When It's Hard To Pray: Simple Ways To Keep Talking To God

Sometimes, praying feels easy. Other times, it can feel really hard. Maybe you’re too tired, too busy, or too sad to find the right words.

I know there are times when I don’t even feel like praying at all. Sometimes, when I start to pray, I feel like ending it quickly and doing something else. Do you ever feel that way? Or maybe it’s been a long time since you prayed, and now you’re unsure how to stir yourself up to pray again.

We all know prayer is important. It’s something we’re called to do, but often, we find it difficult to pray.

Before I share some practical steps to help revive your prayer life, let me reveal a simple truth that you might not have considered.

Here it is: the more you pray, the more you’ll want to pray. The more you engage in prayer, the easier and more fulfilling it becomes. This principle applies to many areas of life, but it’s especially true for prayer.

So, after you’ve applied the tips I’ll share in this post, focus on building consistency. Showing up regularly, even when it’s hard, will strengthen your prayer life over time.

God isn’t looking for perfect prayers. He just wants to hear from you. So if you’re finding it hard to pray, don’t give up!

Keep this in mind that it is a force stopping you from praying; therefore, force yourself to pray

Now, let’s talk about some simple, practical ways to connect with God, even on the tough days.

Why Is Prayer Sometimes Hard?

Permit me to briefly talk about why prayer can sometimes feel difficult. While this isn’t the main focus, understanding the reasons can help us address them effectively.

I don’t intend to dwell on the problem but rather to focus on the solution. So, here are a few reasons you might not feel like praying:

Life Feels Overwhelming: When there’s too much going on, our minds can get so crowded that it’s hard to focus.
You Feel Distant From God: Maybe you’ve messed up or feel like God isn’t listening. (READ ALSO: 10 Steps to Practicing Daily Accountability to God)
You Don’t Know What to Say: It’s easy to feel stuck when the words don’t come.
You’re Feeling Sad or Angry: Big emotions can make it tough to open up to God.

Though there are many more reasons, if any of this sounds familiar, take a deep breath. It’s okay to feel this way.

Remember, building a consistent prayer life isn’t about getting it “right.” It’s about showing up.

7 Practical Tips for When It’s Hard to Pray

Well done for making it to this part of the post! This is where we get into the action-oriented part—a practical list of tips you can try.

I encourage you to avoid the temptation of dismissing them as too simple or ineffective. Just give them a chance. Take action and try them out. Ready? Let’s dive in!

1. Set a Time to Pray—and Just Show Up

Sometimes the hardest part is starting. Pick a specific time to pray, even if it’s just 15 or 30 minutes. Show up, sit quietly, and wait. You don’t have to say anything right away. Just being present with God is enough.

Think of it like meeting a friend for coffee. You’re building the habit of spending time together, even if you don’t have much to say. (I believe you will like to know about the 7 C’s of walking with God.)

Just make sure you show up. Showing up is half the battle won.

Once you’ve done that, move on to the second tip.

2. Look for Something to Be Grateful to God For

Gratitude is a great way to start praying. Find one thing—big or small—that you can thank God for. Maybe it’s:

A beautiful sunrise.
A kind word from a friend.
A cozy blanket on a cold day.
Having something to eat for that day.

Focusing on gratitude shifts your perspective and reminds you that God is always at work in your life.

At this point, you might want to consider the tip below.

3. Listen to Worship Music

Sometimes, music can say what your heart can’t. Find a worship song that speaks to you, and listen quietly. Let the lyrics be your prayer.

Some good ones to try:

“What a Friend We Have in Jesus”
“Way Maker”
“Great Is Thy Faithfulness”

Sing along if you feel like it, or just let the words wash over you. God hears it either way.

When you have done that, you can as well do consider the point below.

4. Use Scripture as Your Prayer

The Bible is full of prayers. When you don’t know what to say, borrow the words of someone who’s been there.

Here are a few great ones to start with:

Psalm 23:1-4: When you need comfort.
Matthew 6:9-13: The Lord’s Prayer—Jesus Himself gave us this one!
Psalm 61:1-2: When your heart feels heavy.

Just read the verses slowly and think of them as your own prayer to God.

5. Write It Down

If saying the words feels too hard, grab a notebook or even your phone. Write your prayers instead.

You can start with something like:

“God, I’m feeling [sad, tired, scared, etc.].”
“Thank You for [something small, like the sunshine or my favorite snack].”

Writing helps clear your mind and puts your feelings into words. Plus, it’s a great way to look back and see how God has answered your prayers.

6. Talk to God Like a Friend

You don’t need fancy words or a perfect plan. Imagine you’re talking to your best friend. Tell God about your day, your worries, or even the little things that made you smile.

For example, you could say:
“God, today was hard. I didn’t feel like myself. Can You help me feel better tomorrow?”

It doesn’t have to be long. Just be honest.

7. Pray While Doing Something Else

Who says you have to be still to pray? Try praying while:

Taking a walk
Washing dishes
Driving (keep your eyes open, though!)

Sometimes moving your body can help clear your mind and make it easier to talk to God.

ALSO READ: How To Overcome Weakness in Prayer: 7 Applicable Steps)

8. Try Thinking About One of God’s Attributes

When you’re struggling to pray, focus on who God is. Think about one of His attributes:

His love that never fails.
His peace that calms your heart.
His faithfulness through every season.

For example, you could say, “God, You are kind. Even when I don’t feel like praying, I know You are still good. Thank You for being with me.”

Letting your mind dwell on God’s greatness can help you reconnect with Him.

9. Play a Pre-recorded Prayer

This tip can help a lot most of the times.

If you don’t know what to say, let someone else’s prayer guide you.

Maybe your church has a recording from a past service or prayer meeting. Play it back and listen closely. Or you can go to YouTube and search for good ones.

You can even whisper along with the prayer or let it inspire your own words.

(RELATED ARTICLE: All Recorded Prayers of Jesus)

10. Ask Someone to Pray for You or with you

If you’re really struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to a friend, family member, or someone at church. It’s okay to say, “I’m having a hard time praying. Can you pray for me?” or “Please, can we pray together?”

This doesn’t make you weak—it makes you brave. God often uses others to remind us we’re not alone. Remember, as iron sharpens iron, so one sharpens another. You can catch the fire from someone else.

11. Pray in Tongues or in the Holy Spirit

If you’ve been given the gift of praying in tongues, this can be a powerful tool when words fail. Praying in the Spirit allows the Holy Spirit to pray through you, even when you don’t know what to say.

Romans 8:26 says, “The Spirit helps us in our weakness…the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”

When you pray in tongues, you’re communicating directly with God in a way that bypasses your mind and connects deeply with your spirit. Trust that God understands every word and is working through your prayers.

If you haven’t experienced this yet, simply ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit and guide your prayers.

A Simple Prayer to Get You Started

If you’re still unsure how to pray, here’s an example:

“God, I don’t know what to say right now. But I know You’re here, and I know You love me. Please help me feel Your presence. Thank You for listening. Amen.”

(ALSO: 10 Powerful Prayers for Forgiveness from God)

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to be perfect, always happy, or even feel like praying to start a prayer. All you need is to recognize that you need something more than you have.

Maybe you’re seeking help with a big challenge, comfort during sad times, extra strength in tough situations, or a closer relationship with God—which every Christian should desire.

This awareness of your needs is the perfect reason to pray. Admitting that you can’t handle everything alone and asking for help is a brave and powerful step.

It’s in these moments of honesty and vulnerability that prayer becomes a true expression of faith and reliance on God.

On the days when it’s hard to pray, remember that God is patient, kind, and always ready to listen.

Start small, try some of these tips, and trust that God will meet you right where you are. You don’t have to have it all figured out. Just take one step toward Him—He’ll take care of the rest.

Keep going, friend. You’ve got this, and God’s got you.

When It’s Hard to Pray: Simple Ways to Keep Talking to God

Why Is Prayer Sometimes Hard?