Get rid of all the thoughts and images in your head and clear your mind. Put your mind into the words. Read slower as well, because it helps to get rid of any thoughts once they come, as well as putting, as I said, your mind into the words. Sometimes, if you know prayers by heart, it is easier if you close your eyes. Sometimes the old rite tradition of crossing your arms also helps. Anyway I am the last person that should be giving advices, but none of these are my words. I suggest you getting a book by St. Ignatius Brianchaninov \"On Jesus Prayer\", which you can find on Amazon.
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i am really not big on words but i do want to thank everybody for their time and advise. i do have alot of work ahead of me on my way to become a better christian. i really enjoy reading everyones thoughts and oppinions on this subject. i know that there is not really one specific thing that i can do that will make it perfect but every advise helps to get closer to a better life in Christ so please continue to respond.
God bless you all
with love,
vera
i just recently went to visit a monastery and life there was so beautiful and peacefull and everything was in order. we were working out in the field with the nuns and going to the beautiful long services and i dont know how alse to discribe it but it was beautiful.and when it was time for me to go back home it made me really sad and even a little upset because we have to live out here in this world that is ruled by money and greed and you all know how it is out there.. and it made me wonder.. we have monasterys for men and women who give up everything for God and just serve Him for the rest of their lifes apart from this world.. why cant we have the same for families who dont want to live in this world with all its distractions and all that?! i felt kind of depressed ever since i came back from the monastery. i dont know.. maybe im just overwhelmed by the beauty and holyness of that monastery..
i think it just depends on what church you go to. here in america i go to a antiochian orthodox church and when my husband,former methodist, joined the church he was just christmated but back in the russian orthodox church (in germany) everybody who wanted to become orthodox had to be baptized even catholics. i think that it depends on what church you go to some are very strict and some are more liberal. but im not an expert on this topic i just wanted to share my experience.