Trouble with prayer

[justawhisper]

i have been told only God can know your thoughts, the devil cannot. he can only hear the words you say. that being said…

i have noticed over the years, sometimes it’s very difficult for me to prayer and keep the thoughts at hand. i have been diagnosed with hypo-mania years ago, that’s one of the things that i can contribute to it. like my ego-chatter is trying to break my concentration. it’s almost as if these negative thoughts just totally intrude on my prayer (whatever it may be, praying the rosary, talking to God, etc.). i know it sounds crazy, and im really not! anyone else ever have this problem? if so, does anyone know a way to get through and rid of it?

 

[plato3]

Never heard of your condition, but can tell you that some of the greatest saints had trouble with prayer and distractions. Some on these boards have suggested listening to a CD of the rosary. Some of them are very beautiful with great background music and using earphones might keep you focused.

 

[Polish]

Dear Justawhisper,

I think this is a common problem with many people. I was instructed by a priest not to give these interruptions a hold on your thoughts/prayers. He said to “gently” push the distraction away and return to your prayer. Evidently the more importance you give to the distraction, the greater the hold it will have on you and the harder it will be to dispel. Anyway, it’s worth a try.