When It's Hard To Pray, Pray Anyway

Just a five-minute walk from our back door, Danny built a prayer bench. It overlooks the big pond from the middle of the woods, in a spot where the sun rises behind you and sets in front of you across the water.

When the dogs and I went for a romp past it a few days ago, I sat down for a moment to rest and regroup while they ran circles around me. In taking just a few minutes to look around, I was immediately grateful for all the blessings we've been given - blessings I haven't prayed about or thanked God for in a long time.

Being sick and then busy with life, I regret that my prayer life has been rather stagnant. Speaking with God, whether in-depth or just in passing, has dwindled. But sitting there on that prayer bench and praying for just that short period of time refreshed my soul. I was surprised at how much lighter I felt and how the peace of God covered me.

Have you been in this heart condition before? Have you pushed your prayer life to the back burner while other things took its place? Is that where you are now?

It doesn't have to be that way. When it's hard to pray for whatever reason ... pray anyway.

Just go to prayer. Sit there silently if you have to. 

Let the Spirit speak for you. He knows what you want and need anyway, so let Him fulfill His responsibilities.

Voice your gratitude, even if it's for just one thing. Thank You, Lord, for the breath I'm breathing right now.

Sing. Singing an old favorite hymn is just like singing through Scriptures.

Pray your way through Scripture. Start in the psalms and use them for your prayer.

Start a prayer list or journal. Open a new note in your phone if you enjoy technology, or get a new notebook that you can carry with you.

Have a conversation with God and just talk it through.

Be honest. He knows anyway. Tell Him what He already knows.

Don't make it too difficult. Prayer is just talking with God. It doesn't have to be grand and full of multi-syllable words. Honest prayer comes from the heart.

Take time to listen. Often we take our time through our side of the conversation, but then we rush through the listening part. How are we supposed to feel close to the Lord when we aren't even taking the time to sit quietly in His presence and listen?

The view from my prayer bench is breathtaking. Just sitting there for that short time reminded me that I'm truly blessed beyond measure to be able to go to God in prayer whenever I want. And now my prayer is that you'll find a place, a time, and a conversation with the Lord that will change you heart and change your life forever.

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