Wondering what to say when you sit down to pray? Here are some of my best tips and things to pray for in any season, even when you’re a bit distracted or overwhelmed…

Do you ever feel like you’re missing something when it comes to prayer? I don’t know about you, but it seems like everybody seems to do it a lot more naturally than I do.

You probably relate if you sit down to pray and about five seconds later your mind wanders because:

1. Life is distracting.

You get up early, enjoying the peace of the morning. You intend to get out of bed and spend those precious quiet moments in prayer.

You start saying, “God…thank you for today.”

And then you start actually thinking about today. Your mind starts racing as you’re walking through the morning mentally.

You feel guilty: ”Sorry, God, uhhhh…”

But before you know it, the kids are up, and you’re on the move. God will have to wait…maybe until tomorrow.

2. You’re overwhelmed. 

Your heart is heavy; you know you want to reach out to God. Maybe you have a quiet moment; maybe there is chaos surrounding you. Either way, you don’t even know what to say or how to start. Then distractions set in…you never really get back around to addressing that weight on your heart.

3. You don’t know what to say.

You’re in a prayer or Bible study group. You listen nervously as others offer up their prayers, but you’re not really paying that close of attention because you’re trying to figure out what in the world to say when it’s your turn. When it’s time to open your mouth, you freeze, or you say something that sounds sort of religious so you can pass the baton on to the next person.

Friend, you’re not alone. I’ve had so many women talk to me about how this is their story.

And to make matters worse, it’s really easy to feel guilty about it.

But here’s the truth: we all start somewhere, and we all have something to learn. We are spiritual beings so prayer is natural; yet it is not necessarily something we just know how to do.

Related: How to Pray When You Just Can’t Focus

If prayer is your struggle, don’t feel bad about it! I found it helpful to study some of Jesus’ fundamental teachings on the subject (he had quite a lot to say!), which I put together in a printable journal called Teach Me to Pray, which you can get below:

Download the free journal

Beyond that, I’ve put together a list of prompts and things to pray forfor when your mind is simply drawing a blank. They’re divided into categories based on different types of prayer. I’ve included some scriptures for reference.

Things To Pray for (Even When You’re Distracted, Overwhelmed and Don’t Know What To Say)

Reflective Prayers

In English, when we think of the word “prayer,” we often associate it with presenting requests to God and asking him for help. While that’s not wrong (as we’ll explore below), it’s not the whole story. In Hebrew, the word for prayer, hitpallel, comes from a verb that means “to judge oneself.” Keep that in mind when you read through the Psalms! Prayer can be a time to reflect on your heart and talk about it with God.

• Confession of your sins (1 John 1:9)
• Asking for forgiveness (Matthew 6:12)
• Asking for a pure heart (Psalm 51:10)
• Your honest feelings about your circumstances (including anger, despair, hopelessness and more). For a helpful study, read Lamentations. You don’t have to be happy-go-lucky all the time to be close to God.

Prayers of Praise

Sometimes it does the heart good to simply praise God. You could spend the rest of your life just praying many of the Psalms (try it!). Whether you’re praying the Psalms or just coming up with your own praise, you can think about:

• His love for you (Psalm 52:8)
• His goodness (Psalm 145:7)
• His holiness (Psalm 29:2)
• What he’s done in your life and others’ (Psalm 9:1)
• His Word (Psalm 119)
• His creation (Psalm 19)

Prayers of Thanksgiving

Gratitude is scientifically proven to have multiple psychological benefits. No wonder the Bible tells us to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18). You can be thankful about virtually anything, but here are some ideas:

• Your relationships
• The community you live in
• Your work (Colossians 3:23)
• Your freedom
• Things that make you smile or laugh (Psalm 68:3)
• Forgiveness (Romans 7:25)
• Your trials (yes really—because they’re strengthening and refining you James 1:2–4)

Requests

I don’t know about you, but I’ve made some pretty silly prayer requests. But Jesus does say, “Just ask!” (see Matthew 7:7–12). It usually isn’t hard to come up with requests, but just in case you need some prompting:

• Things you’re worried or anxious about (Matthew 6:25–34, Philippians 4:6)
• Your basic needs (Matthew 6:11)
• Your craziest dreams (Mark 11:23)
• To increase your faith (Luke 17:5)
• Wisdom (James 1:5)
• Spiritual strength (Ephesians 6:10–17)

Prayers About the Kingdom of God

The Lord’s Prayer says “Your kingdom come, your will be done.” There are a lot of ways to pray about that! Consider praying about:

• Your government and leaders (Romans 13:1–6)
• Church leaders (Hebrews 13:7)
• Worldwide and local missions (Ephesians 6:18–20)
• Social injustice (racism, poverty, etc)
• The impoverished and suffering
• The persecuted
• The church and/or ministries you are a part of

Prayers for People in Your Life

This might be the easiest thing to pray for, but sometimes it’s also easy to forget! I recommend making your own list, but here are some ideas to get your started:

• Your spouse and your marriage relationship
• Your kids (their faith, their trials, their education, their relationships…)
• Your parents
• Friends who are believers, near and far
• Friends who are not believers
• Coworkers
• Neighbors
• Siblings
• Your local community

I feel like I need to get busy!

Related: How to Read the Bible When You Feel Stuck

If you found these tips helpful, you might also like my printable prayer journal, Teach Me to Pray, which walks you through four weeks of biblical prayer prompts.

Do you struggle finding things to pray for? What changes can you make to you daily routine to have a more powerful prayer life?

Welcome, friend! Are you looking to kickstart your prayer life? Be sure to check out the Teach Me to Pray Journal, in addition to the tips in this post.

Access the free journal

Knowing how to pray is one of those things you think should come naturally, right? Especially if you’ve been a Christian for a while?

But if you’re like thousands of other people who’ve landed on this post, I bet you’ve run into the same problem: you can’t focus. You don’t know what to say or even where to start sometimes. It just doesn’t come naturally for everyone.

I’ve been praying in some capacity since I was a teen. I remember curling up in my bed at night when my life felt confusing, asking a big mysterious God for guidance and strength. I drifted in and out of a youth group and felt guilty for my lack of commitment, although I wasn’t even sure what “commitment” to him should look like. Finally I promised this God that I would go to church when I went to college.

I kept that promise and my life turned upside down. After deciding to follow Jesus I never looked back. Early on I learned that if I was going to keep this up, prayer was going to be an essential part of my life.

But here’s the thing. I suck at praying.

I say that a little tongue in cheek because at least I’m trying, and I’m pretty sure God listens to whatever jumbled mess of thoughts I throw his way. But let me give an example of what my mornings can look like…

My alarm goes off, I grumble, hit snooze a couple of times.

I finally turn on my phone and start rifling through emails and notifications, to wake up my brain. I start thinking about my day.

Depending on the day, I either read some of the Bible or go work out. Or put it off and sleep more.

At some point I turn to God like I know I should (and want to):

“Good morning God, thank you for the beautiful sunrise, thank you for guiding our family…oh I wonder how Jonathan’s cough is this morning. I’ll need to give him his medicine, but first I’ll need to make breakfast…oh no, I hope we’re not out of bread…oh sorry God, I mean, uh, please help Jonathan feel better…is he well enough to go to the library? Ugh, I really need to deposit those checks on the way home, Marc needs to sign them before he leaves…oh hi God, sorry, ummmm where was I? Ugh, I’m so tired, can’t focus…”

I could blame the stage of life I’m in, but the truth is I have always struggled with this. I’m a Type A, always planning, always ten steps ahead of where I’m at.

I have difficulty being in the moment.

When I pray, I just can’t focus.

Some people naturally pour their hearts out to God every time they turn to him. Others have to learn it through practice and habit. Guess which category I fall into.

I’ve made the mistake of assuming that knowing how to pray is a skill that everyone should know automatically, but it doesn’t quite work that way. As someone constantly grappling with grace I know that my prayer life is not something to be ashamed of, but it reflects a weakness in character that needs strengthening.

Over the years I’ve learned that there are a lot of ways to connect with God in a meaningful way. I may not be the 21^st century Psalmist, but I can pray faithfully and powerfully even with my disjointed, distracted train of thought. If you relate to this, I hope you don’t feel guilty. Just know that God is listening, no matter what you try. And if you feel like you don’t know how to pray, don’t worry. It’s never too late to learn.

Related: Quiet Time Bucket List: 20 Ways To Build Intimacy with God

How To Pray When You Just Can’t Focus

Here are some simple tips about how to pray and connect with God if you struggle with consistency and focus. Also be sure check out the free journal I developed as a result of the popularity of this post, which is a part of my free resource collection.

1. Pray out loud

Yes, even when you’re by yourself. Or not by yourself. When I was a college student I would pretend I was on my phone while I prayed during my walk to class so people wouldn’t think I was crazy! I think of the story of Daniel. A Babylonian law forbade anyone to pray to any god but the king, yet Daniel continued to pray visibly and loudly enough to get arrested. Why didn’t he whisper or do it in his head? (See Daniel 6.) I find that when I make my thoughts verbal, they’re less likely to trail off.

2. Sing hymns

No need to come up with eloquent words when they’ve already been written. Don’t turn on music and zone out; say the words and mean them. I’m a fan of old-timey hymns with rich lyrics as opposed to saying “hallelujah” over and over. Get a songbook/hymnal, or print out some lyrics and try it!

Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord
—Ephesians 5:19

3. Start with the Lord’s Prayer

Sometimes there is great value in ritual. It can keep us on target. Jesus’ disciples were with him constantly and must have seen his relationship with his Father, and yet they still asked, “how do we pray?” Jesus laid a foundation in Matthew 6:9–13:

This, then, is how you should pray:
’Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.’

When I don’t know what to say, I know I can’t go wrong with honoring God, asking that his will be done; asking for what I need, for forgiveness and for help through my weaknesses.

4. Imitate great prayers in the Bible

Just as Jesus set an example in prayer, so did many other people in the Bible. Pick one. I love Hannah’s prayer in 1 Samuel 2:1–10 for starters.

5. Fast

It’s Lent as I write this so fasting is on a lot of people’s minds; however, it doesn’t have to be a special occasion to get your heart and mind spiritually focused. I know that whenever I have practiced a traditional fast by giving up food, the hunger is a constant, humbling reminder that my strength comes from God alone. That helps me focus.

6. Pray continually

This tip is for you, parents—yeah you who don’t have more than five quiet minutes to yourselves ever. You’re probably already aware of this, but praying doesn’t have to be a formal event. God’s listening all the time. Say a quick thanks, a shout out for your friend, praise, or a request for help whenever you think of it. Nehemiah did it constantly, if you want inspiration.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances;
 for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
—1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

7. Pray with your kids

This seems obvious, but is it? I regularly forget to even pray at meals. Yet I nonetheless try to have regular times throughout the day. This practice not only for them—it helps me too. We pray when we load up the car (usually because this is stressful and I need the reset button). We pray at the beginning of our school day. We pray whenever someone is scared or sick or is being disciplined. We pray when kids throw fits and we pray when Mommy throws fits. We pray when something awesome happens and we want to thank God. We pray as a family at bedtime. These are quick and may or may not always be super heartfelt, but you know what? They add up. And what’s more, you’re teaching them how to pray!

8. Pray with your spouse

Sometimes this overlaps with the praying with the kids thing, but we try to spend at least some time in prayer together daily. Want to try something super humbling? Stop to pray in the middle of a fight.

9. Go for a prayer walk or drive

I did this a lot more before I had kids and when they were stroller size. Just thinking about it makes me want to get back in the habit. There is something about being outside that clears the mind. When you’re out walking you’re less likely to be distracted with your to-do list. Plus, there’s nature.

The heavens declare the glory of God; 
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
—Psalm 19:1

10. Pray the Psalms

I remember the first time I read through the book of Psalms; I was completely bored. Yeah, really. At that time I was trying to absorb the knowledge that the Bible offered, and I was falling asleep getting through this very long collection of poetry. But years later, I love the Psalms because they have guided me in prayer on so many occasions. You know those times when your mind is a flurry and you’re either sobbing uncontrollably or you’re so numb that you can’t even do that? You want to pray but you don’t even know where to begin? Pray a Psalm. A couple of my favorites include Psalm 23 and Psalm 63.

Friends, I don’t call myself a prayer warrior, but even as I write this I feel empowered because I know that in spite of my weaknesses, I do speak and God hears my prayers. If you have a hard time focusing, I hope this lists empowers you too.

If you found these tips helpful, check out the free prayer journal in my free resource collection, which spends a week going through the teachings of Jesus. You’ll also receive a free email course about how to make prayer a daily habit:

Download the free journal

Plus, check out my Facebook Live video on how I pray when I’m a hot mess:

Do you know how to pray when you’re having trouble focusing? What do you do?

Having a daily quiet time can be one of the biggest struggles for busy moms (and others!). Whether you’ve been doing it for 20+ years or you’re trying to start a brand new habit, it can be really tough digging into the Bible and praying when you’ve got kid boogers all over your shirt, bags under your eyes, and barely more than two uninterrupted seconds on any given day.

Sometimes we get into a rut not just because we lack the time, but because we lack the focus and motivation to get started.

Related: Daily Quiet Times: How Busy, Tired Moms Can Get Motivated

Even when we’re motivated, however, it can still feel a bit overwhelming or uninspiring: where to even begin?

That’s why I thought it would be fun to compile a bucket list of ways you can connect with God in your personal quiet times. I see lots of posts about date ideas with your spouse; why not have some date ideas with God?

Personally, I need to mix things up sometimes. When you have your whole life to get to know someone, whether he be your earthly husband or Jesus, the same thing day after day after day can get a little dull. While there’s certainly value in routine, my husband and I enjoy taking little adventures together. I want to be that way with God.

Too often I hear people speaking with guilt about how they just can’t into this “read the Bible and pray” routine they think they should be following. If it’s not working for you, try something else; mix it up. A dynamic relationship with God does not have to fit into any particular box.

This list is for you whether you don’t know where to start or you need to rekindle your passion for God. It’s not a must-do list; these are simply ideas to help you get inspired.

Quiet Time Bucket List: 20 Ways to Build Intimacy with God

Neven Krcmarek

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links. See here for more information.

Studying the Bible

Have you ever tried reading the Bible from the beginning and then get stuck somewhere around Leviticus? You wouldn’t be the first! Here are some ways you can read the Bible during your quiet times that are more than just…reading the Bible.

Write the Word: It’s pretty simple. Instead of reading, why not try copying passages of scripture as you work through them? This is a good way to read the Bible and pray at the same time (gasp!). I made a little video about how I’ve been using this method in my own life:

The R.E.S.T. Method: Read. Engage. Savor. Take charge. Kaylene Yoder has a ten-day challenge to help you work through it.

Verse Mapping: If you’re scatterbrained and need things to be visual, check out this tip from Arabah Joy. You take one passage and discover new insights by drawing it out. This is a great option for we non-artistic types because it doesn’t have to be pretty!

The Color Method: Color code verses as your read them to help you visualize the message. Check out this guide to help you get started, or invent your own system.

Study Guides: Personally I think there’s a big difference between a fluffy devotional that has sprinklings of biblical teachings and an in-depth guide that helps you dig much deeper. She Reads Truth has some excellent, engaging studies.

Reading Plans: I’m a simple kind of reader, and a simple plan is helpful for me. I’ve gone through several annual Bible reading plans, which only takes a few minutes a day. I recommend trying different translations and methods. You can go straight through or use a plan the mixes it up so you’re not camped out in the, uh, less interesting parts for weeks and weeks. I’ve used The Bible App.

Study Buddy or Buddies: One of the most influential experiences in my personal faith was getting together once a week with two other women who knew the Bible better than me so they could teach me what it was all about. Maybe you don’t have someone like that in your life right now, but I’d encourage you to pray about it and just ask someone! I doubt they would say no. If you can’t meet in person, talk over the phone or even email each other!

Take a Class: It’s a pretty simple concept really; if you want to learn about something, sign up for a class, silly! Arabah Joy offers 7 Days in 7 Ways in an online course that will really help you take your Bible study to the next level with some fresh strategies. I was pleasantly surprised with how much I learned!

Memorize Verses: When Deuteronomy 6 says to write the commands on your heart, I think this is what it means. Take some notecards and write down your favorite verses and flip through them regularly. You’ll have them down before you know it…and you might just start quoting them! Check out some of the mama verses in my free resource collection if you need ideas for what verses to use.

Digging Deeper in Prayer

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I suck at praying. Well, at least I thought I did. But I’ve discovered that the cool thing about prayer is that there’s really no wrong way to do it! Here are a couple of tips to help you stay focused:

Fasting: I recently heard a sermon on the power of fasting and Oh. My. Goodness. I was challenged but inspired. You can fast as a way to humble yourself before God, to repent, to seek guidance, to ask for help, and—this is the kicker—to help you focus on God. There are a lot of ways to do it, but traditionally it makes sense to take at least a day to deprive your body of something it wants (like food, certain drinks, etc.). Try it! And try it again!

Prayer Journal: I’m obviously a big fan of this since I wrote the Teach Me To Pray guide. Prompting can help a lot. The Write the Word Journals from Lara Casey are also great resources when they’re available.

Prayer Buddy: strength in numbers, right? I learn so much when I hear the prayers of other people. Find someone you can pray with weekly—over the phone if needed!

Nature: Sometimes when I’m in a funk, I just need to drive outside of town and clear my head. Mountaintops are ideal, but if you live somewhere flat like I do, I’m sure you can nonetheless find inspiration in the beauty of creation.

Meditation: Not to go all woo-woo on you, but personally I find a lot of value in simply being quiet and listening for the Holy Spirit’s promptings. You can meditate on verses, or take in silence.

Keep a List: I like to write down all the prayer requests from my friends and family as well as the biggest items on my heart. Some places you can write it down include your planner, journal or even on a list on your phone. Bonus: since I have been in the habit, I can actually follow up with the people I’ve been praying for and ask them how it’s going!

Prayer App: Echo is pretty cool.

“War Room”: First, if you haven’t seen the movie it’s definitely worth a watch. The idea is that you have a designated area of your house where you pray. In the movie they put up their favorite scriptures and prayers up around the inside of a closet. Personally, I like somewhere with a little more natural light…but do what works for you.

Related: Things To Pray for When You’re Distracted, Overwhelmed & Don’t Know What To Say

Embracing Your Creativity

Are you a creative type? Then use your passions and talents to connect with God! Think outside the box when it comes to your quiet times.

Sing: Even if you’re not signing a record deal, this is a simple yet powerful way to worship. Grab a hymnal, listen to your favorite artist, start a choir…do what inspires you.

Compose: I know a couple of people with this skill and I’m super jealous. Whether you write poetry, lyrics, play an instrument, sing, or all of the above, can you think of some ways to use your talent that will encourage you and others?

Bible Journaling: I have been very inspired by this newer trend called Bible journaling, which basically requires a Bible with wide margins and some artistic ability. My friend Jill has an amazing Instagram page if you need ideas! She often uses Illustrated Faith devotionals for materials and prompts.

Guided Devotional Art: If you need more guidance or something a little simpler than Bible journaling, there are a bunch of artistic devotionals available. The Scripture Doodle six-week devotional is a great way to get started.

Kids’ Resources: Seriously, there is some phenomenal kids’ material out there that I think is helpful for adults too, especially if you want to get back to basics. In our house we are obsessed with the What’s in the Bible? series, which we stream on JellyTelly. I also highly recommend the Jesus Storybook Bible, which ties together the whole Bible narrative in an engaging and simple way.

I know there are more ideas out there so now I turn it over to you: how do you connect with God? And what’s on your quiet time bucket list?

Do you have a hard time connecting in prayer? I do too…and that’s why again and again I go back to Jesus’ teachings about prayer whenever I’m in a rut. If you enjoy this, be sure to check out the Teach Me To Pray 7-Day printable journal.

  Get the free journal

For the longest time, I thought that I pretty much stink at praying.

Don’t get me wrong, I come to God regularly, maybe with a prayer list or journal in hand if I’m really on top of things.

But too many times, daily prayer has just been an item on my spiritual checklist, and as a result it has felt rote, aimless, boring and powerless.

I quickly lose focus and my mind wanders to what it thinks are more interesting pursuits.

That’s humbling to write.

Related: How To Pray When You Just Can’t Focus

I’ve wondered at times, What is wrong with me? Is there a “right” way to pray? Or a wrong way? What exactly does God expect us to say when he already knows our thoughts, anyway?

I think Jesus’ disciples wondered about some of these things. I’m guessing this is why he offered them many lessons on prayer.

Jesus came to a people who were very…religious. The Jewish leaders at the time loved marking all the right boxes, praying long and loud, making a show out of fasting and demonstrating to everyone how extremely godly they were.

And then there were the regular Joes like the rest of us mortals who probably felt a little inadequate and lost when talking to the LORD of the universe.

What made Jesus’ approach to prayer different was that it was an ongoing conversation in an intimate relationship with his Father, rather than religious act you could check off your daily list.

Along with Jesus’ other teachings, his words on prayer were tough pills to swallow.

And you know what? They’re still tough. But that’s what makes them so effective.

The secret to a powerful prayer life isn’t following some formula or method.

Rather, it’s about digging deep, asking yourself hard questions and humbly presenting your thoughts to your Creator. I mean, that just sounds life-changing, doesn’t it? And that’s the effect Jesus was after.

What if we could pray those kinds of prayers too? I believe we can. And these four often-forgotten teachings on prayer will help you do just that.

Read the rest of this post by clicking over to Equipping Godly Women.

If you found this helpful, be sure to check out the Teach Me To Pray 7-Day printable journal.

How do you pray when you’re overwhelmed, especially as a busy mom?

I decided to ask other women how they would answer this question. This is the final post in a series on learning how to pray. Be sure to check out 1. How To Pray When You Just Can’t Focus, 2. Things To Pray for When You’re Distracted, Overwhelmed & Don’t Know What To Say, and 3. Waiting on God: How To Pray When He Seems Slow To Answer, as well as my free prayer journal (click below).  

How Do You Pray When You’re Overwhelmed? Real Women Answer

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links. See here for more information.

I’ve you’ve read much of this blog, it shouldn’t be a surprise to you that I have struggled (and continue to struggle) to have a powerful prayer life. This has especially been the case when I became a mother.

When you’re fighting exhaustion, juggling schedules, or simply feel you’re on the brink of losing it, turning to God just gets hard. Not only do you struggle to find the time, but there is a battle to maintain energy and focus, so that you can put some thoughts together that actually make sense.

I’ve come to the recent conclusion that while some people might be more naturally able to pray than others, it’s a practice that takes, well, practice. It is something that is learned, and therefore something that can be taught.

That’s why, for the final post of this series, I wanted to reach out beyond my limited brainpower and ask other women what they do. I sent out this question to several people, including some in our Facebook community:

What is one tip you would offer to overwhelmed women (especially moms) to strengthen their prayer lives?

Here’s what they had to say (note that not everyone has the same advice!).

Just do it

My tip is just to PRAY, whenever you have a minute. We don’t all have a long period of time in which to pray, but we all have a drive to the grocery store here, a walk to the park there. I pray while I’m pumping another bottle for my baby! Including your kids in the prayer is great too! It helps them to see how important it is to you.

—Jenn S., blogger at What You Make It

Prayer doesn’t have to be long and in the morning. Pray through the day, pray with kids, pray before bed, pray when you need it. I need to take my own advice!

—Andrea L., working mom of two

I pray first thing in the morning. Anytime, anywhere. In my truck, walking down the street, if God is with us everywhere then we can even pray in the bathroom!

—Carmen C., mom of two

Pray the Scriptures

The one thing I have done that has strengthened my prayer life is to pray the Scriptures. It is so easy to get caught up in thinking you don’t have the right words to say or you are just repeating the same prayer over and over again (not that there is anything wrong with that!) but I was recently introduced to the concept of using God’s Word to pray and it has been a game changer for me. I will write a Bible verse on a note card and keep it on the counter all day long and when I read it, I will use it as a prompt to begin praying. This has really helped with controlling those angry mom moments because when I feel like my blood is about to boil over, I will look at the card and start praying that verse. It has not only changed my prayer life but has also changed the atmosphere in our home too.

—Victoria Osborn, blogger at Creative Home Keeper

Create a prayer journal

Our family group recently got together to make prayer journals looking to address this need (three young moms in our group) and others. Mine is made out of a photo album and interchangeable index cards that slide into the clear photo slots. It features sections for dreams, self-examination (scriptures to keep me on track) and ways I see God moving, and then sections for each day of the week. For instance, every Sunday is “praise and thanksgiving day” and Monday is “pray for my work day.” We used scrapbooking paper to make these beautiful and inspiring and then recorded each other’s prayer requests into our books. So far, I am finding that my beautiful prayer book is drawing my heart to pray more intentionally, specifically and more often.

—Robin Weidner, author of Grace Calls

Breath prayers

I recently heard the term “breath prayers” and it means to literally say a prayer that only takes one breath and do just do that throughout the day! For example, “thank you for my kids,” “Lord give me strength,” “please comfort that friend,” “forgive me for my anger,” “show me your ways,” “what do you have for me today?” I’ve always prayed this way throughout the day and don’t have a formal sit down for an hour and pray type of routine. I liked that there was a name given to it though! Kinda neat!

—Shannon B., RN and mom of littles

My preacher once said that prayer without ceasing does not mean putting all your concentration on prayer all the time. It is more of a mindset. It means to be continually aware that you ARE in the Lord’s presence. And although he is already in your head, to pray without ceasing is to be aware of his constant refining of your thoughts, heart, and intentions. Not only that, but to welcome him doing it. It means to always have God in the presence of your thoughts. To think about God 24/7 basically. That mindset has changed my prayer life because it doesn’t have to be an event or formal. YES, there are times that should be solely devoted to prayer without distraction, but if you “pray without ceasing” that way I stated above, it takes the pressure off during those silent deep prayer moment and allows for more praise and listening versus what used to be a checklist of things I had saved up throughout the day.

—Melissa K., stay-at-home mom

It’s okay to be brief

I have often taken comfort in Jesus’ saying, “You will not be heard because of your many words” (Matthew 6:7, paraphrased). It can be difficult to find lengthy times to pray when we have babies and young kids at home, but God listens and values even our brief prayers! And we can teach our children to respect our prayer times. My kids know that when my chair is turned to face the window, I am spending time with God and don’t want to be disturbed. Of course, the little ones often can’t help themselves—they tiptoe up behind me, tap on my shoulder, and whisper questions in my ear, but hey, they’re trying! And they are learning to be patient when I tell them I will answer them when I’m done praying. It’s a process, and I know it will get better with time and as they mature, but I’m thankful for every stolen moment with God—and I know He values it too. I love what James 4:8 tells us: “Come near to God and he will come near to you.” How encouraging that our efforts are not lost on God. Whenever we pursue Him, He pursues us back. What a wonderful Father He is, and what a gift we have in prayer!

Also see: On Pinkeye, Lice, and Love

—Elizabeth Laing Thompson, blogger at LizzyLife and author of When God Says “Wait”

Be intentional

As an overwhelmed mom, it can be really easy to get in the habit of subsisting only on short, little prayers throughout the day instead of sitting down to actually pray when you can set aside time to focus. While praying short prayers can be really helpful when you’re running short on time, it can also lead to a pretty “thin” prayer life.

Take stock of the prayers you are praying. What do they say about your faith and your priorities? Are you praying powerful prayers of great intention, or just “God, will you please make my life more comfortable?”

There’s actually a term called “praying deep” that means not just praying for the small, little stuff that doesn’t really matter so much (like grades and finding things and favorable traffic), but also praying for the BIG stuff—the things that are important, but all too easy to forget. Things like wisdom and faith and focus.

I created this mini prayer book, which has helped me.

—Brittany Ann, blogger at Equipping Godly Women

I think everyone here has some great insight to offer! Overall, I’ve noticed that the way I pray evolves through different seasons, and even from day to day. One day I might only have the space to do a few “breath prayers,” while the next I might have more time to focus on that prayer journal or scripture prompt to pray a little deeper.

If you’d like more help learning to pray through life’s overwhelming seasons, be sure to check out my free prayer journal, which now comes with a free email course.

Download the free journal

Now it’s your turn to continue the conversation: What is one tip YOU would offer to overwhelmed women (especially moms) to strengthen their prayer lives?

This post on waiting on God is the third in a series on learning how to pray. Be sure to check out 1. How To Pray When You Just Can’t Focus and 2. Things To Pray for When You’re Distracted, Overwhelmed & Don’t Know What To Say, 4. How Do You Pray When You’re Overwhelmed? Real Women Answer as well as my free prayer journal (click below). 

Today’s post is an excerpt from a new book by my honored guest, Elizabeth Laing Thompson. 

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links. See here for more information.

Waiting on God: How To Pray When He Seems Slow To Answer

Ever waited a long time for God to answer a prayer? I have. Ever waited a really, really, really long time for God to answer a prayer? I have.

Prayer gets complicated when we are waiting. It goes like this: If we could have gotten The Thing we want for ourselves, we would have gotten it already—a long time ago. We have done what we can, as much as we can, but now it’s up to God to give the final divine thumbs-up. When days stretch into months and months melt into years, feeling close to God, feeling heard and loved by Him, grows increasingly difficult.

When Prayer Becomes a Battleground

When we are waiting long term for something, we face a unique set of struggles in our walk with God.

We may feel:

• vulnerable
• out of control
• ignored by God
• insecure with God
• confused by God
• disappointed in God
• disillusioned by God’s promises
• resentful toward God
• sinful before God, searching our hearts for hidden sin
• guilty about how we feel toward God

Each of these emotions affects our prayer life in some way. I have experienced each one during waiting seasons—sometimes every one of them all at once! And the longer we wait on an answer, the more distant God feels. His silence fuels our suspicions: Does He even care? Is He unmoved by my tears, my pleas? Just as in the Garden, the evil snake whispers doubt through gaps in our shield of faith.

After a while, God may start to feel like the enemy. The Great Giver? Yeah right. More like the Great Disappointer. The Great Withholder. He is holding out on me on purpose. He doesn’t want what’s best for me. He probably doesn’t even like me.

In the middle of my long struggle with infertility, my mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Our entire family was left reeling, terrified, while we waited to learn just how bad her diagnosis was. It was one of those times when you half expect your brain and heart to explode from stress and fear.

One afternoon my husband, Kevin, not knowing what to say or how to comfort me—about Mom, about the baby we couldn’t have, about all of it—suggested we pray together. There on the floor of our guest room—the sad, sterile room that should have become a nursery long ago—we knelt and prayed. I don’t remember what I said, but I was angry, and I didn’t hold back. When I opened my eyes, Kevin sat there blinking at me, shocked. I’m pretty sure he scooted a few inches away from me, in case God decided to take me out with my own personal tornado. Defensive, I snapped, “What? I’m telling God what I really feel!” We got up from our prayer, both of us feeling worse, not better. I walked away fearing that not only was I never going to become a mother, but now I was never going to make it to heaven either.

We don’t like to admit this, lest we get struck by lightning, but the truth is, some of us get mad at God. Bitterness begins to wrap icy tentacles around our hearts—suffocating hope, strangling trust—till only anger remains. And what a terrifying place that is, when you feel resentment toward God clouding your vision, darkening your heart: not only are you wandering in the unmarked wilderness, but now you have lost your compass.

The Psalms: Carving a Path Through the Wilderness

Thank goodness we are not the first of God’s people to suffer through confusing times in our walks with God. Others before us, David chief among them, have also had to find a way to pray through pain.

God has devoted an entire book in His Word to prayers, and David wrote more than half of those prayers. When we read the book of Psalms, something in us rings with familiarity, echoes our own amen. David and the other psalmists beg, plead, question, wonder, fear, lament, praise, rejoice, worry, anguish, mourn, celebrate, rant, curse, and bless. Their prayers run wild: unbridled, unashamed, sometimes even unrighteous. Freely they roam the full gamut of the human experience.

Through the Psalms God is inviting us to pray real prayers. To bring everything to Him—to bring ourselves to Him. He wants to hear us out. He can handle it.

If you are suffering through a bleak waiting season and you have hit a wall in your prayer life, borrow the Psalms. Take comfort in knowing you are not alone. Let the psalmists whisper (and sometimes shout) your own fears. Let them teach you to pray prayers that peel the paint off the walls. Prayers that strip your soul bare.

As you begin praying through psalms, take note of this: many of the most despairing psalms still find a way to praise and thank God from the darkness. (See Psalms 37, 40, 42, and 89 for a few examples.) The best way to keep the right posture in prayer, to maintain a spirit of humility and surrender even as we are hurting, is gratitude.

When we are sad and frustrated and tired of waiting, how easy it is to forget to thank God. We have to choose to praise God for His kindness, generosity, and power. We have to remember to thank Him for gifts already given. If you are stuck in your walk with God, waiting for a blessing that won’t come, try bringing gratitude and praise back into your prayer life. That simple discipline will transform your perspective: Praise reminds us of His power; gratitude reminds us of His goodness. Together praise and gratitude protect our hearts and restore our hope.

When Satan conspires with fear and insecurity to turn prayer into a battleground, let’s fight back. David fought many enemies in his life, but God wasn’t one of them. By fighting alongside God, not against Him, David enjoyed prayer as a lifelong refuge, a haven where he waited out and waded through the lonely wilderness years. You and I can experience the same.

Let us never give up on prayer, even when God feels far away.

Let us bring our real feelings to God honestly and humbly.

Let us borrow words from David and others who have waited and prayed before us.

Let us remember to thank and praise along the way.

And when our waiting season ends, however it ends, let us celebrate with the One who has seen us through, heard us out, and never left our side.

This post is adapted from Elizabeth’s new book, When God Says “Wait.” Reprinted with permission.

Elizabeth Laing Thompson is the author of When God Says “Wait.” She writes at LizzyLife.com about clinging to Christ through the chaos of daily life. As a minister, speaker, and novelist, she loves finding humor in holiness and hope in heartache. Elizabeth lives in North Carolina with her preacher husband and four spunky kids, and they were totally worth the wait. You can connect with Elizabeth on Facebook and Instagram.

Don’t forget: grab Teach Me To Pray as well as a free email course about how to make prayer a habit: