What Helps You Pray When Your Mind Won’t Settle?

Some days prayer feels natural… and other days, my mind jumps all over the place.
I’m curious, when your thoughts are scattered or restless, what helps you settle into prayer?

Do you journal? Pray out loud? Sit in silence first? Use Scripture prayers?
I’d love to hear the simple things that help you reconnect with God on the harder days.

I make a prayer list, but don’t always feel like praying.