Tips On Recalling God?

[Melodeonist]

What are some good ways to remember God throughout the day? I always find myself absentmindedly doing the same things everyday. I often simply forget about God.

I often try praying while doing things, but this doesn’t really help much. I also often absentmindedly do sinful acts (i.e. am rude to my mother, or I start thinking uncharitable thoughts about people in video games) because I completely forget about God.

I find it a shame that I can’t remember God. I wish I could, but I can’t. What are your tips for remembering God? Thanks!

 

[LethalMouse]

If someone had a pain in their foot and kept posting threads on how to make it stop and everyone kept telling then to see a doctor, and they kept saying “I havent gktten around to it” and they keep posting can anyone help them???

No.

Seek spiritual direction for your scruples!!

You say you dont remember God yet you are on a God centered forun near daily telling of how you are riddled with guilt about sins that don’t exist.

Seek a priest not random internet generalities.

 

[Melodeonist]

I’m sorry, but I don’t understand? This thread isn’t about sin. I just want tips on remembering God in daily life.

 

[robertmidwest]

Look up the Ignatian people practice of The Daily Examine.

 

[LethalMouse]

I’m sorry, but I don’t understand? This thread isn’t about sin. I just want tips on remembering God in daily life.

You need ordered in totality, segregating each issue is not a good idea.

It also goes to the question of if your stated problem really exists.

I find it hard to think you ignore God much when you are constantly worried about Him and posting on the internet about Him.

Also, given the nature of your tendencies I could easily see you thinking of God 23.99 hours a day and fretting you failed Him

 

[edward_george]

You need ordered in totality, segregating each issue is not a good idea.

It also goes to the question of if your stated problem really exists.

I find it hard to think you ignore God much when you are constantly worried about Him and posting on the internet about Him.

Also, given the nature of your tendencies I could easily see you thinking of God 23.99 hours a day and fretting you failed Him

I have read a lot of the OP’s threads and I agree that there are scrupulous tendencies, but I don’t see that here. Perhaps this thread is an attempt to turn over a new leaf, to find a newer and better focus and ground for his way of seeing things in the spiritual life.

To that end, I would say to the OP, some of the best help for staying attentive to the presence of God comes from what ammunition we give our minds, so to speak. Doing good spiritual reading, whether from Scripture or good spiritual books, and practicing silent prayer, as well as other regular prayer, all of this is very helpful. Learn about the Jesus Prayer and how that practice can be helpful to keeping the thoughts on the Lord. By seeking out a greater awareness of the presence of God, our focus shifts off of ourselves and off of the perception that our sins are so great, and on to embracing him and being grateful for his gifts.

-Fr ACEGC

 

[LethalMouse]

I have read a lot of the OP’s threads and I agree that there are scrupulous tendencies, but I don’t see that here. Perhaps this thread is an attempt to turn over a new leaf, to find a newer and better focus and ground for his way of seeing things in the spiritual life.

To that end, I would say to the OP, some of the best help for staying attentive to the presence of God comes from what ammunition we give our minds, so to speak. Doing good spiritual reading, whether from Scripture or good spiritual books, and practicing silent prayer, as well as other regular prayer, all of this is very helpful. Learn about the Jesus Prayer and how that practice can be helpful to keeping the thoughts on the Lord. By seeking out a greater awareness of the presence of God, our focus shifts off of ourselves and off of the perception that our sins are so great, and on to embracing him and being grateful for his gifts.

-Fr ACEGC

But look at where he thinks he forgot God, they are the same things he has posted and been told what to do. Uncharitable thougjts in video games?? That means he doesn’t care about God enough?

He is not as has been said much not probably going to be able to turn over a new leaf without seeking proper help.

Actually I am reminded of a thread some time ago in which someone spoke of their father. He was an absentee dad. He didnt drink/drugs or leave the family. He was not a workaholic. He was a church a holic, he got off of work and spent every waking moment being a super catholic at church and church functions etc… until the point he failed at being a catholic dad.

This fellow is at risk of such disordered spirituality that without proper preist guidance any advice is near dangerous.

 

[CeelosDeznos]

What are some good ways to remember God throughout the day? I always find myself absentmindedly doing the same things everyday. I often simply forget about God.

I often try praying while doing things, but this doesn’t really help much. I also often absentmindedly do sinful acts (i.e. am rude to my mother, or I start thinking uncharitable thoughts about people in video games) because I completely forget about God.

I find it a shame that I can’t remember God. I wish I could, but I can’t. What are your tips for remembering God? Thanks!

Don’t “reinvent the wheel” when it comes to forgetting and remembering God throughout your day. Sounds like you need help realizing you are just being a regular human being and accepting your limitations. What am I talking about?

I am sure you’ve heard of the Liturgy of the Hours or Divine Office, the official prayer of all members of the Catholic Church wherein we mark the major hours of the day: morning, noon, evening, night. Why do we have it?

It was not invented by the Catholic Church. It is part of the Church’s own Jewish heritage, adapted from the daily hours of Jewish prayer, today known as Services that are prayed from the Jewish prayer book, the Siddur. Both Jewish Service and the Divine Office mark major hours and days by praying through the Psalter. What does this have to do with your question? Everything.

Why did the Jews create the Siddur and why did the Church feel it so important to preserve this custom and make it the official prayer of the Roman Catholic Church? Simple. No one automatically recalls or remembers God as much as we need to or would like to on our own. So God inspired his people the Jews and later the Church to keep the Tradition of stopping throughout the day at appointed times and praise the Lord with psalms.

Now, not everyone can adopt the custom of praying the full Siddur schedule or each office of the Liturgy of the Hours. But it shows you that you are not unique in realizing that you need to have scheduled stops throughout your day and evening to remember God in prayer.

And just because you are not thinking about God 100% of the time in your day does not mean you are winning or evil. NOBODY does that, and we sometimes make mistakes even if we pray regularly.

If all the way back to pre-Christian times, God’s people had to create a system of hourly reminders to bring their minds to God during the day, then obviously logic is demonstrating that it is not something you do naturally. You need to have a disciplined system in place to do it. But the system you adapt needs to fit your personal unique circumstances, and must enhance your life, not replace it.

The book of Ecclesiastes explains that God expects us to have our mind focused on our daily work and chores and even in enjoying the pleasures of life. God doesn’t expect or demand that we be engaged in formal prayer or worship all day long. (Ecclesiastes 9:7-10) Life is meant to be lived in the present, not constantly focused on the future. If God had intended for you to be thinking only of him all day long, he would have made you an angelic being for that purpose and not a human.–Compare Revelation 4:6b-8.

No need to “reinvent the wheel,” so to speak, because as a human you need reminders to stop and pray at appropriate times during the day. Your mind is supposed to be focused on other things during the day as God created us for work and play and to enjoy life. Take advantage of both the here and now as well as the grand Tradition of finding ways to pray throughout the day. Both are already here for you, and there is no need to worry. If you “forget” about God, you will soon remember later at the appropriate time.

 

[Rosebud77]

OP; living for God… Doing His will in everyday things… Far more than any words. Not the mind but the body… always thankful in heart and soul. for me, the handwork I do that fulfils creativity and is done solely to sell to feed needy ones, nurturing the rescued cats and dog who share my home… being gently disposed to those I meet. Loving all and seeing the Hand of God in all His work. Thanking HIm for His love with love.

Not the thoughts but the entire life we live and breathe in Him … for nothing we are in Him is of other than Him… stop worriting and rest in Him…

 

[Mary_Estelle]

Well, we just can not think of God every moment of the day. Even the great saints could not do it. It isn’t the way we are made. Think of it this way: every breath we take, every action we make, is for the God is within us and we only need to love and obey Him the best we can. We just don’t need to “think” God every moment of the day. God does not expect it of us. He knows how we are made. He does expect us to live good, productive lives through Him.

Again, I will add that you are overthinking “God” and letting it get in the way of who you are and trying to impress yourself with your religiousosity? Hmm. is that a word. You should look for and find joy in the way you are and share the joy and love of God. Do you really think you can think of God all the time? Are you a computer? Maybe you spend too much time on YOUR computer when you should be working on good manners at home. Peace.

 

[Melodeonist]

Thanks for the replies!

If we don’t really need to think of God throughout the day, then why did Jesus tell us to pray without ceasing?

 

[Oneofthewomen]

Thanks for the replies!

If we don’t really need to think of God throughout the day, then why did Jesus tell us to pray without ceasing?

This just proves what many people on the board have been telling you-
GET A SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR!!!

The fact that you think “pray without ceasing” means that God must be on you mind at every moment is not a healthy mindset.

Please- GET SOME SPIRITUAL HELP!!!

 

[LiamQ]

This just proves what many people on the board have been telling you-
GET A SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR!!!

People act as if good spiritual directors grow on trees. They don’t, and it can be nearly impossible to find them, especially in certain Dioceses. Please stop screaming at this young man. He’s actually searching for ways to think of God throughout the day, and you’re telling him he needs help. Give him a bit of a break, please. (And yes, I’ve seen his posts and threads for ages now, probably since before he even converted.)

Melodeonist: for what it’s worth, I don’t think any of this has absolutely anything at all to do with scruples. You’re asking GREAT questions, like you seem to normally do. (Ones that, excuse my bluntness, most people on here seem to be unable to actually respond to because we lack the theological training, and so repeat the same old “go to your Confessor” routine.) Please don’t be discouraged by a lot of the consistent nonsense that’s chucked at you on these boards. You often get treated as if people don’t like you and find you obnoxious, but you always respond in kindness and in humility. Forgive me, but I think you act like a Christian ought to in the face of a bit of soft persecution people put you through.

Insofar as your actual question is concerned, you’re absolutely right, Christ told us to pray always, and we often go through our day without thinking of God. This is a problem insofar as it can lead to a poor spiritual life, IMO.

One way to deal with this is to use little prayers, what used to be called ejaculations:

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Jesus, Mary, I love you, save souls!
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, burning with love for me: inflame my heart with love for Thee!

You can find lots of these online, and just quietly repeat them several times during the day. This will help you to turn your mind to God. They are a simple way to keep Christ’s command of praying always, but don’t forget! Prayer is simply lifting the mind to contemplate God, and every time you lift your mind to Him, you are praying. And what Christ meant is that we have to consistently and consciously live in God’s presence, seeking always to do His will in the present moment. Again, it’s GREAT that you want to do this, because 99.9999999 percent of people your age, and mine, just couldn’t care less.

So yeah, try the prayers out.

 

[CeelosDeznos]

Thanks for the replies!

If we don’t really need to think of God throughout the day, then why did Jesus tell us to pray without ceasing?

Jesus NEVER states that we should “pray without ceasing.” Those are the words of St. Paul at 1 Thessalonians 5:17.

And these words do not read: “Do nothing but pray.” They mean “never stop offering prayer.” In other words, don’t give up on prayer.

 

[LiamQ]

Jesus NEVER states that we should “pray without ceasing.” Those are the words of St. Paul at 1 Thessalonians 5:17.

And these words do not read: “Do nothing but pray.” They mean “never stop offering prayer.” In other words, don’t give up on prayer.

Right, but St. Paul’s words likewise conform to Luke 18, and part of the way that “praying always” has been interpreted spiritually is to “walk always in the presence of God, by a spirit of prayer, love, and sorrow for sin,” because praying is more than just petitioning or reciting words.

Having said this, your points are very, very good.

 

[LiamQ]

Here’s a beautiful quote from St. Augustine:

Yet there is another, interior kind of prayer without ceasing, namely, the desire of the heart. Whatever else you may be doing, if you but fix your desire on God’s Sabbath rest, your prayer will be ceaseless. Therefore, if you wish to pray without ceasing, do not cease to desire.

The constancy of your desire will itself be the ceaseless voice of your prayer. And that voice of your prayer will be silent only when your love ceases. For who are silent? Those of whom it is said: Because evil has abounded, the love of many will grow cold.

The chilling of love means that the heart is silent; while burning love is the outcry of the heart.

 

[CeelosDeznos]

Right, but St. Paul’s words likewise conform to Luke 18, and part of the way that “praying always” has been interpreted spiritually is to “walk always in the presence of God, by a spirit of prayer, love, and sorrow for sin,” because praying is more than just petitioning or reciting words.

Having said this, your points are very, very good.

Thanks.

However, my comments did not deserve a “but St. Paul’s words likewise conform to Luke 18” as my comment already proved the point made by Jesus there.

At Luke 18:1 we read: " Then he told them a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary." (Italics added.) As I stated in my post about the words to “pray without ceasing”:

They mean “never stop offering prayer.” In other words, don’t give up on prayer.

That is the same thing as Luke 18:1: “Pray always without becoming weary.”

While it is great to add something to another’s comment, and your post is a great addition, it is not a correction. To state, “yes, but…” is to suggest I was missing something.

I was not forgetting Scriptures or purposely leaving something out. I was merely giving a concise answer. I am already a wordy and insufficient poster as it is, and I don’t know everything. But I didn’t mention Luke 18:1 as it wasn’t directly involved in the question. The poster had quoted a different text. He may have had the one in Luke in mind, perhaps, but he had still mistaken it for the other.

I don’t sense anything malicious in your intentions, however. It’s just that I’ve noticed some *other *people on here who tend to read things into posts and unnecessarily “correct” them, not just my own. These others spend a lot of time doing this on this forum. It can’t be helped as all forums have people like this.

I’m not insulted or disturbed, but I thought I would just point out that you might not want to add the “but” as it means you disagree with something I posted. It’s a little word, but it has great intentions behind it. I don’t think you are one of these persons, by the way, and I am hoping that is clear by what I am saying.

 

[LiamQ]

I’m not insulted or disturbed, but I thought I would just point out that you might not want to add the “but” as it means you disagree with something I posted.

Just for a bit of context, I included my final part about your making good points for two reasons:

(1) Because I myself made the mistake of thinking Our Lord said those words while it was really St. Paul;

(2) Because I think your exegesis of St. Paul’s words is absolutely valid, and it applies especially to Luke 18. Your interpretation is CLEARLY the literal sense of what Christ is getting at there.

But … … I think there’s more to it than just that. There’s more of a meaning here. This understanding can be found in my posted St. Augustine quote, and also in the Catechism, where praying always is briefly addressed in 2668.

… and the reason I mention all of this, is because I believe the OP is on to something which is a perfectly legitimate spiritual inclination. I don’t want him to be stifled in this, and yes, I will defend his idea here. Yes, it was also my intention to correct you a bit, because I think you’re insisting on a literal interpretation to the exclusion of other interpretations, but those other interpretations are absolutely legitimate, too.

 

[CeelosDeznos]

Yes, it was also my intention to correct you a bit, because I think you’re insisting on a literal interpretation to the exclusion of other interpretations, but those other interpretations are absolutely legitimate, too.

And that is your mistake. I WAS NOT insisting on a literal interpretation to the exclusion of other interpretations. As I mentioned in my last post, I was trying to be concise and not exhaustive.

You have no means of knowing my intentions anymore than you have the ability to read minds. Going about correcting others on the basis of such self-appointed insight merely because you “think” I may be doing something that I am not is not very efficacious.

 

[Monica4316]

What are some good ways to remember God throughout the day? I always find myself absentmindedly doing the same things everyday. I often simply forget about God.

I often try praying while doing things, but this doesn’t really help much. I also often absentmindedly do sinful acts (i.e. am rude to my mother, or I start thinking uncharitable thoughts about people in video games) because I completely forget about God.

I find it a shame that I can’t remember God. I wish I could, but I can’t. What are your tips for remembering God? Thanks!

You might be interested in the book “Practice of the Presence of God”