Prayers All

I stumbled out of bed, bumbled to the kitchen, and floundered to make the coffee. My eyes strained to focus. My thoughts lumbered like a turtle wading through thick swamp mud. Every movement felt like a heroic effort.

Some mornings are rough.

Some days it’s hard to pray.

Are you like me? Are there days when the sunrise awakens you to weariness rather than refreshment? Maybe chronic pain exhausts you and causes sleepless nights. Perhaps sorrow’s weight sapped your strength—from a loved one’s passing, difficulties on the job, broken relationships, or other burdens of life.

You are not alone.

We still love God. But some days it’s hard to pray.

So, how can we pray when our words fall flat or our hearts echo with emptiness?

Here are 3 prayers when you struggle to pray.

In this simple prayer of gratitude, I focus on one thing—I am a sinner and Jesus died to save me. This prayer covers my greatest need and my highest praise in one sentence. These thoughts also reset my mind on heaven, as I remember the reason Jesus saved me.

Colossians 1:13-14 (NASB) – For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Sometimes we lack words for prayer due to long miles trudging through deep valleys. We are drained. When the diagnosis is grim, the casket closes, your job slips away, or your loved ones stray from Christ—we find it difficult to see God’s redeeming work in our lives.

However, other weary travelers long to see the light of Christ in someone else whose thorny path mirrors theirs. God allows this for His kingdom purposes. May God show us how to glorify Him in the valleys. May He purify us along the way. May He grant us peace knowing He is with us.

1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV) – So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

This prayer calls for renewed spiritual vision. As the indwelling Holy Spirit illuminates Christ through our Bible reading, Jesus takes preeminence and we gain increased inner strength. While gazing upon Jesus’ sacrificial love and powerful victory, we absorb and reflect His light. Through this perspective-enlarging prayer, God resuscitates our dry bones.

Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV) – And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

When I struggle to commune with God, short prayers and Scripture-based prayers help me reconnect with the Lord. I hope these 3 simple prayers resonate with you or provide a springboard for your prayers in difficult times.

What do you pray on those days you find it hard to pray? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let’s keep spurring each other on in our most holy faith. Jesus is worth it.