One thing I found very useful last year when I went through a very trying time at work and struggled meditating because my mind kept wandering and would not center itself back was to chant the name of the Lotus Sutra Nam-Myoho Renge Kyo as do the followers of Nichiren Buddhism.
I am not sure if I buy that chanting it helps erase bad karma but it sure gave me a point of focus and really helped still my mind.
I also love Tina Turner's version and when I could not even center myself enough to chant on my own, I would just sit close my eyes and focus intently on her voice. Worked wonder.
I can get into a meditative state and sit for an hour or more easily now but I still enjoy listening and chanting along with her once in a while.