What do you do to avoid distractions during prayer?

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angelo

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I would like to know what you guys do to avoid or stop distractions during prayer. I’m having so much difficulty in praying today, my mind began to wonder off, I feel like a sloth and I often forget if I’ve said an Our Father or Hail Mary. Im still young but I feel like my grandma has better memory than me when I pray. Im still trying to go back to prayer but its still happening. What do you guys do to keep focus?
 
It happens to all of us, young and old. Teresa of Avila’s advice is to just catch yourself and lovingly return your mind to God. Sometimes it is a struggle all throughout prayer. So don’t be dismayed. It has nothing to do with the heart, which is focused on God. Try to 1) focus on each word of the prayer and say them slowly and out loud; 2) picture Jesus or Mary right in front of you and speak to them as if they were there (which they are!).
 
For prayer I choose the time of day when I am smarter and alone.

It’s early in the morning for me, but everyone knows what’s right for him.

To help me against distractions I use a book, often the Gospel, in the way Pope Francis suggested it: read a few lines, stop to meditate, then read a little more, meditate again, and so on.
 
The above is good advice. It does happen to everyone. I’d add…dont give up praying whatever you do continue. Jesus doesn’t want you to give up on him. So as the others said keep going return to the prayer as soon as you realise you have wandered off…much like walking a dog …give a gentle tug on the lead… not that way… come back here. Then carry on where you were, if you are saying the rosary and you’ve forgotten which prayer, the beads should keep you up to date, but if you have forgotten to move your fingers then don’t worry, just carry on from where you last remember . No one minds of you say an extra Hail Mary or miss one etc. I ask my angel to fix it for me if I’ve not said them right but I’m quite sure Mary doesn’t mind…its the intention that counts. My earthly mother is quite sweet and appreciates my effort to help her and she is certainly not full of grace so imagine how Mary and Jesus are… they will not mind if you make a few mistakes but will merely be joyful that you are praying.

I often abandon vocal prayer in favour of mental prayer in these times and just tell Jesus of my misery and how I can’t concentrate and beg him to help me. It helps to tell him all that’s worrying you etc. as that’s often the distraction and any sins then you can continue with his help. Just give him my burden really, so he can help me. That’s usually the greatest help. In fact it does well to start a meditation this way so you are unburdened I find. God bless
 
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If I find myself unsure if I actually said or finished a prayer like that when it’s part of my routine, I usually take that as a sign to try something different - even if it’s just for the day or one/two prayers at the time. So maybe instead of the Hail Mary, try the Memorare (and if you don’t know it but need to read it, that might be even better).
 
Sometimes when I find myself getting distracted I will just stop and think about why this particular thing is distracting me. More often than not I will realize that it is something that is requiring my prayerful attention. Almost as if the Holy Spirit is whacking me on the back of the head saying, “Hey! Look over here for awhile.”
 
I acknowledge my distraction, make a note if it was something I need to remember later then go back to my talking with God
 
Don’t feel like you have to pray as if it’s on a a checklist. Do it whenever the Holy Spirit puts it on your heart. Sometimes I get down on my face and pray. It makes my prayers feel more weighty and passionate.
 
It is encouraging to see that so many of us have the same problem. I believe it is human nature. St. Teresa of Avila wrote that we should ignore them, and remember that despite the wandering of the mind, the “will” IS praying! It is the understanding and memory that cause all the trouble, and she said to pay no more attention to them as to a madman. 😀
Just as long as these are not willful distractions, our prayers are very pleasing to God, nevertheless.
 
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I would say practice more. Pray another time during the day for the same amount of time. Maybe a different style prayer. I will try to visualize something from let’s say a mystery of the rosary, or think of the first scripture that comes to mind and ponder that fir a sec. Or a holy image. One of my favorites is something I haven’t done in a while but I think is great; to offer your distractions up before prayer. 🙂
 
Much great advice given in this thread!

I just wanted to mention that whenever you are aware of the distraction and then you gently bring yourself back to your prayer…you are then choosing God over the distraction, and that is a plus.
 
I try to choose a place I can be alone without major distractions. This is especially important for me since I have ADD. We have a spare room that works out fine for this purpose.

I also try to choose a time when my wife is resting or doing something else in another part of the house or has gone somewhere.

Try turning off the TV, cell phone, radio, or any other object making distracting noises.

I usually start out by thanking God for His love and for different blessings like life, family, friends, etc, and that I thank Him for His goodness before making my petitions.

It’s also good to just be still and not say anything and just listen for God’s-inspired insights He may give you. The Lord has everything under control, even though it may not seem like it at the time.

I try to have my Bible with me to look up Scripture references that might apply to my current situation.

Note: Even though I’m not Catholic, Catholics speak highly of going to ‘Adoration’. If your local parish has it, I’d highly recommend it.

I went to a local Catholic hospital chapel once while on a visit to see a friend during ‘Adoration’ and it definitely was a quiet time where I felt God’s presence and could focus well spiritually there.
 
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Acknowledge the distractions, and return to prayer. God wants honest prayer, and truthfully acknowledging the distractions is part of the honesty. Praying about them, as about anything else, is still prayer. If you are distracted, you have a lot on your mind, and go ahead and pray about what’s on your mind, and ask for help with it if it distresses you.
 
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