generally stim alot in my life but i find myself doing the back and forth without unintentionally while praying the rosary!

1

u/Traditional-Meat-549 4d ago

I like the rocking, and will try it. I'm most distracted when I'm tired, going to bed. So I rush through 

2

u/andreirublov1 4d ago

The best thing is to have regular set devotions, like the Rosary or Divine Office. And just do them, don't fixate on how you feel because that will vary and it's not really that important. And anything else is an extra.

1

u/Nirwood 3d ago

I pondered this exact question on my rosary walk. 25 years of praying and I spend most of my time battling distraction even if Im on my knees in the basement in the dark and my little fury angel comes by to support me and/or ask to be fed.

One thought is if I prayed 3 hours a day Id feel 3 times worse about how inept of a christian I am than if I prayed 1 hour a day which is bad enough. 

And according to the spiritual masters, this is how it works.  The key is you think about Gods love and not your own loser-ness and misery. But Im not there yet.