WHEN THE MIND IS UNTRAINED ...

From Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection,  a discalced Carmelite of the 17th century:


When the mind is untrained and has got into bad habits of wandering and dissipation, they are most difficult to overcome, and frequently draw us, against our wills, to the things of earth.

I believe that one remedy is to confess our faults, humbling ourselves before God. I advise you to avoid much talking in prayer; long speeches often induce distractions.