3 Ways to Pray When You Don’t Have the Strength

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Have you ever wanted to pray but simply don’t have the strength? Whether you have a major decision to make, an illness or death in your family, a life-altering event takes place, or you’re simply tired and overwhelmed, it can be difficult to pray.

We have some major decisions to make for our family’s future over the next few months. This can be seriously overwhelming for me. Someone with my personality – aka “needs to have every detail of my life planned out” – either freaks out or freezes during times like this. Neither of these reactions is helpful.

Lately, I find myself unable to pray. Either I don’t know what to pray (freeze) or I’m full of widely varied emotions (freaking out).

Either way praying for me is difficult right now.

Although I’m not communicating with God through traditional prayer, I’ve discovered 3 other ways I’ve been communing with Him.

Worship Songs

I love to worship through singing. One of my favorite parts of attending church is worshipping together as a church family. Worshipping through song allows me to express myself to God in a very personal way, especially when I don’t know what to say.

Complete Honesty with God

When I feel like I can’t pray, I tell God. Being honest with God is the best thing I can do, anytime, not just during times of turmoil. He already knows how I’m feeling, I may as well tell Him. Besides, it is completely cathartic for me to “verbally vomit” to Him. He’s got big shoulders. He can take it.  

Prayers of Others

The support and encouragement our family has received through this time have been unbelievably amazing. When friends and family express their love and concern and tell us they’re praying for us, I know they are. I lean on their petitions on our behalf.

The next time you find yourself unable to pray, try listening to some worship music, telling God exactly how you’re feeling (remember He can take anything you throw at Him), and lean on your friends and family.

Do you have any other suggestions for times when prayer is difficult? Please share in the comments below.

 

 

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A Conversation Between Myself & God

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A Conversation Between Myself & GodI came across an entry in a journal of mine that I use to take notes at church or when I’m reading. This particular entry was from a few years ago.

I remember when I wrote it. I had finally realized that despite my depression, whether medical or emotional (which for me it’s both), God would lead me through it and could still bless me and use me in spite of it. I knew He could take me to another level but I had no idea how He was going to do it. I had many ideas for Him but obviously He has His own.

This entry is a window into my mind; a picture of a conversation I had between myself and God. I am sure I’m not alone. Many others deal with the same type of conflict. We know where we want to go, but we have no idea how to get there.

[Tweet “We know where we want to go, but we have no idea how to get there.”]

Looking back I can see exactly why I wasn’t where I wanted to be. I invite you now to read my thoughts and my prayer. Some of it sounds selfish, but I wanted to be completely honest with God. Read More