We’ve all had those days, or weeks, or even months when we’re just not feeling it spiritually. We don’t know where to begin with picking up the pieces to our spiritual life or how to initiate the conversation with God. Whether it’s because we’re in a wilderness season that feels endless, or we’ve completely lost hope, we’ve all lost the will and words to pray at some point.
Wouldn’t it nice to have a guide that helps us pray so we don’t have to remain stuck? I love a good guided meditation or workout on YouTube. And I believe the Bible gives us a few great guides to prayer for when we can’t seem to find the words on our own.
I am a firm believer in being in constant communication with God. It’s a major part of why we’re here, fellowship with Him. And worked feverishly at keeping the connection between Him and I open for most of life and help others do the same now through proven methods with the clients I work with. But I know that days will always come when we are at the end of ourselves and simply don’t have the motivation to get there, like we normally would desire.
These seasons can feel dry and thirsty even if just for a moment. The reason is, we thrive on being connected to our Source and Savior. Stepping outside of that connection can feel like we’re losing oxygen. We’re more anxious and all over the place, when we aren’t connected.
John 15:5 says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
It’s just like that. When we aren’t connected to our vine, we start to wither, our vision grows dim, we lose our steam. But when we are connected, we bear fruit, and are able to achieve all we set out and desire to.
So it’s important that we are communication with God, even if we do not feel like. On days where I don’t feel like it, I carry a these few passages in my arsenal for optimum results throughout my day when I don’t feel like praying.
5 prayers (or passages) to pray when you don’t know what to pray:
1. The Lord’s prayer – Matthew 6:9-13 – This one is quite simple and to the point. This is exactly how Christ tells us how to pray. Incorporate the elements of this prayer (Acknowledging God, asking His will be done, ask for your daily needs, ask for forgiveness, ask protection against evil, praise Him) or simply pray it verbatim for the same potent results daily.
2. Mercy & Forgiveness – Psalm 51 – This prayer is a greater prayer when you want to come to God in repentance. It’s believed to be the prayer David prayed when he was deeply grieved following his affair with Bathsheba. If you’re feeling downcast, deeply remorseful and ready to make a confession to God, this is a powerful place to start.
3. Protection – Psalm 91 – Every Christian household had an elder that told you to pray Psalm 91 when things got scary. This is a prayer for protection. This passage reminds us that as the righteous, we are hidden under the wings of God. It reminds us that no evil can come near us, not even sickness. These words are powerful. Whether you believe them or not, that have to come to pass.
4. Reconnecting with the goodness of God – Psalm 23 – When we become too familiar with a passage, we risk it losing it’s power. That was the case with me and Psalm 23. I found myself searching for “deeper” passages because I knew this one too well as a kid. But the truth is, it’s as deep as it gets, and oh so powerful as a prayer. Pray Psalm 23 when you want to restore your connection with God.
It’s actually LOADED. It reminds you that with Him you have all you need, rest is all he truly wants for you, his correction is for your good, he has you covered in terms of your enemies, and he wants the absolute best for you all the days of your life. Never stop speaking these things over yourself and bring them to God in gratitude by praying this passion.
5. Planning/Raising a Family – Psalm 128 – One of my favorite prayers to pray for my future family is Psalm 128. It’s great for praying over your current family too if you have a growing one. Some of the best currency in prayers comes from praying for future generations. So use this one to sow blessings in to the family of your future so that you and your generations will be blessed.
Bonus: Pray in the spirit – Romans 8:26 – When all else fails, we have the Holy Spirit praying for us on our behalf. So tap into that by using your prayer language. I encourage starting with 5 minutes a day and working your way up to 30 minutes daily. Doing so has completely changed my life. I am calmer, less anxious, more clear, and decisive when I spend time praying in the Spirit. And if you do not have a prayer language yet, ask God to reveal what it is, and how to get it. Everyone’s experience with this is unique.
Praying the Word of God is the surest and most direct way to bring Heaven’s desires to earth. Keep that connection tight with Christ by reciting one or two of these on days when you haven’t the words to pray. You’ll be sowing seeds that will bear better fruit down the line than your silence and frustration will.
Praying the Word of God is the surest and most direct way to bring Heaven’s desires to earth. Keep that connection tight with Christ by reciting one or two of these on days when you haven’t the words to pray. You’ll be sowing seeds that will bear better fruit down the line than your silence and frustration will.
