When I pray, and I start out meditating on a Bible passage, sometimes I can’t concentrate. My mind wants to wander. I may be thinking about good things, but I just can’t make my mind focus on what I’m reading. It’s like a mental fog.
Sometimes when I pray I remember something I’ve done in the past or thoughts I’ve had or things I’ve wanted, and I see how far short I’ve fallen, and I can’t stand myself. I want to die.
When I pray, I sit quietly in God’s presence, trying to calm my heart and mind. I try to just rest in him. But thoughts and distractions are a problem.
At my church, the most spiritual people speak in tongues, but that doesn’t happen to me yet. I guess I’m still waiting for the baptism of the Spirit.
I do yoga. It’s like meditation in motion. Is this a legitimate way to pray?
When I pray I sit in a comfortable posture, looking down. I gaze at my navel.
I pray the rosary. I say ten Hail Marys and then an Our Father. Then I repeat.
I used to really enjoy meditation, but lately I can’t pray. I get up early to pray, but there is nothing there. The door is shut.
When I pray, I usually read a good book or the Bible, slowly. I think about how it applies to me.
Imagine you are a spiritual director. You meet with a directee, who describes his prayer. What advice do you give?