I struggle with prayer

[angell1]

well, more specifically, I struggle with formal, scripted prayers.

something like the rosary is quite difficult. I try to meditate but I find that if I pray it too often, I feel like I’m just sasying the words.

but If I pray with my own words, then I feel like I’m just babbling uselessly

also, I have a hard time with setting aside time for scheduled prayer. I can do spontaneous prayer really well, in fact, I can incorporate prayer in to my daily activities, or pause for a few seconds to talk to God.

but I keep getting told that we need scheduled prayer, does it have to be one solid block. or can you break it up. like instead of 30 straight minutes, can it be 15 minutes twice a day or something?

I’m just really confused, I do want to pray but I feel like I’m always doing it wrong

 

[pianistclare]

well, more specifically, I struggle with formal, scripted prayers.

something like the rosary is quite difficult. I try to meditate but I find that if I pray it too often, I feel like I’m just sasying the words.

but If I pray with my own words, then I feel like I’m just babbling uselessly

also, I have a hard time with setting aside time for scheduled prayer. I can do spontaneous prayer really well, in fact, I can incorporate prayer in to my daily activities, or pause for a few seconds to talk to God.

but I keep getting told that we need scheduled prayer, does it have to be one solid block. or can you break it up. like instead of 30 straight minutes, can it be 15 minutes twice a day or something?

I’m just really confused, I do want to pray but I feel like I’m always doing it wrong

Anyone who says you HAVE to pray this way or that, is not helpful.
Everyone prays differently. It’s just that when we rely on scripted prayers, or spontaneous prayers, we long for more, deeper prayer.
It’s like always having the same conversation with a friend.
Hi How are you? I’m well thanks, I love your new blouse, thank you, You always look nice yourself.

Perfectly fine, but not really edifying.
Find your own rhythm.
If you have a way of “reading” the internet, I highly recommend www.sacredspace.ie
It’s a daily meditation. Use the “hints” as well.
Lovely starting point.

You can also get "Ignatian Lenten Workout for Muldoon on audio CD from Amazon.
It’s great.

 

[kjane1]

Struggling in prayer can become a prayer. Turn to the Lord ,and ask Him to come into the struggle. Struggling becomes a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block. He has promised ,to enter into our struggles and bring peace within us ,through the struggle. He works all things to our good. He is at work within us ,transforming us through all our struggles. When He ,by grace ,reveals to us ,that all struggles are a sign of His work within ,transforming us through, His Holy Spirit dwelling in us ,through the gift of baptism. Sanctifying grace ,is a gift ,of the mercy and power of our Lord , revealing Himsef ,to us and giving us ,the desire to know Him,Love Him and Serve Him. Not ,because we first loved Him ,but because, He first loved us ,and pours His love ,in our mind and heart . Receive from our Lord, for yourself, His patients, kindness,and mercy. That is transforming.

 

[Bill_Martin]

Pray however you want and ignore anyone who says it must be done in a specific way and no other. It’s for your benefit, after all.

I hate schedules for anything. Nothing would make my mind wander more than setting aside a 30 minute block and trying to fill it with prayer.

 

[Kjnw4831]

well, more specifically, I struggle with formal, scripted prayers.

something like the rosary is quite difficult. I try to meditate but I find that if I pray it too often, I feel like I’m just sasying the words.

but If I pray with my own words, then I feel like I’m just babbling uselessly

I used to struggle with scripted prayers as well. I found the easiest way for me to concentrate when saying the rosary or the divine mercy chaplet is to have a specific reason for praying it. If you are praying it just because someone told you to then it will feel like a burden and empty, but if you pray it for a reason, like for a person or a specific situation (ex. your mother, your best friend, an exam at school, a promotion at work) then it is easier to concentrate and really mean the words you are saying.

also, I have a hard time with setting aside time for scheduled prayer. I can do spontaneous prayer really well, in fact, I can incorporate prayer in to my daily activities, or pause for a few seconds to talk to God.

but I keep getting told that we need scheduled prayer, does it have to be one solid block. or can you break it up. like instead of 30 straight minutes, can it be 15 minutes twice a day or something?

I’m just really confused, I do want to pray but I feel like I’m always doing it wrong

I do not schedule prayer, but I do devotions first thing in the morning and right before bed. They each last about 30 minutes. It consists of reading the bible, praying scripted and unscripted prayers, and a short passage on whatever topic I need help with. Some days are only 15 minutes, some days are 45 minutes, depending on the day. I find this is the easiest way to “schedule” prayers. I cannot sit for 15-30 minutes and just “talk” but I find that by doing a variety of activities during those 15-30 minutes, I feel much more fulfilled and much closer to God.

I hope this helps! Remember, your relationship with God is about you and him and no one else. Do what feel right and what furthers your relationship with God. Never do a specific prayer just because someone tells you that you have to.

 

[tawny]

Just pray to God whatever is in your heart to say to Him. He already knows all your needs.

 

[MaryT777]

Pray however you want and ignore anyone who says it must be done in a specific way and no other. It’s for your benefit, after all.

I hate schedules for anything. Nothing would make my mind wander more than setting aside a 30 minute block and trying to fill it with prayer.

I agree.

Mary.

 

[Dancer1409]

I struggle with scripted prayer and my mind wandering during prayer as well. I don’t know if this will help you, but one thing that helps me is journaling. I pretty much live out of my journal. I know it isn’t for everyone, but it is my favorite way to pray. I’ll watch a talk on YouTube/read a passage or chapter in a religious book and journal about it/write down quotes that speak to my heart. Either that, or I’ll just write out a letter to God. It helps to get my thoughts out and focus on prayer.

 

[AndrewRuki]

Peace be with you Brother/sister Angell1, however I am guessing; sister.

When we use the word “prayer”, the usual idea is a strict time and format, recited at the right intervals by saying the word, pronounced exactly as it is written. This need not be so for us. While I respect those who pray novenas and Chaplets (I do so too), I also like to recommend the “Talk to a friend” attitude when it comes to prayer.

Jesus is your friend. He laid down His life for His friends; you and me. John 15:13

Talk to Him, like you would to a human friend. While you do so, open your heart and let Him talk to you.

example: this morning, I was talking to Him about the dream I had last night. It was silly, but still it affected me.

Try this and I pray that you find the Lord, soon.

Dominus vobiscum.