7 Things To Do When You Can't Pray - Vanguard News

By Dr. Francis Akin-John

I HAVE been there – when the anguish of life is so heavy that you can’t even speak . . even to God. Yet, not praying hardly seems to be the right thing to do in those times. So, here are some things to do when you’re struggling so much that you can’t even pray:

1.?Decide if it’s a sin issue that keeps you from praying. If your pain is the result of your continuing in sin, you have no option but to confess your wrong and seek God’s forgiveness. God’s grace can reopen your prayer channel.

Praying hands

2.?Struggle through a short prayer, being honest with God. That is, a few words are okay . . . even if the words are, “God, I can’t pray right now.” He knows your heart, and He can hear your unspoken words in your emotions.

3.?Get someone else to pray for you and with you. Find another believer who can intercede for you. You don’t have to be the one whose voice says the words you want to say.

4.?Meditate on the Word. If you can’t talk to God, let Him talk to you. Read some of the psalms, recognizing that you’re not the first person to wrestle through grief and pain. You might find that your listening to God makes it easier to talk to Him.

5.?Write your prayer. I’m not a journaler, but I’ve found it helpful to write my prayer when I couldn’t speak it. Sometimes putting the words on paper also helps bring clarity to my hurting thinking.

6.?Just sit quietly with God and listen. It seldom hurts us to sit still, be quiet, meditate on God, and just listen – especially when we’re struggling. God has a powerful way of calming our soul when we just listen.

7.?Take a walk, knowing that Jesus is praying for you. That’s what Hebrews 7:25 and Romans 8:34 tell us. The exercise will be good for you, and the trust in the Word will strengthen you. – Lawless