How do you keep attention focused at Mass?

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I also read along in my Magnificat because the prayers are written there, too. And I never take my eyes off whatever is going on at the altar. I want to drink it all in.
 
Allegra said:
The thing that helps me is to get there a little bit early and get comfortable and sort of clear my mind before Mass starts. I find that when I get there are the eleventh hour, it’s harder for me to focus. Also, singing the hymns and responses and focusing on the texts especially helps me.
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Absolutely… This also allows you to get a seat in close proximity to the front. We have two young daughters and always try to sit in the front so they can see what is taking place and it allows for less visual distraction.

Pre-read the readings before Mass and bring a small prayerbook to help you pray before Mass.

Most importantly of all is to be engaged in not only the written liturgy, but use all of the appropriate liturgical gestures associated with the Mass as well. Many of these are long forgotten, but are no less important parts of the celebration of the Mass.
 
How I refocus…when I find my mind or my attention wandering…I look up at Jesus on the crucifix. That brings it back into perspective for me. I hate it when I get there too late and have to grab a seat on the sides where the ceiling is lower and I can’t see the crucifix.
 
Great thread. As others have said, I also try to look at the tabernacle or crucifix instead of looking around. Another thing that helps me sometimes when I am VERY distracted, is to listen intently to the words of the priest and imagine they are being repeated in a loud voice in my mind, a sort of echo of what is being said. This helps me focus on the words and what they mean.
 
atassina said:
How do you keep your attention focused at Mass?
-What specific strategies do you use?
_ _ _ Saying you just pray doesn’t help.
-How do you go deep?
-How do keep your mind from wandering?
-How do you refocus after a distraction?
-What mental doorways do you use to focus on the mysteries of the Mass and stay focused?
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I have a daily Roman Missal and I use it to follow everything the priest is doing. Plus I look up at the cross and remind myself that Jesus died there on the cross because of MY sins and somehow that brings me right back to essentials.

😦
 
today i had a different role in a serving in that one person was away so I took the chance and did it for once. Normally I quickly back out of that one, but today I seized the opportunity as I only do ‘it’ when no one else is around. It kept me awake is what said to the priest once back in the vestry after prayers when he said, ‘something new’ to me.

I need the practicals of the service that is my way of praying and joining in. I don’t know how you guys manage the pew week in week out. I did it for a two year when I’d fallen out with the choir and by the end of that two year… I was lucky and escaped onto the altar.
 
Sitting near the front eliminates visual distractions. An added bonus is the greater amount of time available for meditation after receiving communion before corporate prayer resumes. Sitting directly in front of the ambo improves focus during the readings and homily.

Most important, recognize this as a spiritual battle you cannot win by your own strength. Here is a modification of the prayer in the supplement card (number 1) of the four-volume Liturgy of the Hours:
Code: 
 Lord, open my lips to praise your holy name.  Cleanse my heart of any worthless, evil or distracting thoughts.  Give me the wisdom and love necessary to (assist at this mass) with attention, reverence and devotion.  Father, (hear my prayer as I kneel in your presence,) for it is offered through Christ our Lord.  Amen.
By praying this before mass, and recollecting myself during mass with, “Come Holy Spirit, fill my heart, and kindle in me the fire of your love”, I can be on the winning side in this great battle!:gopray2:
 
MaryEllen reminded me that I too think of the Angels we take with us to Mass, and that they are surely adoring the Blessed Sacrament even as people whisper and are inattentive. I think also of all the Angels that join us at the Mall, or at any event we attend. They are always there, watching over us, trying to keep us safe. I know many times my Angel has kept me from falling, or getting lost. Angels are a great part of our lives and they help us in so many ways. I remember reading that one of the Popes used to ask his Angel to speak to the Angel of whomever it was he had to meet, and intercede for him so that the meeting would go smoothly. He said it frequently did! I suggested this to someone seeking employment, he prayed for help to his Angel, and the meeting went smoothly, he got the job. God bless.
 
Another thing I’ve found is to see to your own physical needs. Remember we are body and spirit! Make sure clothing is comfortable and you have a sweater/jacket if it gets cold. If you’re prone to headaches or nausea or other physical ailments make sure they’re treated appropriately. Don’t skimp on the sunday morning coffee if you’re addicted (just make sure to get it early enough). It sounds simple, but I’ve found that I’m much better focused on Mass if I remove sources of physical discomfort, especially those that are not spiritually directed (e.g. the hunger from fasting).
 
I have struggles maintaining focus on Mass too. Some days it is almost impossible to maintain focus. I have to keep bringing my attention about what is going on every few minutes. In general what I have found helpful is: 1. Sit up in front within four rows. 2. Arrive at least 10 minutes early and try to meditate or pray. This calms me down and helps me focus. 3. Being a minimalist on the Eucharistic fast Sunday mornings helps. 4. Attend Saturday evening when I am most alert. Also I try to identify each part of the Mass so I am actually paying attention to what is being said, identifying it, pondering its significance, and saying the right response. :hypno: Also making note of the points of the homily.

I have fallen asleep during Daily Mass. 😊 I don’t think anyone noticed.
 
If it’s a day when I’m fidgeting, I’ll sit with my hands holding the pew by my legs and sit a bit forward, maybe even slightly rocking (not so much that others would notice me and be distracted themselves), but enough that I’m not feeling like I want to run around.

I tend to watch what is going on liturgically. If someone is reading, I look right at them. If the priest is standing up to do something, I watch where he goes.

There are enough smells and bells and works of art to focus my mind if it starts going somewhere it really shouldn’t.
 
I read the scripture readings for the day ahead of time and ensure that I am there on time to have time in reflection & prayer before Mass begins so I can keep my focus from start to finish on the Lord during Mass.
 
atassina said:
How do you keep your attention focused at Mass?
-What specific strategies do you use?
_ _ _ Saying you just pray doesn’t help.
-How do you go deep?
-How do keep your mind from wandering?
-How do you refocus after a distraction?
-What mental doorways do you use to focus on the mysteries of the Mass and stay focused?
Click to expand...
Picture all of those in Heaven along with the Heavenly Hosts praising Him!!! I’m in heaven on earthif only for a short time but in His glory- praise God!!!

mlz
 
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