How to concentrate when you can't seem to?

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sorrowful1

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Today was one of those rare occasions I just couldn’t concentrate on my rosary prayers. I seemed to be distracted and perhaps, a li’l bit depressed. Most of the time I can quickly bounce back but not today, and I quit my prayers half way (God forgive).

I so dislike it to be this way. What do you do to entirely get focused on personal devotions? Prayers (personal devotion) are my lifeline, and I don’t want to “wander off” .
 
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I also struggle with distractions of self now again, they are tough to kick. God bless you.
St Theresa recommended using a book to glance at I have a little rosary booklet which has the scripture references written out and then I read the place in scripture to ground me, that helps. Other people use online rosary meditations on YouTube where you are praying with other people or you could look at pictures of the relevant mysteries which might help.
In any event ask Jesus to help you and offer your struggles to him. You can always divide the rosary up into to decades and come back to it later.

I am sorry you feel a burden to anyone, try to give those feelings to Jesus and let him take that burden for you. Those sorts of things are too heavy for us to carry, Jesus wants to take them from us if we let him. There is nothing wrong with asking for nor accepting help from either Jesus nor your parents, its deeply humbling. Jesus had help from Simon to carry his cross he is giving you people to help you carry yours. He calls you to humility which is something he values very very highly. It’s a beautiful gift he gives you even if it’s hard to accept. God bless you.
 
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@Bluebright. This was so comforting, thank you and God bless!!
 
When you feel that way and can’t get back on track, go for a brisk walk.
 
So sorry to hear that you are depressed…we ALL get that way from time to time…especially lately with this virus situation. Whenever I struggle with Praying, I simply just stop and look around at how God has Blessed me…a home that I feel safe in, good health with the exception of my sore knees, transportation, living comfortably, acquired knowledge, and the love of my husband and my dog. I live a life of simplicity with no expectations…I thank God every day…cause I know my life is fragile and it can change on a dime…He is in control and I welcome all he sends to me…cause He is near me every step of the way…Amen! 😌
 
After completing a rosary, I usually say extra "Our Father"s, "Hail Mary"s, and "Glory-Be"s for just in case I didn’t concentrate enough part of the time.
 
Don’t give up, continue to pray, bringing your attention back to each and every word, offer up the difficulty. This helps me, I’ve struggled tremendously lately myself, hope this helps you
 
@1cthlctrth okay, I think I will do the the same!!! God bless!!
 
Something that helps me focus if I’m feeling distracted, it happens alot, is to pay attention to my breathing for a couple minutes. You can keep saying your prayers and inhale deeply, exhaling all the way too. Or you can pause from saying your prayers and breathe a few deep breaths.
 
Watch a video Rosary on youTube. As to stopping, consider: you could offer one decade of the Rosary each decade of your life. What God (outside of time) hears is:

A Rosary.
 
Here’s something that worked for me!

Im a college male, so easily distracted lol. We have a few photos of the BVM. I glance from photo to photo per Hail Mary. Pray to the different Mary’s!

Please pray for my studies. God Bless!
 
@OurGodIsWithUs I do also look at pictures to capture them in my mind so that the mind doesn’t go astray but sometimes, I simply can’t concentrate.

All the best for your college studies and may the Blessed Virgin Mary bless you always!!!
 
My mind is “racing”…I can’t concentrate either…I am worried and concerned of this unpredictable virus situation. Sometimes I can’t sleep…I Pray often! I go for walks in my neighborhood and see people I have never seen before…walking, bicycling with their kids and pets. Hardly any cars on the streets. To calm myself I play Suduko…and listen to smoothe jazz. Tomorrow we will venture forth to Walmart to go grocery shopping…my husband and I will have our walking shoes on to help stroll down the aisles. 😷
 
These are all great thoughts and ideas. I know I have a hard time concentrating at times too and sometimes I can work through it and other times my "monkey brain takes over and … SQUIRREL… 🐕
 
@libbeylu Despite, sometimes having difficulty to concentrate during prayers , fortunately , I do sleep well (these are difficult times indeed with the pandemic prevailing everywhere).

I get unto long prayers to Mother Mary (I talk to her often, and it makes me relaxed) and then, lie down on my bed. When I wake up the next morning, I’m amazed with how soundly I fell asleep. This comes from someone who’s had her life plagued by sleepless nights!!

God bless you!!
 
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