The Discipline of a Willing Heart: What to Do When You Don't *Feel* Like Praying
Struggling to find the motivation to pray? Discover 5 practical ways to reignite your passion for talking to God, even when prayer feels like a chore. Includes biblical insights and tips to help you reconnect with your Creator, plus a free app to enhance your time in God's Word.
PRAYER
We've all been there. Life gets busy, stress piles on, or maybe a sense of spiritual dryness sets in. Suddenly, the idea of prayer feels about as appealing as a root canal. But deep down, that little voice inside reminds you: you should pray. So, what do you do when your spirit is willing, but your flesh is weak?
Recognize It's Normal (and Okay):
First and foremost, understand that feeling distant from prayer is a normal part of the Christian walk. Even Jesus' disciples, those who walked and talked with him daily, experienced moments of doubt and struggle. Remember when they couldn't heal a young boy and cried out to Jesus, "Why could not we cast him out?" (Mark 9:28, KJV). Jesus gently reminded them that sometimes, it takes more than willpower; it takes faith.
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Examine the Root:
Take some time to reflect on why you might be feeling resistant to prayer. Are you:
Overwhelmed? Life's demands can leave us feeling drained.
Angry or hurt? Unresolved emotions can create a barrier between us and God.
Struggling with doubt? Unanswered prayers or difficult circumstances can test our faith.
Simply distracted? The constant noise of the world can easily pull our focus away from God.
Identifying the root cause will help you address it directly in your prayers and seek solutions.
Start Small and Simple:
Don't feel pressured to launch into an hour-long prayer session when you're struggling to even utter a sentence. Start small. A simple, heartfelt "Help me, Lord" is a powerful prayer in itself. Psalm 139:23-24 reminds us, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Even acknowledging your struggles to God is a step towards reconnection.
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Focus on Gratitude:
When your heart feels heavy, shift your focus to gratitude. What are you thankful for? Even in the midst of trials, we can find reasons to praise God. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us to "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Gratitude softens our hearts and reminds us of God's faithfulness, even when we don't see it.
Use Scripture as a Springboard:
Sometimes, the words escape us. In those moments, turn to the Bible. Read a Psalm, a Proverb, or a passage that resonates with your current emotional state. Use the words of Scripture as a starting point for your own prayers. As you read, ask God to speak to you through His Word and guide your thoughts. For easy access to the full text of the King James Bible, be sure to download the free King James Bible app, which also includes features like daily verses, audio narration, and prayer tools to enhance your time in God's Word.
Remember It's About Relationship:
Prayer is not about checking off a box on your to-do list. It's about cultivating a relationship with your Creator. Approach prayer with an open heart, seeking to connect with God on a personal level. Share your joys, your sorrows, your fears, and your hopes. He already knows them, but He longs to hear them from you. As James 4:8 says, "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you."
Don't Give Up:
There will be seasons when prayer feels like a chore, but don't give up. Even when you don't feel like it, show up. Be honest with God about your struggles, and trust that He hears your prayers, even the whispered ones. The discipline of a willing heart is precious to Him. Remember, "The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth." (Psalm 145:18, KJV).