When someone asks me this, I often smile gently, because it’s a very human question. Every one of us, even the saints, has known what it feels like for the mind to drift. And yet, the desire you express—to stay focused, to be truly present—is already a sign that the Holy Spirit is stirring within you.

One thing I always encourage is to begin by not fighting yourself. When your thoughts wander, instead of forcing them back, simply notice it and return to God with a quiet, “Here I am again, Lord.” This simple act becomes a small offering of love. In the Gospels, Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray; His example reminds us that prayer is not about performance but returning, again and again, to the Father.

It can also help to anchor yourself with something tangible: a Scripture verse repeated slowly, the rhythm of your breath, or even the gentle holding of a cross or rosary. These small practices give the mind a place to rest. The Church teaches us that prayer is the lifting of the heart to God, and sometimes that lifting happens one soft breath at a time.

And in daily life, when distraction pulls you away, try to pause for a moment. Place your hand over your heart, breathe deeply, and say, “Lord, be with me in this moment.” You’ll find that focus grows not from effort alone but from the quiet trust that God is already near, guiding your thoughts back like a shepherd gathering His sheep.

May your wandering thoughts become gentle reminders to return to the One who never wanders from you.

— Fr. John Matthew, for Christian Way.