Does prayer count if you're really distracted?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Emc3
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
E

Emc3

Guest
I prayed the rosary today and I was thinking about other stuff for pretty much the whole time. I’m a member of the confraternity so I don’t know if I need to pray it again to get the indulgences.
 
I prayed the rosary today and I was thinking about other stuff for pretty much the whole time. I’m a member of the confraternity so I don’t know if I need to pray it again to get the indulgences.
Notice what is stated Chapter 5, Item 12, in Indulgentiarum Doctrina (Pope Paul VI, 1967) that the measure of the merit is per the “charity of the one performing the act is greater, and in proportion to the degree to which the act itself is performed in a more perfect way”:

http://www.vatican.va/content/paul-...-vi_apc_01011967_indulgentiarum-doctrina.html
Regarding partial indulgences, with the abolishment of the former determination of days and years, a new norm or measurement has been established which takes into consideration the action itself of the faithful Christian who performs a work to which an indulgence is attached.

Since by their acts the faithful can obtain, in addition to the merit which is the principal fruit of the act, a further remission of temporal punishment in proportion to the degree to which the charity of the one performing the act is greater, and in proportion to the degree to which the act itself is performed in a more perfect way, it has been considered fitting that this remission of temporal punishment which the Christian faithful acquire through an action should serve as the measurement for the remission of punishment which the ecclesiastical authority bountifully adds by way of partial indulgence.
 
Last edited:
I used to have trouble praying the Rosary I’d get distracted. But I found a site that helps me:




I read one of the meditations then I focus on it for my Hail Mary. For each prayer. It helps!!!

And if your mind drifts just gently bring it back and don’t stress. As long as you are trying that’s what’s important
 
If the distractions are not willed/deliberate as in “I will check the time”, then imo I think you’re fine.

Our minds are always active, we have intrusive thoughts at times and our minds do wander. So as long as this isn’t deliberate thinking on other matters with just “lip-service praying”, imo, I think you’re fine.

There are also some medical conditions where you cannot focus/concentrate (which I have) and these are not willed by me, so my rosary is always “distracted”. I just refocus to the best of my ability and continue on. I have still offered this time of prayer to God and this is worthy. I could have given up, and persued something else instead of persevering with trying to pray.

As MeganCecilia said, just gently bring your mind back to the prayer you’re praying and continue on.
 
Even Saint Therese of Lisieux admitted to distractions.
It is human. She would try to make up for it later, but remember that God know your intentions and honest efforts.
 
While it’s better (obviously) to fully concentrate on our prayers, I often pray while waiting in long lines at the store, or even when my computer and printer are causing me long delays. I try to change a negative into a positive, even if it’s a distracted positive.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top