I have found “The Imitation of Christ” and the contemplative works of Thomas Merton to be quite helpful when it comes to distractions during the Rosary and other forms of prayer. The human mind is constantly bombarded with thoughts and images especially when we pray. Even the saints had to deal with distractions but, the way in which we deal with distractions is an entirely different matter. Some people become quite aggravated and even become spiritually upset at the amount and substance of the distractions, opting not to pray or to go thru emotional gyrations at some of the disturbing images that come to mind at a moment in which we want to focus on the intentions of our prayer. Realize at the moment that the “parade” of images and thoughts come spilling into your prayer time that you simply bypass them, allow them to pass by as insignificant “speed bumps” to be ignored. You must assume the attitude of a recovering addict, “quit and quit again”. And continue to pray, meditate, contemplate. You are not actively seeking these distractions and it is an opportunity to build-up your spiritual life. No one is completely free of distractions; real or percieved. All the Saints had them and learned to place them in their proper perspective and consequently became better at praying, meditating and contemplating. You may not always have the benefit of a prayer card or a holy image to help you and in fact while those things are helpful, they too bring a different set of distractions. Learn to ignore the parade of images and thoughts this will some day lead you to the prayer of quiet, the prayer of interior silence… even in the midst of the storm.
Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum.
She told me that perhaps my Guardian Angel is nudging me - that prayers are needed for the subject of my wandering! It makes sense when I am reminded that Jesus wants to be a part of ALL areas my life!