How do you pray?

[LynnTeresa]

I have a hard time focusing and concentrating in prayer and because, especially lately because of certain circumstances in my life, I have such a hard time praying, I don’t feel as close to God as I once did and I hate that. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions or could share how they pray to God?

I sometimes like praying to Jesus as though I was just having a conversation with Him, but I feel then as though I’m saying so much over and over. Sometimes I pray by admiring the beauty and good things around me, but that’s been hard lately. I used to love praying the Rosary, but I never know what to focus on or think about when I’m praying it - I don’t want empty words to come out of my mouth just because it’s scripted that way - I don’t want it to be mindless prayer. I just want to be able to connect more with God in prayer…

 

[Other_Eric]

If the answer to the question “how do you pray” is anything other than “often,” then you have received the wrong answer. In the beginning, it is enough to focus on the words and one’s posture. Meditative peace will come, but it cannot be forced. Obsessing over one’s state of mind is itself a distraction. Just get oneself into the habit of praying and allow that the rest will be provided when you are ready for it.

 

[johnco]

hi,

fr. thomas dubay in his book “fire within” teaches developing your prayer life through vocal, medatative, and then contemplation,he also explains these dry times you are going through.

God bless,

johnco

 

[John_Russell_Jr]

St Teresa of Avila for years would never pray without the aid of a good spiritual book. You could go to the link below for fuel for your prayer.
If you continue to really have trouble like this you can just sit in silence and accept this aridity and dryness and offer that as your prayer. It won’t last forever.
escrivaworks.org/

 

[puzzleannie]

I
I sometimes like praying to Jesus as though I was just having a conversation with Him, but I feel then as though I’m saying so much over and over. …

I experience this same thing in my conversations with spouse, kids, and friends! it is called getting older

your difficulties that are keeping you from praying as you wish ARE the prayer, simply lift them up.
Lord Jesus, I am in so much pain today I cannot concentrate on prayer. Please be with me, and keep me with you in your sufferings. then just rest in the Lord.

Jesus I am so distracted today I cannot pray properly, please help me surrender my intellect, will, memory and understanding to You.

that is why rhythmic planned prayer like LOTH or the rosary works so well, by engaging the mind and tongue, and other postures like kneeling or walking, it stills their “anti-prayer” activity, and helps us calm down, step back and prepare for mental prayer.

It is not necessary to articulate in words our needs, petitions, thanks, praise and contrition all the time. We can also simply mentally picture the stress or situation, or simply sit with the Lord and let the Holy Spirit pray for us.

the important thing is to adhere to set times for prayer, even when “nothing happens”. those times in fact, when we are not in control of our prayer, are usually the times God is working in us, to far more effect than our own efforts.

 

[MarieVeronica]

A good Catholic prayer book can help. I have been going through a very dry time, spiritually. But I bought a little prayer book, and I look at the pictures… like, when saying the Rosary. They help me to concentrate on the Mysteries I’m praying.

Prayer can be a very difficult thing, when there are too many distractions around. I know how difficult this can be. Hang in there and God bless.