How to Pray Even When You Don’t Feel Like It

How to Turn a Commandment into a Spiritual Habit.

Prayer is a cornerstone of the Christian faith, a direct line of communication with God that nourishes our relationship with Him. Jesus encourages us to pray (Matthew 6:5-8). The Apostle Paul reminded us to “pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Prayer should be as natural as grabbing your cell phone to talk to a friend.

Yet, many believers struggle with maintaining a consistent prayer life, especially when motivation wanes. Understanding why this happens and how to overcome it is crucial for deepening our spiritual walk.

Reasons Why People Lack the Motivation to Pray

Several factors can sap our motivation to pray. Life’s busyness is a common culprit. Our schedules are packed with work, family responsibilities, social commitments, and countless distractions that compete for our attention. When overwhelmed by these demands, prayer can easily slip down our list of priorities.

Emotional states also play a significant role. Feelings of anxiety, depression, or simply being tired can make prayer seem like an additional burden rather than a source of relief. In moments of emotional turmoil, we might struggle to find the words or the will to pray.

Additionally, spiritual dryness can lead to a lack of motivation. Sometimes, we might feel distant from God, and our prayers seem unanswered. This can foster a sense of futility or even doubt about the efficacy of prayer.

Feelings Often Override the Commandment and Desire to Pray

The Bible is clear about the importance of prayer. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 instructs us to “pray without ceasing.” Philippians 4:6 encourages us to “not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Despite these commands, our feelings often dictate our actions more than our knowledge of Scripture.

Feelings are powerful and immediate, often driving our behavior before rational thought or spiritual discipline can take hold.

When we feel tired, anxious, or disheartened, these emotions can overshadow our commitment to pray. The human tendency to seek comfort and avoid discomfort means we might opt for more immediately gratifying activities, like watching TV or scrolling through social media, instead of engaging in prayer.

Doubt is a Feeling That Can Be Replaced with Faith

Doubt is a natural human emotion but can be a significant barrier to prayer. When we doubt, we question the efficacy of our prayers, God’s willingness to answer, or even His presence. However, faith can replace doubt. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Faith doesn’t rely on feelings; it stands firm on the promises of God.

Romans 10:17 tells us, “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Immersing ourselves in Scripture reinforces our faith, reminding us of God’s faithfulness and his promises. As our faith grows, it can displace doubt, making it easier to turn to prayer even when we don’t feel like it.

Faith Always Comes Before Feelings

One key principle in overcoming the lack of motivation to pray is recognizing that faith must come before feelings.

Our spiritual journey should not be dictated by our fluctuating emotions but anchored in the steadfastness of our faith in God. Hebrews 13:8 reminds us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” This constancy provides a foundation for our prayer life, independent of our emotional state.

In his book Atomic Habits, James Clear offers the reminder, “You get what you repeat.” This principle is profoundly applicable to our prayer lives. Developing a habit of prayer requires consistent practice, even when we don’t feel like it. Over time, this repetition strengthens our commitment and deepens our relationship with God.

Building Good Prayer Habits

To establish good prayer habits, follow these guidelines:

Start small and be consistent. Set aside a specific time each day for prayer, making it a non-negotiable part of your routine. This could be in the morning, during a lunch break, or before bed. Consistency helps embed prayer into your daily life, making it a natural and indispensable part of your day.
Create a conducive environment for prayer. Find a quiet place where you can focus without distractions. Some people find it helpful to use a prayer journal to keep track of prayer requests and God’s answers, which can also serve as a faith-building tool.
Incorporate Scripture into your prayers. Using Bible verses can guide your prayers and remind you of God’s promises, helping to reinforce your faith and dispel doubt.

Call on God

Ultimately, we must acknowledge that waiting for a feeling is a poor substitute for a commitment to daily prayer. Our emotions are transient and unreliable, while God’s call to prayer is constant and unwavering.

By committing to pray daily, regardless of our feelings, we align ourselves with God’s will and open ourselves to His transformative power.

In 1 Chronicles 16:11, we are encouraged to “seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually.” This continual seeking is not based on how we feel but on our commitment to growing closer to God. As we persist in prayer, our faith strengthens, our relationship with God deepens, and we become more attuned to His voice.

Prayer is not merely an obligation but a privilege and a vital lifeline in our spiritual journey. By cultivating a disciplined prayer life, we honor God, grow in faith, and experience the peace and guidance from a closer walk with the Lord.