Send CathInfo's owner Matthew a gift from his Amazon wish list:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/25M2B8RERL1UO

« previous next »
Pages: [1] 2

Author Topic: What is considered a "willful distraction" during prayer?  (Read 1294 times)

0 Members and 2 Guests are viewing this topic.

Offline Cryptinox

  • Supporter
What is considered a "willful distraction" during prayer?
« on: April 25, 2023, 02:03:30 PM »
I was wondering what is meant by "distraction" during prayer. Is it solely in the mind or does it refer to doing other stuff while praying such as being aware of your surroundings when taking a walk or checking the traffic light etc. 
Logged

Offline Stubborn

  • Supporter
Re: What is considered a "willful distraction" during prayer?
« Reply #1 on: April 25, 2023, 02:23:57 PM »
Logged

Online Seraphina

Re: What is considered a "willful distraction" during prayer?
« Reply #2 on: April 25, 2023, 05:49:23 PM »
I pray while driving.  So, yes, one might say I’m willfully distracted if I pay attention to a traffic light or other vehicles.  This is not sinful distraction, however.  I’ve been driving for nearly 50 years, so much of my driving is automatic.  If a situation arises that requires my full attention, I just give it my attention and when resolved, pick up prayer where I left off.  
The way many people drive these days, I’d almost say it’s required for Catholics to pray while driving!  
Logged

Offline EWPJ

Re: What is considered a "willful distraction" during prayer?
« Reply #3 on: April 26, 2023, 09:51:56 PM »
Looking at the foot of the word..."will"ful.  It is in the will.  For instance you pray but you would rather be thinking about what you're going to eat later and how good it will taste, etc. while you're uttering words to prayers (or trying to meditate with mental prayer.)   It would be willful distraction if you just think about whatever while praying wilfully.  If you don't want or desire the distraction then it's not willful.  I know at the beginning when I started praying I used to purposely think about other things while praying and those were willful distractions.  If you're praying without the intent to be distracted and your mind just wanders (and it will) then it's not a willful distraction.  

Logged

Offline AnthonyPadua

  • Supporter
Re: What is considered a "willful distraction" during prayer?
« Reply #4 on: April 27, 2023, 07:37:44 AM »
Logged
Pages: [1] 2
« previous next »