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Prayer works and is still working today as it did thousands of years ago. There are many that have experienced its power.
Just when you wonder when are things going to get better…prayer gets answered! And most of the time it will be better results than what you imagined! A powerful true experience of what prayer can do for those who have faith in it and in God.
However, have you ever come to your prayer time and had no idea what to say? Your heart was full of cares and personal issues. Maybe you struggled to find the words. Perhaps you even struggled with how to approach God. You just, well, felt tapped out in prayer.
Maybe you have been carrying an issue so long that you have no more ways to pray about it. You have nothing else to say to God or ask for. Maybe that burden has caused such anguish in your heart that you are lost in frustration or silence.
The first thing I want you to know is that God knows. He cares about that place that you struggle with in prayer.
What Is Prayer?
Prayer is giving our attention to God in a two-way spiritual relationship where we talk to God and listen to Him. Prayer is like a child’s conversation with their father. It is natural for a child to ask his father for the things they need, or to ask for advice or guidance.
Yet, prayer can be hard. It can sometimes feel like work. When you feel like this you may not know what to say. Your words may feel like they are barely leaving your lips. Let me assure you even the most seasoned person in prayer feels this way too.
Prayer is not about getting it right or doing it like a pastor or other spiritual leader would. It is about you coming to the Father and pouring out your heart to Him. Prayer is about relationships. It’s about you believing that God hears you.
Jeremiah 33:3 says, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
This is a promise that you can hold on to when the prayer waters seem difficult. I encourage you to just come as you are. Come with all the emotion or no emotion. Come sit in silence. Good friend, come with tears. But, just come.
Why? Because prayer is a two-way conversation and God is never short on words. So, when you are lost for words, He is not.
If, like me, you struggle with what to say when you pray, here are some powerful ways to get the conversation started during your prayer time.
Pray the Lord’s Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer is likely something you know by heart if you were raised in a religious environment. But when His disciples questioned Jesus about how they should pray, He gave them this example. It is a fantastic tool to use when you run out of things to say to the Father in your prayers.
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the
glory forever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13 NKJV
Ways to Develop Your Prayer Life
Find A Quiet Place
If you can get alone in a private place with God, do that. Sometimes a change of environment helps us to pray and get our words out. Sometimes in that space, we can hear our own thoughts better and we don’t need to say anything. A quiet place is a great place to just let go of the day and let God pour into the space of your heart.
Be Honest Before God
When you feel unsure of what to say, take the time in that place and be truthful with yourself and Him about where you are and what you are feeling. That honesty could be your love for Him, the anxiousness of your soul, the sorrow or loss you feel, or whatever. Just pour out your heart in honesty.
Employ Guided Prayers
This is a good one. Sometimes you may actually need to pray a guided prayer. These are found in prayer books or devotions where someone has a prayer already written out that you can use as a starting point for prayer. These types of prayers can be found on all types of subjects and are great starting points when you are short on words.
Reflect On Scriptures
Pray the very words of God from the Bible. We know they are true; therefore, this is a great place to start. Consider your favorite passages of scriptures. A great place to start is the book of Psalms. Pick a chapter that is a favorite or one that is speaking to your situation and pray God’s word back to Him. Before long you will not be lost for words.
Leverage Listening
Listen after you have had a time of prayer. Even if your words are few and unsure. Begin to sit quietly with your own heart. Try to focus on what the Lord is saying to you at that moment. The Lord loves to talk to His children. He may say a lot or a little, but He will speak His will to your heart.
I want to share this beautiful promise from the scriptures on prayer…
Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (NASB)
Keep this verse close. Allow peace come and settle in your heart. Let that peace from God, even in your unsureness, run anxiousness away. Let peace fill your heart dear friend.
In Response
Are you confused about how to continue praying or do you believe that your prayer life is lacking? It is not necessary to spend a lot of time or effort praying. It can be as easy as saying a single word in a prayer like, “Lord, I need peace. I desire harmony.
You could also say something like, “God, you are so mighty and strong!” or “Loving Father, you hold the world in your hands.” Thank God for his goodness and mercy. God is merciful, loving, and generous. Take the time to include worship in every prayer.
So, in conclusion, if you are feeling like giving up, and have been really discouraged with your work or personal life, just ask God for His help. Then pray daily and give thanks to Him too, have faith, and your prayers will be answered in the way that is best for you!
Hopefully, this short article has provided you with a starting point in your own time with God to find faith for that next prayer.
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