dryness in prayer

[theculturewarrior]

Lately my prayers have seemed really dry. It's like my mouth is moving, but my heart is somewhere else. I offer it to God and ask Him to make the best of it, but it doesn't seem respectful when I pray. It's like I'm honoring Him with my lips but my heart is far from Him.

What to do?

Does prayer work when your mind wanders?

[Laudate_Dominum]

It might be disrespectful if you knew your heart was far from your prayer and you just didn't care, but the fact that you've posted this question shows that you aren't happy with the situation. Your desire is to be pleasing to God, therefore I would not worry about that.

Dry prayer can be more meritorious than prayer full of consolations. If you persevere in your prayer despite the fact that you aren't getting anything out of it, it is more selfless and can prove the quality of your love for God.

Often these things can mean that you should change your prayer habits in some way. These are really matters that ought to be discerned with a spiritual director, but you might want to find some edifying spiritual books that you could read from and meditate on before you begin your other prayers. This might put you in a better state of mind.

There are other things too. A wise priest who knows you more than I would be able to help guide you in growing in the spiritual life. That would be my best advice.

God bless.