Praying determinedly

[EphelDuath]

I’ve started praying the Liturgy of the Hours. My dilemma: although I believe every word I read off the page, I don’t feel like I sincerely mean it. I have this problem while praying the Rosary as well. While I have faith in God, I don’t feel like I am sincerely praying, only reading the words from the back of my mind.

Any advice?

 

[JimR-OCDS]

I’ve started praying the Liturgy of the Hours. My dilemma: although I believe every word I read off the page, I don’t feel like I sincerely mean it. I have this problem while praying the Rosary as well. While I have faith in God, I don’t feel like I am sincerely praying, only reading the words from the back of my mind.

Any advice?

Don’t just read or say words, pray with them, from the heart.

Consider who it is, that you are praying to.

Open your heart to God and don’t focus on the words of the prayer so much as the one you are directing your prayer towards.

Jim

 

[Larry1700]

If it’s any consolation, you’re not alone. I’ve wanted to pray more fervently for a long time. Occasionally it seems to help me to imagine myself standing beside Jesus and/or Mary during the various mysteries. For example, for the Agony in the Garden, I imagine myself watching Jesus as He thinks about what He is about to have to endure. During the Crucifixion, I sometimes think of myself standing beside Mary, trying to comfort her as she gazes upon her Son on the Cross.

Unfortunately, I’m usually in a hurry or have distractions, but if I take the time to do what I said above, it helps.

 

[PhilotheaZ]

Don’t worry about trying to “get through” the whole thing. It may be too many words for you (and for many people). The Psalms are the word of God, letters to you from the Holy Spirit. Take your time with them. Read slowly. When you get to a sentence or phrase that appeals to you, rings true, makes you feel joyful or thankful or happy or sorrowful, pause. Stop. Linger with it. Ask God what He is trying to say to you. Listen. And respond with love.

A few lines of Liturgy of the Hours prayed well are better than rushing through all of it. Allot yourself a reasonable amount of time (fifteen minutes? or whatever works for you) and pray a portion of the day’s Office from your heart.