Do You Get Distracted During Prayer?
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- Опубліковано 22 сер 2024
- Even with four hours a day of prayer, Fr. Malachy still gets distracted.
After his mind would wander off on one tangent after another, he brought this problem to his spiritual director. But, the director told him, God took great joy in seeing Fr. Malachy turn to him over and over again, choosing Jesus tangent after tangent.
A great analogy for distraction in prayer is a baby learning to walk. The baby is going to fall over and over again, but the parents triumph in every step the baby takes because they know how hard it is for the baby to overcome the obstacles and master the challenge of walking. In prayer, we are going to get distracted over and over, but the Lord is overjoyed by every moment where we turn back to him because he knows how hard the world, the flesh, and the devil make it to pray.
When you get distracted, just get up and turn back to Jesus. Eventually focusing on him will become as easy as walking. After a while, you will begin to learn to turn your heart to Jesus naturally and choose him instead of distraction.
Slow down your mind. Instead of fighting distraction after distraction, take each step slowly. An occasional “squirrel” may cross your mind, but you will be able to refocus on Jesus if you take it slow. Then, before you know it, you won’t just be walking to Jesus in your prayer. You’ll be able to run to him and with him.
With that, Fr. Malachy says farewell and offers you his blessing as he travels to Nicaragua to continue his mission with the CFRs there. This may be his last video on Ascension Presents.
You may also like these items from Ascension:
Oremus: A Guide to Catholic Prayer [Online Video Access] by Fr. Mark Toups (tinyurl.com/y57...)
Pocket Guide to the Rosary by Matt Fradd (tinyurl.com/y3a...)
Pocket Guide to Adoration by Fr. Josh Johnson (tinyurl.com/y69...)
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As a cloistered Carmelite, we spend 8 hrs a day in prayer. We are taught to pray the distraction and not fight them. Talk to the Lord about them and then simply move on. If you fight them, it makes them worse. Even the temptations. The Lord is concerned about ALL aspects of you and your life. Tell Him everything. That way ALL becomes prayer.
Similar advice as to how I have started praying about temptations. For the longest time, my prayers were normally something like, “Lord, please take away my temptations!!!”, and now I instead try and pray, “Lord, please teach me how to respond to my temptations in a way that is Christian, and brings You honor!”
Wow! A fellow Carmelite....🎉🎉🎉. OCDS myself. Thank you for the advice. Will use it
Thank you for this! Your words really hit me.
Thank you Sister and God Bless you and your blessed Order
Thank you,. I have said the daily rosary for several years during Adoration. It takes the whole hour and I always think it is a waste of time because I don’t concentrate. Same with Mass. Thank you for your comment. God bless you. I will pray for you and your Sisters.
Fr. Malachy we're gonna miss you SO much, God bless you over there!!!! 🙏🏻😭
No one comes to the Father except through Jesus! He is the way the truth and the lifePray to God through Jesus Christ he is our only way He is our mediator Only pray to the heavenly Father
JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY AND HE LOVES YOU
ST.TERESA OF LISIEUX: “I should be distressed that I drop off to sleep during my prayers... But I don’t feel at all distressed. I know that children are just as dear to their parents whether they are asleep or awake, and I know that doctors put their patients to sleep before they operate. I’d never before heard it said that one’s faults did not distress God, and I was overwhelmed with joy when I did receive this assurance. It gave me patience to endure this life of exile. It was, too, the echo of my inmost thoughts. For a long time I had realized that Our Lord was more tender than a mother - and how well I know the depths of tenderness in more than one mother’s heart! I know that a mother is always ready to forgive the misbehavior of her child.”
I got distracted thinking about distractions!😂
🤣🤣🤣
This is probably the most relatable thing that I have ever heard
Pray to God through Jesus Christ he is our only way He is our mediator
Father Malachy this was such a timely topic! I have been struggling with my "squirrels" all the time and I don't have the excuses of family, laundry etc to distract me as I live alone. But what you said really helped and I will concentrate on that when I'm saying my rosary and the squirrels come out to play.
God bless you in your ministry in Nicaragua. I will say a weekly rosary for you (I'm trying to say a morning and evening rosary these days). I hope Father Mark Mary will continue with the videos. I love the Chaplet of Divine Mercy you did with Father Toussaint. God bless you both and thank you for all the wonderful videos you've made.
Just don't pray the hail Mary, only pray to God through Jesus alone
pray to God through Jesus
Jesus loves you
Pray to God through Jesus Christ he is our only way He is our mediator
Pray to God through Jesus Christ he is our only way He is our mediator Only pray to the heavenly Father
JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY AND HE LOVES YOU
I know the Lord knows I have squirrels so I no longer fight them and learned something useful. They were the very things pressing on the heart & mind that should be prayed about. i.e. Boredom in prayer, fears, sadness, anxieties, anger, guilt, or other things not being handled, are the very things I needed help with handling, so when I notice I'm wandering in prayer, I identified it, and let it become part of my prayer. I leave the squirrels with the Lord.
Mmm yes like the way you think.
No one comes to the Father except through Jesus! He is the way the truth and the lifePray to God through Jesus Christ he is our only way He is our mediator Only pray to the heavenly Father
JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY! ONLY PRAY TO THE FATHER
Oh! I was praying about this during my rosary this morning!
I pray mine every morning too 😱😱😇😇😇
me 3😇
So was I. Our Lord moves in mysterious ways.
This reminds me of possibly the strangest “squirrel” moment I myself have had, saying the rosary a few years ago.
During that time, I had recently checked out that black comedy musical produced on Broadway, “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street”. Very quickly, some of its musical numbers got stuck in my head. So I soon had a moment during one of my decades, where my mind suddenly began playing the instrumental music to “Pirelli’s Miracle Elixir” in the background and even saying my current prayer at the song’s pace. I had to stop for a moment and redo those particular Hail Marys properly, but then I did the rest of it just fine as normal.
So if anyone else had similarly weird distractions during a rosary, he can probably feel better about oneself.
@@markcobuzzi826 The enemy , especially now is working overtime to distract us from walking through the gospel with Our Virgin Mother. However, if you notice the Comforter allows this by turning tour distractions to a way that you can apply whatever thoughts you are having to the Gospel teachings. Part of the Grace of meditating with our Mother. Clears out a lot of garbage in the soul. Kind of get what I mean?
I get distracted when saying the Rosary, my brain always wanders
Me too, always...its really hard!
Same here!
Me too but I started listening to the rosary on Utube and it's brilliant! I just stick on my headphones and listen, even when I'm going around my hse I'm listening and saying it with the speaker, even just quietly to myself while listening. There's lots to choose from aswell 😉🙏💗🌼
@@noreendunne431 i started doing that too...❤️
Same!
At first I thought “aw man, I’m gonna miss Fr. Malachy on these videos” but then I realized perhaps the people in Nicaragua needed him more. I’ll be praying for you and your journey/service
Pray to God through Jesus Christ he is our only way He is our mediator Only pray to the heavenly Father
JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY AND HE LOVES YOU Pray to God through Jesus Christ he is our only way He is our mediator Only pray to the Father
@@lydia6442 Thank you for sharing the message of God's love. It is important to clarify what you are trying to say because with that language (to me) it sounds like you wouldn't support the idea of the saints interceding for us and offering prayers as incense before the Lamb (as it states in Revelation 5:8)? Please correct me if I'm wrong
THIS IS SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO GREAT
Pray to God through Jesus Christ he is our only way He is our mediator Only pray to the heavenly Father
JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY AND HE LOVES YOU Pray to God through Jesus Christ he is our only way He is our mediator Only pray to the Father
No one comes to the Father except through Jesus! He is the way the truth and the life
Fr. Malachi, as a second grader(1962) I had the rare experience of meeting Fr. Gregory Smutko, just as he was returning to Nicaragua. His homily include the poverty of Nicaragua and ho we as children could serve Christ, as we serve the poor. I took this to heart and throughout my lifetime I always used Fr. Smutko’s message.
In 2006, I visited San Francisco and met a middle aged man(an immigrant to the US) who told me the life of Fr Smutko. The first question he asked, did Fr. Have this very kinky, long hair? Yes, I had remembered that. He stayed with the poor in N. For the rest of his life. Not that I wish this for you, but you are truly on a discovery of the Cross Christ has purposed to you. Blessings on your love of God, His Son and your mission. Hope you learn much of this priest and his life. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Remember, even an 7 year old can be your greatest audience. Pease be to you and all missionaries who take delight in serving Gods people.
Praise the Lord Jesus Christ 🙏 Mother Mary Pray For Us 🙏Abba Father Bless us and we Adore You 🙏
Fr Malachy, my God hold you in the palm of his hand and keep you safe. Will be praying for you
Pray to God through Jesus Christ he is our only way He is our mediator Only pray to the heavenly Father
JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY AND HE LOVES YOU Pray to God through Jesus Christ he is our only way He is our mediator Only pray to the Father
No one comes to the Father except through Jesus! He is the way the truth and the life
When I saw this, I thought, wow, I am dealing with this too. God's timely intervention.
I love that line "we're gonna make it". Amen, amen.
so do I, it's very hopeful
@@emilyharrison631 Pray to God through Jesus Christ he is our only way He is our mediator Only pray to the heavenly Father
JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY AND HE LOVES YOU Pray to God through Jesus Christ he is our only way He is our mediator Only pray to the
Pray to God through Jesus Christ he is our only way He is our mediator Only pray to the heavenly Father
JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY AND HE LOVES YOU Pray to God through Jesus Christ he is our only way He is our mediator Only pray to the
God Bless you Fr. Malachi.... may hold you in the palm of His hand!!!
Blessing to you and Fr. Mark Mary! Thank you for sharing !
Yeah that right
Oh my gosh, yes I get distracted as easy as a 3 year old from what plan is for dinner, what I’m doing, what I’ve done, what I should be doing, aw what a pretty dog, oh my gosh I have 10 mins to finish this prayer before work 🤦🏼♀️ EVERY SINGLE DAY! I’m now going to watch your video and hope I’m not alone and God knows my soul is always singing to him with praise, thanks, glory, asking for forgiveness etc. Blessings always 🙏🏻🕯❤️
Thank you for reminding those of us whose minds are squirrely that God is not shaming us, He recgnizes that we are human and we are just trying to love Him despite and with all of our flaws!
Pray to God through Jesus Christ he is our only way He is our mediator Only pray to the heavenly Father
JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY AND HE LOVES YOU Pray to God through Jesus Christ he is our only way He is our mediator Only pray to the
No one comes to the Father except through Jesus! He is the way the truth and the life
No one comes to the Father except through Jesus! He is the way the truth and the life
I just tried doing a holy hour for the first time watching a live stream of Eucharistic adoration. I only lasted 30 minutes and there was SO much chatter in my head. But I kept returning to Jesus. I just kept hearing Joel 2:12 “return to me with your whole heart.” And that’s been an anchor for me! Thank you for your work and ministry! God bless you Fr. Malachy.
One of the best discussions that I've ever seen about how to quiet the mind and the emotions before entering meaningful prayer.
No one comes to the Father except through Jesus! He is the way the truth and the life
Father Malachy , God bless you on your mission to Nicaragua. Que la Virgen te acompane.
Father Please take care of yourself ..👍🏻👋
🙏
No one comes to the Father except through Jesus! He is the way the truth and the lifePray to God through Jesus Christ he is our only way He is our mediator Only pray to the heavenly Father
JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY
We will miss you Father M., safe travels!! Loved your testimony on Angels!! Don’t forget your guardian angel’s passport!
😬😉😄
God bless you and your work Fr. Malachy we will miss you
I'm missing you already Father Malachy!
Pray to God through Jesus Christ he is our only way He is our mediator Only pray to the heavenly Father
JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY AND HE LOVES YOU Pray to God through Jesus Christ he is our only way He is our mediator Only pray to the Father
This advice is pure gold - straight from Heaven! God bless you Fathers!
I get distracted too in prayer, and come back sometimes laugh at myself how far my mind had gone away from the prayer.
Thanks for reminding us of the father's love in our weakness and to continue to choose God again and again in those moments of distraction.
Needed that ending prayer so much, glad I stuck around for it. God Bless both of you and father Praying for your new life in Nicaragua 🇳🇮
We will miss Fr. Malachi! ❤
Pray to God through Jesus Christ he is our only way He is our mediator Only pray to the heavenly Father
JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY AND HE LOVES YOU Pray to God through Jesus Christ he is our only way He is our mediator Only pray to the Father
No one comes to the Father except through Jesus! He is the way the truth and the life
We'll miss you, Father Malachy! God bless you always! May your Guardian Angel keep you safe always too.
Safe travels my brother
I will miss seeing Fr Malachy
No one comes to the Father except through Jesus! He is the way the truth and the lifePray to God through Jesus Christ he is our only way He is our mediator Only pray to the heavenly Father
JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY AND HE LOVES YOU Pray to God through Jesus Christ he is our only way He is our mediator Only pray to the Father
Thank you Lord for bringing Fr Malachy into our lives. Please send your angels to watch over him.
God Bless you and keep you Fr. Malachy🙏 Will miss you!
Thank you thank you thank you....I get so upset with myself when I see that "squirrel".....I think "why can't I focus!!!" Your words make me feel soooo much better!
Fr Malachy, Thank you for sharing yourself with us. May God bless you and keep you safe.
Thank you Fr Malachy for your wisdom and blessings. You will be missed by many but many will be blessed by you on the next part of your journey with Christ. God bless
Fr Malachy, May God bless you and keep you, may his host of angels encamp around you, may fill you with the Holy Spirit to guide, protect and sustain you. May our Holy Mother Mary cover you with her mantle of love! Safe journey! 🙏🏾💕
Blessings and safe travels Fr. Malachy!!
I am going to miss these videos with Fr Malachy so so much!
Have a blessed time in Nicaragua Father...
I’ve been praying the rosary and getting distracted causing me to get discouraged but after seeing this I’m much reassured that it’s just more practice 🙏🏼 Thank you and God bless you Fr. Malachy
Pray to God through Jesus Christ he is our only way He is our mediator
Jesus loves you
Thank You for the blessings father!!!
May God bless, protect and guide you too in this journey we call life! Please pray for lost vocations that they will be found and lived with God's help and grace...
Pray to God through Jesus Christ he is our only way He is our mediator Only pray to the heavenly Father
JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY AND HE LOVES YOU Pray to God through Jesus Christ he is our only way He is our mediator Only pray to the
Fr. Malachy, I'll be praying for you especially now that you're in Nicaragua. The situation down here is hard. May the Lord bless, keep and guide you.
Fr Mark Mary always seems hypnotized when Fr Malachy is talking. Fr Malachy sorry your leaving to Nicaragua, may God bless u in your journey
Take care, Bro. Malachy. We're gonna miss you. Have fun in Nicaragua. God bless. 😊
Praying for Fr. M’s trip... what a good video.
May the road rise to meet you Fr. Malachy. God bless you on your travels. You will be missed.
Father Malachy we gonna miss you😢🥺❤️ may God bless your new mission and the Holy virgin Mary protect you (and Sorry for my inglish) I normally speak portuguese and Just understand whem people are speaking inglish)
Greatings from Brazil🇧🇷🇧🇷❤️🙏🙏
God bless Fr. Malachy. Thank you for this talking about distraction in prayer. The struggle is real.
Thank you father for the blessing we will miss your wisdom and knowledge
Wish you the best in Nicaragua Fr. Malachy! Thank you and please keep us in your prayers
Taking a break, from a continuing spiritual journey may help restore all lack of focus.
I'll miss watching Fr. Malachy on Ascension Presents.
Pray to God through Jesus Christ he is our only way He is our mediator Only pray to the heavenly Father
JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY AND HE LOVES YOU Pray to God through Jesus Christ he is our only way He is our mediator Only pray to the
May God bless you Fr. Malachy have a safe trip and enjoy your time in Nicaragua! Thanks for the blessing those were words I needed to hear.
May God go with you Fr. Malachy! Be safe and we will miss you.
We will miss you father Malachy , God bless you in your mission. 🙏🏼
Thank you for your advice on prayer Father Malachy! You helped me so much in person one time too with my problem remembering to continue novenas. You said, “however much you give, God will always outdo you in generosity.” Thank you for the advice! Prayers are coming your way for your ministry in Nicaragua!
God Bless you Fr. Malachy on your journey. Thank you for sharing this time with us.
God speed Fr. Malachi! You will be missed, but know you will save many souls. My prayers are with you. 🌎
We will miss you, father. Thank you for all that you all do. I love you all.
Pray to God through Jesus Christ he is our only way He is our mediator Only pray to the heavenly Father
JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY AND HE LOVES YOU Pray to God through Jesus Christ he is our only way He is our mediator Only pray to the
No one comes to the Father except through Jesus! He is the way the truth and the life
Fr. Malachy, we will miss youuuu! God bless your journey. Praying for you! 🙏
God bless and safe travels Fr. Malachy and thank you for all the prayers and teachings. You’ll be in my prayers 🙏
Safe travels Fr. Malachy. We miss you and pray for a safe and productive journey.
Thank you both for sharing your enlightening and uplifting videos! You both are gifts of God's love especially during these dark times we are experiencing. Even at my age, I find myself distracted while praying at times. I love the idea that God is encouraging me in my efforts, just as the loving parent He is!
Father Malachy, may God bless and protect you as your vocation takes you to Nicouragua. May Our Blessed Mother keep her arms around you and keep that smile on your face 🙏
Bon voyage Fr Malachy! 🙏
Thank you Father Malachy for all your work, May God keep you safe and Bless your ministry fruitfully Amen.
God bless you always in all you do Fr Malachy. Your videos of your testimony and your spiritual advice have been inspiring and encouraging. I will pray for your work in Nicaragua and for your safety and protection. Thanks be to God for the gift of your witness and priesthood.
God bless you Fathers. Specially God bless you Fr. Malachy, your blessing. 🙂🙏🏼❤️
Hallelujah! I needed to hear this so much. I feel like I am in a constant fight with my brain to focus.. but I never give up until I'm done praying.. Whether it's the Rosary or any other longer type of prayer.. It is so frustrating. So much I often feel like crying.... So thank you. Knowing the fact I keep struggling against it makes Jesus happy. That helps me not get discouraged. Thank you! Thank God!
May the Lord be with you always Father Malachy! You are such a blessing to all of us and will be missed. I will keep you in my prayers. Safe travels and God bless🙏🏼
Soooo good. Thank you for this message.
Fr. Malachy noooo we will so miss you!❤❤❤ Please come back later!
God bless your mission, Father Malachi. Father Mark Mary, I continue to pray for your interior journey.
fr malachy:( will miss you homeslice, one of my favourites
This is so great 😢 That baby and parent example is great and easy to understand, like how God shows his love and patience to us.
I often judge myself when i get distracted while praying. Thank you 💕
I thank God that there are people like you here on yt 😊
Loved this video, thanks for sharing this distraction meaning. Going to miss you Fr Malachy, hope we will see you again. 🙏🏼
Adios, Fr Malachy. I needed your message today. Thanks
I will miss your stories that are simple, animated and full of God's wisdom...😥 God bless you more in your next journey Fr. Malachy...😇🙏happy for people in Nicaragua 🤗
God speed in your travels, Father Malachy. We'll miss you.
May God bless you & watch over you in your new posting Fr Malachy. TQ for the many inspired sharings 🙏
Prayers for you Father Malachy! Love the videos you both have done!
Godspeed Fr. Malachy.
Pray to God through Jesus Christ he is our only way He is our mediator Only pray to the heavenly Father
JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY AND HE LOVES YOU Pray to God through Jesus Christ he is our only way He is our mediator Only pray to the
No one comes to the Father except through Jesus! He is the way the truth and the life
Thanks Fr. Malachi🌹 God bless you
Awww safe travels, Fr. Malachy! Will miss you!! 🙏
God bless you all and thank you for all this wonderful help you're passing on from God 🙏😀🌸
God bless you Father. You will be missed!
God bless you, Fr. Malachy, on your new mission! I have learned so much about our faith from your stories and witness. You will be dearly missed! Every blessing in your work and safe travels. And God bless you and your ministry, Fr. Mark-Mary! I learn so much from your videos, please don't go anywhere just yet! Thank you for all you do. From Fiona in Dublin, Ireland.
Thank you for your powerful prayers. We are packed and ready to evacuate from the many fires in the Golden State. It's hard. I think I am detached but I see I need many things. Please, give extra thanks for your haven today because we never know when it can be taken from us. All for the glory of the Lord!!
Thanks, Fr. Malachy, and best wishes for good work in Nicaragua.
Not perfection, But Faithfulness..thank you ABBA Father ❤️🙏🏾
Last week, in my early morning prayer, I literally got distracted by a squirrel right outside my window. Since we do not really have squirrels here in my country , I got excited and ran for my iPad to take a quick shot at it. But I also asked pardon from our Lord for this distraction and I thanked him for the beauty of His Creation. 🐿💖
As Fr. says, God sees our struggles in our distractions but He loves us double when we go back to Him. 🙏
May God bless us in every present moment ! 💕May everything be for His Glory!🔥🔥🔥
This is definitely needed in perfect timing too ❤️
Thank you for saying it that way... I often get discouraged when I am distracted. I actually took more than an hour listening to this because there were a lot of people near me who were making a lot of destructive noises. I wanted to listen an kept on playing this over and over so I would get some good Catholic guidance. I am glad that I listened and watched this video.
God bless you Fr. Malachy! We will miss you. Hope you will get on UA-cam from Nicaragua as well. Take care. Safe travels!
May God bless you in Nicaragua, Fr. Malachy! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Prayers for you Father Malachy! 🙏Thank you for the video Father. The suggestion about jotting the thing down and keeping it aside is so simple and yet seems effective. I will do that the next time I am distracted during prayer. Thanks again
Amen!!! God bless Fr. Malachy!
God Bless you both and many blessed times to you Fr. Malachi in Nicaragua.
God bless, Fr. Malachy. We're going to miss you. This topic is really timely and I'm so glad that our Father rejoices when we're trying to focus on him after many distractions. 😍
Thank you Fathers. I pray for safe and fruitful journey for fr Malachi. Something I learned from St Theresa( The Little Flower), about distractions in prayer is to pray for them or it. I think it is the Holy Spirit reminding me of where I am and and what is really troubling me. I don't try to say "wait till I see her next time"..😁😁😁 I make it part of my prayer. I even laugh sometimes if it is something funny and thank the Lord for the grace and then continue. I like the idea of writing things down.
God bless you Fr. Malachy, have a great time in Nicaragua!