How to pray..??

[dr_g]

…I’m sorry for such a silly question but I’ve always been self conscious about whether I was praying “properly”. I’m sure there is not a specific “right and wrong” way to pray but I was just wondering about everyone personal “style”, I guess (for lack of a better word). Does simply reading a prayer from a prayer card or even the computer screen “count”? What about prayer requests, is simply reading the request constitute praying for the person? Also, are there any tips you can suggested for keeping the mind centered on the prayer itself b/c I know I personally have to fight to keep my mind focused when doing a formal prayer such as the rosary or a novena…

Thank you and have a wonderful day

 

[puzzleannie]

pray as you can

reading on the computer does not do it for me but probably because I am old, I need the book for LOTH, or the actual bible or devotional, and to be in an environment other than a cluttered office, to actually stand (I can’t kneel any more) or sit in a posture of prayer, because I just can concentrate otherwise.

certainly while you are learning a prayer or devotion you will read from some resource, nothing wrong with that.

also nothing wrong with the times when human speech won’t do and you have to remain in silence listening to the Lord and allowing the Holy Spirit to speak for you.

prayer is the attitude of humble submission to God’s will. If you are reading the resource the same way you would a website link or a cookbook, it will avail little, you read with attentiveness, prayerfulness, mindfulness and receptivity. If it is a scriptural-based prayer like the rosary or divine mercy, reading the relevant scripture before hand will be immensely productive and helpful.

 

[tierney]

I very much have the problem of staying focused while praying!! It helps me to visualize Mary or Jesus sitting next to me. If in fact Mary were praying the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy in front of the crucifix next to me, I know I would concentrate and not drift off to what to make for dinner!!!
The first time I did this, I got a disturbing thought about Mary and knew instantly it was Satan trying to stop me from praying this way, so I knew it was good thing to do.

Also praying out loud helps or looking at a statue or the crucifix.

 

[jpk1313]

…I’m sorry for such a silly question but I’ve always been self conscious about whether I was praying “properly”. I’m sure there is not a specific “right and wrong” way to pray but I was just wondering about everyone personal “style”, I guess (for lack of a better word). Does simply reading a prayer from a prayer card or even the computer screen “count”? What about prayer requests, is simply reading the request constitute praying for the person? Also, are there any tips you can suggested for keeping the mind centered on the prayer itself b/c I know I personally have to fight to keep my mind focused when doing a formal prayer such as the rosary or a novena…

Thank you and have a wonderful day

I like to use the Jesus prayer it is short and easy to do. It is- Lord Jesus Christ Son of God have mercy on me a sinner-and just keep repeting it. Prayer is something that comes from the heart and like anything takes practice. When distractions come bind the thought in the name of Jesus and command it to leave not only will the thought be cast out but on calling on the name of jesus you will bring your thoughts back towards God. Just keep at it and if you are still having problems pick up some books on prayer from your local catholic bookstore or better yet get yourself a spiritual director who will guide you into deeper prayer.