When You Don’t Know What to Pray

Colby and I have been praying for babies since 2012. That means for over 5 years we have been praying. We have had seasons where we prayed together every night, declaring and calling forth our babies. We have had seasons where have gone months without praying together at all.

In some ways, I think the latter season of praying so infrequently as a couple was caused by not knowing what else to pray. I mean, we have tried every prayer. Prayers of desperation. Prayers of questioning. Prayers of asking. Prayers of gratitude. Prayers of frustration. Prayers of begging. You name the type of prayer, we have prayed it.

So what is one to do when they have tried it all? What is one to do when it feels like there is no prayers left to pray. I mean there have been days, maybe even weeks, when I can’t come up with any words. What else can I ask, Lord?

Who is with me? Have you ever felt this way? Or perhaps you feel this way now. Has anyone else come to the point where they have prayed every prayer and they feel like they have nothing left to offer?

Let me remind you, you are not alone. Just as I think communication is key in relationships including both friendships and marriages, I think the same holds true with our relationship with Father. We need to be in constant communication with him. So even when you don’t think you can, keep praying!

But that’s the problem right? You have no words. My advice to the person who doesn’t know what to pray any longer is to pray God’s Word. I think God’s Word is always the best thing to pray. But, the beautiful thing is when you are at the end of the rope and you have nothing left in you, you can open up the Bible and literally read word for word out of scripture. The most powerful part about reading God’s Word? Is he came up with it! It is breathed from his very own breath, meaning it’s the very words that he spoke.

If you are weary and exhausted, you are not alone. But don’t quit praying. When you feel like you have no more words to pray, open the Bible to Psalms or Proverbs. Read the Word out loud and declare it as your prayer. And, if you don’t have the energy to do that, you can simply just say “Jesus.“ He hears you. He doesn’t need anything fancy. He doesn’t need anything long. He just wants you to call on him. And when you do? “The Lord will be near to you” Psalm 145:18.

PS. If you are going through infertility, please head over to my ministry to join my support group!

PPS. Have you picked up a copy of my book? Buy In Due Time, a 60-day devotional for hope + encouragement in the waiting.

PPPS. I created a group on facebook as an extension of my book + blog to discuss anything + everything. Women only! Come join us!

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