Group faith sharing

Lately, personal prayer has been challenging for me. I sit down to meditate on Scripture or be quiet with the Lord and the distractions come! My thoughts wander all over the place; I get restless to be somewhere else. I try to settle down but it doesn't last long. It's like a form of spiritual ADHD! Has this happened to you, too? Maybe it's a combination of spring fever and general restlessness. Then, too, my plate is full: there's a lot to do, more to prepare for, and each day brings unexpected tasks. There's plenty to think about.

I've adjusted to it by trying different forms of prayer. Since inner stillness is harder to reach, I do more spiritual reading, hoping the words and ideas will overpower the noise inside. It's been helpful. Art as prayer has been a good way to express feelings, release energy, and come back to the center. I've been doing more adult coloring and continue to paint. I've also been praying outside more, walking while praying the rosary or bringing my prayer books outside when we aren't praying together in chapel.

During this time, praying with a group has been especially powerful for me. I've always heard that the community carries an individual when she can't pray, and I'm experiencing that now.  I'm a part of several faith sharing groups, mostly with sisters in my community. I've found that it's easier to focus when it's part of a conversation with others. I also benefit from their insights, especially when I don't have many of my own. I learn something new or am reminded of what's important. I'm grateful for their support.