Let’s be honest and talk about a little Christian secret… Despite all we know about prayer, the power of praying and the benefits of praying, as Christians, we don’t always feel like praying. I know, for me, there are many reasons why I may not feel like praying. Sometimes I can’t seem to get focused. Sometimes I’m too distracted, disappointed, hurt, sleepy, busy or 1000 other things that makes me not want to pray. And sometimes I just don’t remember to pray.
Despite all of these things, I know what the Bible says about prayer and the importance of it. I am also often reminded of the wise words of Charles Spurgeon; “We should pray when we are in a praying mood, for it would be sinful to neglect so fair an opportunity. We should pray when we are not in a praying mood, for it would be dangerous to remain in so unhealthy a condition.”
So below are 10 ways to pray when you can’t pray:
Remember to Pray Anyway
Even if it is just 60 seconds, remember to pray anyway. Oftentimes, when I can’t pray, I make a commitment to pray for a specific time. I am often amazed at how, once I start praying, I am able to continue to pray.
Choose to Listen
Remember prayer is a conversation with God, sometimes it’s your turn to talk and sometimes it’s your turn to listen.
Just Say His Name
Jesus. I believe there is so much power in uttering His name that even when I can pray, I just whisper His name and know He heard the unspoken prayers of my soul.
Have a Go-to Prayer
Whether it is the Lord’s Prayer, the 23rd Psalm, or a prayer you came up with on your own, say it. My go-to prayer is a prayer I wrote during a stressful season of my life called Truth Prayer.
Say a Prayer of Praise
No matter what is going on in my life, there is always something to thank God for. In addition, it is hard for seeds of discouragement, despair, and anger to take root in a heart filled with gratitude.
Pray for Someone Else
I am sure that, no matter how long I live, there will always be someone I know who needs prayer. When I can’t pray for myself, I remember my unsaved loved ones and friends. People need healing; people need God to show up in their life in a way only He can. Praying for others usually helps me remember the importance of prayer.
Pray for a Heart of Prayer
Tell God how you are feeling and ask that He gives you a heart of prayer.
Have Someone Pray for You
I would encourage you to identify one friend who you can call/text no matter the hour and have them pray for you.
Read Different Prayers in the Bible
The Bible is full of prayers. Here are a few of my favorites: Psalm 57; Psalm 145 and 1 Samuel 2:1-10.
Pray Different Bible Verses Over Your Life
Read what the Bible says about your situation and then say a pray that includes those verses. I love the book Bible Prayers for all Your Needs. When I can’t pray, I turn to this book to see what the Bible says about what I am going through.