[Talking_Mouse]

When I pray the Rosary, my alleged mind often drifts off the mystery to be contemplated.

I wonder if that invalidates...well, things. Makes that Rosary not count, or count less.

As soon as you realize your mind is drifting bring it back to the mystery. This is how to learn discipline. As long as you are truly trying to keep your mind on the mystery the Lord Jesus is pleased.

As for counting less, lets use an analogy. What does a mom enjoy more, the boutique of flowers in a vase that her child has picked for her or the professional arrangement? When I think about how very imperfect my rosaries are I keep coming back to the fact that I am trying to please Our Lady by praying her rosary, and an imperfect rosary is much better than no rosary at all.

[dsc]

It has been said that the prayers of a righteous man fly to heaven like arrows.

I figure mine lurch like a three-legged rino with a thorn in one of his remaining feet.

[tiki]

Mothers are happier with weeds even. It truly is the thought that counts.

[NYer]

As soon as you realize your mind is drifting bring it back to the mystery. This is how to learn discipline. As long as you are truly trying to keep your mind on the mystery the Lord Jesus is pleased.

Like freeper 'dsc', my mind often wanders and I agree with TM that the best practice is to use discipline to return to the meditation. Fr. Corapi, when asked about this, told the listeners to 'offer it up'.

BTW - a while back, another freeper commented that we should offer up the first decade to the intentions of our Blessed Mother, and I have done that ever since. The 2nd decade, I always offer up for those who have asked for my prayers. And the rest, of course, are all devoted to the Holy Father, the Patriarch, the Bishop, my pastor, the parishioners, my living and deceased relatives and friends, neighbors, coworkers, and even total strangers. At this stage of my life, I am beginning to regret not becoming a contemplative nun :-)

God bless you both in your prayer life.