Finding Quiet in College

[ARH521]

I like to say a prayer right before bed time. However, I am living in a college dorm and find it difficult to find a quiet place to pray.

If I am going to bed before my roommate, he is almost always making noise. If he goes to bed before me, he almost always shuts off the lights without consulting me.

Tonight I downloaded a gregorian chant on iTunes and turned that on rather loudly with my noise-cancelling headphones. However, the temptation to use my laptop or iPod while praying could prove too big of a distraction for this to become a permanent solution.

Suggestions?

 

[FraLeones]

when my duties or situation doesnt permit me in praying the way you desire, i pray while lying in bed (when my sister already turned off the light) and unite my heart to His.

 

[Lilsheep88]

Does your school have some sort of prayer room?? I know most schools should have one (for all faiths not just Catholics) I know mine does and I believe its 24 hours. Dont quote me on that though.

 

[Sarahforgiven]

Head phones & chant are good options. You can also get the Rosary on mp3
I feel for you. I have had 2 children live in dorms recently. I think now that there are so many distractions people should really have their own room. Last year my daughter was able to move into a suite style where each person had their own sleeping area.

 

[Cryptic1]

God, fortunately is able to hear our prayer at all levels–prayers said out loud as well as prayers from the heart (heartfelt prayers without words). I find that if I’m having difficult praying or talking to God, just listening to praise and worship type music (in your case, the Gregorian chants) really helps to lift my spirit and opens the door to even deeper prayer or communication with God.

 

[DihydrogenOxide]

I like to say a prayer right before bed time. However, I am living in a college dorm and find it difficult to find a quiet place to pray.

If I am going to bed before my roommate, he is almost always making noise. If he goes to bed before me, he almost always shuts off the lights without consulting me.

Tonight I downloaded a gregorian chant on iTunes and turned that on rather loudly with my noise-cancelling headphones. However, the temptation to use my laptop or iPod while praying could prove too big of a distraction for this to become a permanent solution.

Suggestions?

Move into an apartment. They generally, depending on the area, will cost close to dorm prices. www.hotpads.com College dorms are not good if you want quiet. If you must live in a dorm, do some research. Chances are, there are certain dorms which are louder than others. See if you can swap.

You may want to go somewhere where you can think. Maybe go to a Starbucks or even your church if it’s open. Many churches have side doors open in my area during the daylight hours. Even if you have to drive to a walmart parking lot or whatever and pray, it’s a good option.

If you have to listen to your mp3 player while you pray to drain out the noise, consider buying some religious music, like chant, that will help you focus on God.