Make Every Day Countಮಾದರಿ

When Prayer Feels Hard

I understand that prayer can be hard and awkward. Sometimes it feels like you’re talking to no one. Praying every day, as an ongoing habit, makes it easier to run to Him when you’re really up against something. But whenever I have an important decision to make in my life, or when I’ve encountered a life-altering event, or when I’m suffering a setback of some kind, I pour into God.

Like Carrie Underwood’s song says, I let Jesus take the wheel. I’ll often fast as well, to allow God to move into my life in a closer, more intimate way. Praying and fasting helps me to clear my head and seek His guidance. Mark 9:14–29 tells of the account when Jesus cast a demon out of a boy, after his disciples were unable to do it. When they asked Jesus why, he said: “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting” (v. 29 nkjv).

When you’re busy living, you naturally forget to pray. But while I was fasting and praying about my future, I asked Him for discernment, wisdom, and guidance every time I would think about food (which happened a lot during those seven days). I asked Him what I’d so often asked Him before: God, slam the door if it needs to be slammed shut, or open the door if it needs to be open.

I didn’t hear an audible voice from God telling me what to do. But as part of listening for Him, I asked myself: What is important to you? What’s the next step in your life that is rewarding?

Seeking this deeper relationship with God is the reason I begin each morning with thirty quiet minutes in my hot tub. Many people talk about not hearing from God and wanting direction. Well, are you taking the time to listen to Him? Do you invite Him into your life? Just like any meaningful relationship, intimacy with God requires talking to Him. If you constantly ignore your spouse, eventually you’ll face consequences. You’re going to hear about it or they’re going to leave. Our relationship with God is no different. You can’t expect closeness without conversation.

When I take the time to pray, listen to God, read His Word, and do my devotionals, I find that my heart opens. I have a clearer understanding of what I need to do for His glory. It’s in those quiet moments that I feel most connected, most alive.