When A Prayer Feels Wrong

[faithcecelia]

I have started trying to pray more 'official' prayers rather than just sitting in silence with God as I keep hearing how powerful and valuable they are. However I am finding I feel nauseaus and uncomfortable and just not wanting to be there. My usual prayerlife seems to be deepening at present as I reach a new level of calmness and willingness to stop the 'chatter' and just listen. Could it be that God wants me to just 'shut up and listen' and as such should I avoid the structured prayer I am trying?



Sorry, I know its a waffle but my first draft was overly long. Thank you.

[TeresaBenedicta]

[quote name='faithcecelia' timestamp='1311554443' post='2275183']
I have started trying to pray more 'official' prayers rather than just sitting in silence with God as I keep hearing how powerful and valuable they are. However I am finding I feel nauseaus and uncomfortable and just not wanting to be there. My usual prayerlife seems to be deepening at present as I reach a new level of calmness and willingness to stop the 'chatter' and just listen. Could it be that God wants me to just 'shut up and listen' and as such should I avoid the structured prayer I am trying?



Sorry, I know its a waffle but my first draft was overly long. Thank you.
[/quote]

It is slightly unusual to return to formal prayers once one has matured in the prayer life (beyond using the occasional novena for a particular intention, etc). In general, one begins their prayer life with formal, vocal prayer... and then progress to meditation, followed by a more 'affective' form of meditation or mental prayer... and then one is drawn by God into contemplation.

Of course, God is the main worker in prayer. And as St. Teresa of Avila teaches us, one can reach the height of contemplation through formal vocal prayer.

If you have a spiritual director, I would recommend speaking to him about your current prayer.

Persevere in prayer- that is most important. Perhaps you could "split" your prayer time. Tell God that you are going to give Him the first half of prayer in complete silence. Then move to your formal prayer.

Keep praying! And give it all to Him. Then He will do with it what He wills.