Meditating through all the Rosary prayers has been a big problem for me. (I allow my mind to wander off after just a few Hail Marys on each decade.) I’ve been inconsistent in praying it in the past. The last couple of months I’ve tried to pray it daily, but I’m wondering now if it is better to stop reciting the whole Rosary and say fewer or different prayers instead.
I started limiting to just a decade to meditate on, unless I stay focused, then I may keep going. I feel a little guilty for not praying a whole Rosary, but I think I need to break the bad habit of letting my mind wander. I’m unsure if this is the right approach, but the mindless reciting while my mind wandered didn’t seem good either.
Gardenswithkids,
We know how you feel. I think we all can relate to what you are feeling. Remember ,though, “
when we say the Little Office of Our Lady or the Seven Penitential Psalms or any other prayers other then the Rosary the variety of words and expressions keeps us alert, prevents our imagination from wandering, and so makes it easier to persevere” (from ‘The Secret of the Rosary’ page 90)
The Devil makes it difficult to say the prayer, by making us think it’s boring and not as important as saying other prayers.
‘To what ends does not the evil one go against us while we are engaged in saying our Rosary agaianst him.’
‘Always remember the best Rosary is the one with the most merit, and there is more merit in praying when it is hard than when it is easy’
It’s tough to to say the Rosary at times but we should never stop saying it. St. Francis would say the Rosary bit by bit throughout the day, but would finish at the end of the day no matter how late or tired he was. One suggestion would be to say a centering prayer, simply ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and to keep distraction away. To do a centering prayer you sit in a comfortable position,close your eyes and relax. After a few moments become aware of your relaxed breathing. As you breath out let the word ‘Jesus’ come from deep inside you. Just allow all your thoughts to flow like a stream of water over rocks. Concentrating only on the word ‘Jesus’. Do this a few moments every day before you pray and you will reach a state of concentration and awareness of Gods presence and peace.(taken from Father Kenneth Roberts, “Guide to Personal Prayer”)
Also, try this
www.ecrosaries.com/site/601007/page/185524
Warm wishes and our prayers,
Scott and Kim