Do you struggle with prayer? You’re not alone. Most Christians I talk to feel the same way. Even those with a healthy prayer life want to improve. Many people report that they struggle to pray. They wonder if God really hears their prayers. Sometimes, it feels like they're talking to themselves with no sign that anyone is listening.
If you feel like you're struggling in your prayer life, be encouraged. You're not alone. This article aims to give you some practical tips to help you progress in your prayer life, no matter where you are right now.
The Importance of Prayer
Prayer is essential to the Christian life.
Jesus said, “When you pray…” (Matthew 6:5-7). He assumed that we would pray because it's an essential part of the Christian life. Jesus repeatedly talked about the importance of prayer, encouraging us to ask, seek, and knock, promising that God would hear our prayers (Matthew 7:7-8). He gave practical instructions on prayer by giving us a model prayer (Matthew 6:9-13). He set an example himself. Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray (Luke 5:16).
We see similar examples throughout scripture. David poured out his heart to God in prayer in the psalms. Daniel prayed even under the threat of punishment (Daniel 6:10). The Apostle Paul recorded his prayers for churches.
We’re also commanded and invited to pray (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
Scripture shows us, by command and example, the centrality of prayer to the Christian life.
How to Build a Prayer Habit
For most of us, prayer will continue to be a struggle throughout our lives. We might feel like God isn't listening or wonder what prayer accomplishes. But here are some tips on how we can build a prayer life and develop this important habit.
First, understand what prayer is about.
Prayer is not just about getting things from God; it's about living in a relationship with him. We don't pray only for answers; we pray as an acknowledgment of our dependence on God for everything. Prayer is primarily about relationship — a relationship of extreme dependence on the one who created us.
When you pray, don't see it as something you have to do or something that will get you what you want. See it as a way of living in relationship with your Heavenly Father, who loves you and made you.
Second, don't think of prayer as a technique.
When Jesus taught us how to pray, he condemned those who thought that the right series of words or techniques would make for an effective prayer (Matthew 6:5-8). Don't fall into the trap of thinking you have to say things a certain way for God to hear you. Jesus commended those who just poured out their hearts to God, who prayed simple prayers (Luke 18:13).
We don't need articulate prayers; we can come to God and tell him what's on our mind. Jesus reminds us that our Heavenly Father knows what we need before we ask him (Matthew 6:8).
Third, use biblical patterns for prayer.
The Psalms cover all kinds of circumstances and emotions—use them as a pattern for your own prayers. Pray the Psalms by finding one that expresses what you're going through and use it as a guide.
You can also use the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13), which covers every area of life and teaches us how to pray. Although simple, it's profound and can provide a lifetime's worth of help in knowing what to pray for.
Additionally, use other passages in Scripture like Paul's prayers as patterns for your own prayers. Books like Tim Kerr's Take Words With You are helpful in letting us use biblical prayers to shape our own prayers.
One of the best things you can do is pray through Scripture as you read it. Talk with the God, the author, about what you're reading, ask for his help, and share what's on your mind.
Fourth, engage in two kinds of prayer.
Build two kinds of prayer into your life: regular times throughout the day and spontaneous prayer throughout your daily activities.
Pick a time that works best in your schedule and treat it like an appointment you want to keep. Spend time worshiping God, asking for His help, and praying for others.
Don't treat it as an obligation; treat it as a gift: you get to spend time with your Heavenly Father!
Then engage in spontaneous prayer throughout the day. Talk to God while driving, ask for his guidance during conversations, and share your thoughts with him when facing difficult problems.
Scripture encourages us to cast our cares upon God because He cares for us.
What It Takes to Pray
When it comes down to it, we need two things in order to pray: awareness of who we're talking to and holy desperation.
If we grasp that we have access to the God of the universe who loves us, we would struggle less in prayer. Focus on God instead of focusing on prayer itself. Remind yourself who you're talking to and his incredible power and love for you.
Secondly, if we realized how much we need God, we wouldn't struggle as much with praying. Keep reminding yourself that you can't do anything apart from Him.
Refuse to give up. Practice these tips and expect that it will be hard, but keep praying anyway.
As long as you're alive, you'll probably struggle with prayer, but with God's help, you can grow and build a regular prayer habit not out of obligation but out of joy and privilege in speaking to your Heavenly Father who cares for you.
What a privilege it is to pray. It truly is one of the greatest privileges Christians get to enjoy. Your Heavenly Father wants to hear from you!
