How can i get past this?

[ANGELIC_PEACE]

i’m sort of in a prayer routine (i try to say a morning offering prayer every morning…i try to say some prayers at morning and at night) i also wear a rosary bracelet so that during the day i can (where ever i am ) try to say some small prayers that are a few words long…

but what do you do when you find it hard to pray and when you do pray you end up mentally exhausted…

i don’t pray enough to be mentally exhausted…i’m talking like saying a few short prayers leaves me feeling drained…i feel like i can hardly pray, but on the other hand i don’t want to and i’m not going to give up praying altogether and not talk to god

i was getting along so well and was getting in to a prayer routine…and i was saying lots of short prayers through out the day …i found that i enjoyed praying…but at the moment everytime i try it seem as though i feel drained…how can i get past this and get back to enjoying praying and praying more…?

has this happened to any of you?

ANGELIC PEACE

 

[kell0618]

i’m sort of in a prayer routine (i try to say a morning offering prayer every morning…i try to say some prayers at morning and at night) i also wear a rosary bracelet so that during the day i can (where ever i am ) try to say some small prayers that are a few words long…

but what do you do when you find it hard to pray and when you do pray you end up mentally exhausted…

i don’t pray enough to be mentally exhausted…i’m talking like saying a few short prayers leaves me feeling drained…

i was getting along so well and was getting in to a prayer routine…and i was saying lots of short prayers through out the day …i found that i enjoyed praying…but at the moment everytime i try it seem as though i feel drained…how can i get past this and get back to enjoying praying and praying more…?

has this happened to any of you?

ANGELIC PEACE

Prayer should be a conversation, not a chore. Routine is good, but can sometimes be a detriment. If you have difficulty praying in all of the ways/times you suggest, why not just have a conversation with God instead of counting on some sort of formula? When you think of Him, say hello, thanks, I love you, please help, etc. Just as with any loving relationship, He needs some love and acknowledgement but there is nothing wrong with spontaneity. Several times a day, I find myself just saying “God, be with me.” or “Thank you, God”.

Peace be with you,

Kelly

 

[williamdwriter]

C.S. Lewis’s Screwtape Letters come to mind. In it an apprentice demon seeks to corrupt a believing soul. He is upset because his “patient” is praying. But his mentor says, “Don’t worry, for your patient feels like praying. It is time to worry when your patient goes to his knees when his prayers are as dry as dust. It is then that you have completely lost him.”

Sometimes I think God wants us to be in love with Him and not with feelings. This is tough though. Keep persevering! We know that God will answer your prayers to seek more conversation with him. Your feeling drained, may be all the better because in your praying through such times establishes you as a real friend to our Lord.

God give you more and more strength,
William

 

[ANGELIC_PEACE]

my routine isn’t fixed…i say a morning offering prayer and a few prayers at morning and night…i want a little bit of routine because i had only started to get myself on track with my prayer life…
and the small prayers during the day are to keep myself in contact with god and to pray for others…they are my way of keeping myself in contact with god …
i certainly don’t consider praying to god a chore…i found enjoyment in it…even saying the small prayers through out the day brought peace and joy to my heart…
myy question was why do i feel so drained…even saying or the thought of saying a prayer leaves me feeling drained…
i haven’t tired myself out praying or anything like that because my prayer life was tiny but i felt joyful and happy…now all of a sudeen this happens…

i know you said to be spontaneous during the day to god…but that is what my short prayers are…apart from jesus, mary and joseph, i love you, save souls! nearly every other short prayer is totally spontaneous and is not out of a prayer book it is made up on the spot by myself…i don’t sit saying them at set hours i say them through the day but not at set times…

for example i was still awake at 3 in the morning so i prayed an angelus…apart from the short prayers that can be said anywhere…i pray whenever…i don’t keep to a strict time plan

ANGELIC PEACE

 

[kell0618]

my routine isn’t fixed…i say a morning offering prayer and a few prayers at morning and night…i want a little bit of routine because i had only started to get myself on track with my prayer life…
and the small prayers during the day are to keep myself in contact with god and to pray for others…they are my way of keeping myself in contact with god …
i certainly don’t consider praying to god a chore…i found enjoyment in it…even saying the small prayers through out the day brought peace and joy to my heart…
myy question was why do i feel so drained…even saying or the thought of saying a prayer leaves me feeling drained…
i haven’t tired myself out praying or anything like that because my prayer life was tiny but i felt joyful and happy…now all of a sudeen this happens…

i know you said to be spontaneous during the day to god…but that is what my short prayers are…apart from jesus, mary and joseph, i love you, save souls! nearly every other short prayer is totally spontaneous and is not out of a prayer book it is made up on the spot by myself…i don’t sit saying them at set hours i say them through the day but not at set times…

for example i was still awake at 3 in the morning so i prayed an angelus…apart from the short prayers that can be said anywhere…i pray whenever…i don’t keep to a strict time plan

ANGELIC PEACE

I apologize if my post upset you. I will pray that God will help lift you over this ‘bump in the road’.

 

[ANGELIC_PEACE]

I apologize if my post upset you. I will pray that God will help lift you over this ‘bump in the road’.

you didn’t upset me…i promise you…

i apologise if my post came across like that…i was just trying to explain how it is for me…

you didn’t upset me in anyway…i just appreciate you replying and giving me some advice

ANGELIC PEACE

 

[iamscifimike]

Prayer should be a conversation, not a chore.

I’m not sure if I entirely agree with this. Perhaps with emphasis on “should” yes.

I think (and heard it taught that) there is a Holiness to persistence in prayer especially when you find it difficult to continue.

On another note I once heard Fr. Corapi recount of a time when he found it too difficult to say more that the Holy name of “Jesus” in his prayers. He was giving a talk on simple prayer and worked his way down from “Hail Mary” to “Glory be”. This time was so difficult for him that he had to settle for all he could get out, “Jesus” So in light of this, Kelly, I do agree with what you’ve said.

 

[TOP]

i’m sort of in a prayer routine (i try to say a morning offering prayer every morning…i try to say some prayers at morning and at night) i also wear a rosary bracelet so that during the day i can (where ever i am ) try to say some small prayers that are a few words long…

but what do you do when you find it hard to pray and when you do pray you end up mentally exhausted…

i don’t pray enough to be mentally exhausted…i’m talking like saying a few short prayers leaves me feeling drained…i feel like i can hardly pray, but on the other hand i don’t want to and i’m not going to give up praying altogether and not talk to god

i was getting along so well and was getting in to a prayer routine…and i was saying lots of short prayers through out the day …i found that i enjoyed praying…but at the moment everytime i try it seem as though i feel drained…how can i get past this and get back to enjoying praying and praying more…?

has this happened to any of you?

ANGELIC PEACE

Yes, I have huge obstacles in prayer. Alot of times, I need a prayer buddy. I have some really dark times when formal prayer time comes about. Of course I talk to the Lord through out the day, but when I fall to my knees to worship in prayer, I struggle with alot of things. Sometimes I think it is an external influence, it is so strong feeling. But it is just a feeling that can be overcome by an obedient will to please God. My own self is to blame for letting this overcome me at times. It starts out a thought “ahh , I’m tired, I can skip a night”. But remember the Lord in the garden as everyone slept. Be with Him in the garden. Tim

 

[JimR-OCDS]

i’m sort of in a prayer routine (i try to say a morning offering prayer every morning…i try to say some prayers at morning and at night) i also wear a rosary bracelet so that during the day i can (where ever i am ) try to say some small prayers that are a few words long…

but what do you do when you find it hard to pray and when you do pray you end up mentally exhausted…

i don’t pray enough to be mentally exhausted…i’m talking like saying a few short prayers leaves me feeling drained…i feel like i can hardly pray, but on the other hand i don’t want to and i’m not going to give up praying altogether and not talk to god

i was getting along so well and was getting in to a prayer routine…and i was saying lots of short prayers through out the day …i found that i enjoyed praying…but at the moment everytime i try it seem as though i feel drained…how can i get past this and get back to enjoying praying and praying more…?

has this happened to any of you?

ANGELIC PEACE

It sounds like you’re ready to move toward Contemplative Prayer.

In a quite place where you can pray, sit comfortably and close your eyes. Relax.

Place yourself in His presence.

Then begin to say His name, Jesus, or Lord Jesus. Don’t be anxious about anything and don’t force yourself to work at it. Thats not prayer.

Prayer is an act of love, and its akin to lovers resting in each other’s arms. No words are needed to express their love for each other, just being together is enough.

So it is in prayer. Just being in Jesus presence is enough. Say his name mentally. Whenever you feel distracted by unwanted thoughts, just return to saying His name. Allow yourself to be drawn to the debths of your being where Jesus dwells, and rest in His presence. Don’t ask for anything, do confess anything. Just be in His presence and love Him.

God Bless
Jim

 

[puzzleannie]

but what do you do when you find it hard to pray and when you do pray you end up mentally exhausted…

i

offer that condition up as prayer, and simply remain silent and resting for a time, and open to listening to God, or simply rest in His presence.

 

[DJgang]

offer that condition up as prayer, and simply remain silent and resting for a time, and open to listening to God, or simply rest in His presence.

I agree Annie, some days or even periods of time, God just wants you to listen…be at peace or yes, simply rest as you say.

 

[ANGELIC_PEACE]

It sounds like you’re ready to move toward Contemplative Prayer.

In a quite place where you can pray, sit comfortably and close your eyes. Relax.

Place yourself in His presence.

Then begin to say His name, Jesus, or Lord Jesus. Don’t be anxious about anything and don’t force yourself to work at it. Thats not prayer.

Prayer is an act of love, and its akin to lovers resting in each other’s arms. No words are needed to express their love for each other, just being together is enough.

So it is in prayer. Just being in Jesus presence is enough. Say his name mentally. Whenever you feel distracted by unwanted thoughts, just return to saying His name. Allow yourself to be drawn to the debths of your being where Jesus dwells, and rest in His presence. Don’t ask for anything, do confess anything. Just be in His presence and love Him.

God Bless
Jim

funnily enough about a month ago our local church had been clearing out all the books, prayer books leaflets etc out of the blessed sacrament chapel that adjoins the main part of the church…and all these items were put on a table at the back of the church and people could take what they wanted for free/donation…anyway i got a book about contemplative prayer…i don’t understand fully what it means…is it praying mentally in your mind.?..or is it just keeping silent and being in god’s presence (if it was i wouldn’t know whether i was actually praying or not)

ANGELIC PEACE

 

[ANGELIC_PEACE]

offer that condition up as prayer, and simply remain silent and resting for a time, and open to listening to God, or simply rest in His presence.

thats good advice puzzleannie!!!

i sort of made up my own morning offering prayer where i not only offer my prayers, works joys and sufferings of this day, i also offer my sleeping, waking, eating, drinking, sitting, standing, walking, resting, lying down, good health, illness, sacrifices, disappointments, tiredness , energy, reading, writing, watching tv, listening to music, going on the computer, heatbeats, breaths, steps, movement, and actions of this day too…
( i figured why not offer everything up)…so techhnically when i say my morning offering prayer my difficulties are offered to god…for his own intentions and for everything else i have offered it all up for…

ANGELIC PEACE

 

[St_Gabriel]

Somebody once said, " A picture is worth a thousand words". When you want to pray and you don’t have the strength, pick up your favorite picture of Jesus or the Saints and that will give you some.

 

[ANGELIC_PEACE]

Somebody once said, " A picture is worth a thousand words". When you want to pray and you don’t have the strength, pick up your favorite picture of Jesus or the Saints and that will give you some.

i have a little wooden bracelet (that i always wear) with pictures of saints, jesus, mary joseph guardian angels st michael etc…so i always have a picture of sacred heart of jesus, and jesus the divine mercy(it has both on it)!!! with me where ever i go

ANGELIC PEACE

 

[St_Gabriel]

i have a little wooden bracelet (that i always wear) with pictures of saints, jesus, mary joseph guardian angels st michael etc…so i always have a picture of sacred heart of jesus, and jesus the divine mercy(it has both on it)!!! with me where ever i go

ANGELIC PEACE

Thank God and make good use of it!

 

[hillariouslov]

i’m sort of in a prayer routine (i try to say a morning offering prayer every morning…i try to say some prayers at morning and at night) i also wear a rosary bracelet so that during the day i can (where ever i am ) try to say some small prayers that are a few words long…

but what do you do when you find it hard to pray and when you do pray you end up mentally exhausted…

i don’t pray enough to be mentally exhausted…i’m talking like saying a few short prayers leaves me feeling drained…i feel like i can hardly pray, but on the other hand i don’t want to and i’m not going to give up praying altogether and not talk to god

i was getting along so well and was getting in to a prayer routine…and i was saying lots of short prayers through out the day …i found that i enjoyed praying…but at the moment everytime i try it seem as though i feel drained…how can i get past this and get back to enjoying praying and praying more…?

has this happened to any of you?

ANGELIC PEACE

HAVE YOU REALLY LOOKED INTO YOUR STATE AS A CHRISTAIN? IF I MAY ASK, WHEN LAST DID YOU GO FOR CONFESSION ? REMEMBER THERE IS A STATE OF GRACE AND A STATE OF SINFULLNESS,TRY TO RECONCILE WITH GOD AND BE THE BEST OF YOURSELF,PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT PRAYER IS RASINIG UP OUR MINDS AND HEARTS TO GOD TO PRAISE HIM,WORSHIP HIM AND TO ASK HIM FOR SOMETHING,YOU DON’T NEED TO PRAY EXTENSIVELY BEFORE YOU ARE TO BE WITH GOD,HE IS EVERYWHERE,JUST RAISE YOUR HEART TO HIM IN HUMILITY AND GENTLENESS, AND ALWAYS TRY TO BE IN A STATE OF GRACE AT ALL TIMES.

FOR GOD AND FOR YOUTH;THROUGH CHRIST.

 

[MarcoPolo]

Many great Christians have struggles at times…so you shouldn’t quite “feel” distant. Sometimes God strengthens our faith by letting us learn to find Him when it seems tough.

Anyway, one little tip I’d offer is trying some new prayers you’ve never done before, or praying in a place you’ve never prayed before. Sometimes that helps me!

 

[JimR-OCDS]

funnily enough about a month ago our local church had been clearing out all the books, prayer books leaflets etc out of the blessed sacrament chapel that adjoins the main part of the church…and all these items were put on a table at the back of the church and people could take what they wanted for free/donation…anyway i got a book about contemplative prayer…i don’t understand fully what it means…is it praying mentally in your mind.?..or is it just keeping silent and being in god’s presence (if it was i wouldn’t know whether i was actually praying or not)

ANGELIC PEACE

Contemplative prayer, is praying internally, without spoken words.

It is called mental prayer by St. Teresa of Avila, Practicing The Presence of God, by Br Lawrence, and it has even been called the Cloud Prayer, by those who have taken it from the book, " “The Cloud of Unknowing.”

It is resting in God’s presence. The prayer word that is used, is short and simple, but sacred in meaning. Lord Jesus is my favorite prayer word. I repeat this word, mentally, as I’m drawn into the depth of my being. There I place myself in the presence of God, and eventually, I’m not even saying the prayer word, but just being with Him in silence. However, when I become aware of thoughts that have distracted me, I return gently to the prayer word.

Its probably the most simple form of prayer, yet very deep.

Understand however, that the method of contemplative prayer, is not infused contemplation. Infused Contemplation is given to us through the transforming grace of Jesus Christ. However, to be brought to contemplation, we must make ourselves available to Christ and this form of prayer is one way, but a very good way of opening ourselves up to contemplation.

If you want more info, PM me, I’ll be happy to provide you with some on-line reading material.

In Christ
Jim

 

[catechumen08]

but what do you do when you find it hard to pray and when you do pray you end up mentally exhausted…

This is very interesting. I don’t think I’ve experienced this. I usually feel recharged after praying, but never exhausted. May I ask why you feel “mentally exhausted” after praying?