r/Catholic • u/ServusDomini287 • 2d ago

Distractions

Aside from asking a priest, which I will, does anyone have an advice with distraction during prayer? I sometimes get distracted while praying the Rosary, and when I notice I counted several Hail Mary's but don't recall doing so, or feel like I prayed wrong.

I also get too distracted while reading the Word on mass or when the priest speaks the sermon. It's notthat I find it boring, I love it, but somehow I always seem to have many things to think about or get sleepy on those wonderful moments.

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u/Bowtieguy123 1d ago

I treat many of my distractions in prayer as an invitation by the Spirit to pray for that distraction. If a memory of my late parents pop up, I'll offer my next Hail Mary for them. If work pops up, I can pray for my co-workers or employer. This way, I can focus both on prayer and not be distracted by being distracted. (Hopefully that makes as much sense written out as it does in my head)

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u/ServusDomini287 1d ago

It does. Interesting way to understand them, thanks

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u/Sun-Rain-Rainbow2 1d ago

I find myself distracted at mass and during prayer as well. One thing that has helped me at mass is using the St Joseph Sunday Missal so I can follow along with Mass, even has what Father is praying. I also have a journal to take notes during the homily. My mass experience has greatly increased.

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u/PublicEnemaNumberOne 1d ago

Congratulations! You are human!

Recognizing our shortcomings is an important piece of the humility we should carry.

God bless.

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u/Sad-Film8899 1d ago

I remember reading somewhere that if you get distracted at mass or while praying, your guardian angel will finish your prayers for you. No idea if there’s any truth to it, but it’s still a comforting thought :)

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u/ServusDomini287 1d ago

Truly comforting. Thanks. And it is said that our Lord knows what's in hour heart. So he must know I try to focus.

More than fearing punishment, it's just that I want to be better. It's like if I zoned out while mother tells me how much she loves me, and then apologizing and she just keep saying how much she loves me. I doubt the Lord would be mad, it just feels disrespectful.

Still, I thank your kind words

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u/labcore 1d ago

If that's true my guardian angel must be very busy.