Devotion to Rosary is waning

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Salve995

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For a while, I’d pray the Rosary first thing each morning, but I’ve been growing lukewarm in my devotion lately. I have sinned (the sin of the flesh that isn’t sex) and feel hopeless. I have been struggling with the latter especially, and I keep doing it mostly out of an addiction that began in my early teens and to relieve stress. And I figured since I’m condemned, why even bother praying? It’s a silly thought process, but it’s there. I’d like to take up devotion to the Rosary again, but, I reiterate, I feel worthless in Our Blessed Mother’s eyes. How can I shake off the feeling of worthlessness and shame? Help!

I want to confess, but, as we all know, parishes are closed throughout the U.S., and I am not sure if confessions are being offered by appointment, but I guess I should find out.
 
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Such things are a battle for all of us. It may no seem like it, but it is always better to resist. If you fall again resist. Resist always resist, always pray and talk to God. Talk to God like you would a friend. God knows you may not be able to get to confession right now. Yes, see if you can make an appointment, but if you can’t you cant.

The longer you stay clean, the easier it gets, not the other way around. I used to think that there would be an earthquake of frustration and stress if I did not give in, but that isn’t true, not if you keep at it.

God loves you, our Lady loves you, very very much. You are worth fighting for in their eyes. They should be worth fighting for in your eyes as well. I will pray for you.
 
A sure way to drift away from the Lord, is to focus too much on ourselves - in any way but His way. Too much focus on our own righteousness - too much focus on our own sinfulness - too much focus on what we do, or what we fail to do - the more time we are focusing on ourselves, the more we are avoiding the very good Truth of our God!

Maybe you could focus on just one prayer, and save the Rosary for later on. For example, the one prayer, the Our Father. I found a meditation on the Our Father that is very different - that focuses on each petition, one at a time, to help us enter more deeply into that beautiful prayer, the Our Father. It is found HERE - LINK.

That link takes you to the 1st page which introduces the reader to the “Interior Liturgy” that the author sees in the prayer itself - the Our Father. The Introduction may seem a bit complicated, but it can help in the prayer of meditation itself, which actually begins on the next page that follows.

The whole “pilgrimage” will take the reader through the Our Father, one time, but maybe understanding it more than before. I’d recommend that you try it, anyway. To begin to really listen to God in this prayer, the Our Father, may call you out of yourself and into Him, in a surprising way! And in a healing way.

May the Lord bless you.
 
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Perhaps another form of devotion fits better for you.

Have you tried the Liturgy of the Hours/Divine Office?

Lectio Divina?
 
Dear Salve,

First, let us thank Jesus and Mary for giving you the grace to humbly ask for help to get back to loving Jesus and Mary through the Rosary. It is a very Powerful Prayer containing the “Our Father” - the perfect Prayer Jesus taught us, and the sweet “Hail Mary” to remind us of the wonderful things God can do in a soul who says “Yes” to Him and does not count the cost to self. Mary believed and she is Mother and Model for the Church. Pondering the Mysteries helps us to follow Jesus as Mary did.

The evil one who tempts us, or our own desire to please ourselves which tempts us, or the world around us can tempt us, BUT Jesus and Mary are more powerful than any of those 3: “the spirit of the evil one”, “the spirit of the flesh” or the spirit of the world" tempting us us continually.

The Gloria and the Fatima prayer at the end of each decade are a consolation for all of us who have sinned and an encouragement to continue praying for God’s forgiveness and His forgiveness of all those in most need of His Mercy.

Please also look into the “pilgrimage” which fide suggested. I have made that pilgrimage twice, The first time 3 years ago, and the second time just recently. I prayed one petition a day and found that the second time was even more beautiful an experience for me. It greatly enhanced my devotion to Jesus through Mary. I hope you will follow the link he gave and try it.

The saints have experienced battles, and we are likewise called to holiness as they were, so we look first to Jesus and Mary and then to our brothers and sisters who followed Jesus as Mary did.

Be blessed by young St. Dominic Savio who made resolutions before his First Holy Communion: “Jesus and Mary will be my best friends” and “Death rather than sin!” He died shortly before his 15th birthday. We need to be like children as he was in trusting God to make us holy. REmember God’s Words to St. Paul: “My Grace is sufficient for you!”

Pray the Rosary, pray everyday and never give in to the enemies of our souls. Remember your true vocation: God said; “Be Holy as I am Holy”. God does not leave us orphans and our Mother Mary takes her “Motherhood” very seriously. Please know you are in my poor prayers and I’m sure in the prayers of others who will read your post. You can be sure Jesus and Mary are interceding for you before the Father, even as they prayed for the thief on the Cross.
 
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It sounds like the reason you are not praying is because of the sin. This makes sense, as sin dulls the intellect and continuous sins hurts you in multiple ways. All is not lost! It may sound cliche, but it really is about getting up just one more time than you fall down.

Whatever this sin that you’re doing is, realize that it probably isn’t new. Even if it is, is your sin greater than God’s Mercy? No!

Our devotion is for God. There’s a chance maybe the Rosary isn’t working for you right now, but in all likelihood it seems to me the issue is the sin. I’d highly reccomend praying the Rosary every day, regardless of the emotions. But never just to say the words, but to truly show love for God, to grow in Him. Truly repent and get up just one more time, always contrite, always grateful. Be honest in your prayers. God bless.
 
I always get distracted whenever I pray the Rosary, but afterward, I address myself to Our Most Blessed Mother and share all my concerns and woes. That’s when I truly feel listened to and forgiven.
 
Distraction in prayer is something that happens. Just try to not pay too much attention to it and try to focus.
Maybe try praying the way you described, pouring out your troubles, before and after the Rosary, so that the whole thing is more personal.
Ultimately, it is your decision if you really truly believe the Rosary is not a devotional for now, or if it is just that you are getting distracted. If it is the latter, then definitely don’t give up but try to reorient and focus.
Ask our Lady to pray for you, as God directly, pray very much. These can be very good for the soul.
 
Keep going to Our Lady for help, Salve. Mary is such a loving Mother, she is always ready to help! She hears and she intercedes.
 
You have gotten a lot of good advice here. Do not despair…that is what the evil one wants.

I will keep you in my prayers.
 
Salve995 said:
And I figured since I’m condemned, why even bother praying?
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This is the wrong mindset. There is always a chance to repent. Think about the good thief on the cross. And like St Augustine said: ‘every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future’.
 
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