Pray When You Do Not Feel Like It
A Christian man cannot wait until he feels ready to pray. Feelings matter, but they are not the authority.
Many Christian men wait to pray until they feel spiritually ready. That day rarely comes.
After a long shift, a hard conversation, or a quiet sense of failure, prayer can feel like one more task. So a man delays. He tells himself he will get to it later, when his mind is clearer and his heart is more willing.
I have done this. Waiting for the right feeling is often a way of avoiding God.
Prayer is obedience, not a mood
Jesus assumed His disciples would pray. In Matthew 6:6 He said:
“But as for you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.”
—Matthew 6:6, NASB
He did not say, “When you feel inspired.” He said, “when you pray.”
A husband and father cannot wait for perfect conditions. The work still needs to be done. The children still need a dad who talks to God. The marriage still needs a man who brings his household before the Lord.
Feelings matter. They are not the authority.
Tell God the truth
Some men stay silent because they think prayer must sound impressive. They wait until they can say the right words.
God is not asking for a performance.
If you are angry, say so. If you are tired, say so. If you have sinned, confess it. If you do not know what to do, admit it.
The Psalms are full of men who came to God without polishing their sentences first.
Psalm 62:8 says:
“Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before Him; God is a refuge for us.”
—Psalm 62:8, NASB
Pouring out your heart is not the same as complaining to everyone else. It is bringing the real condition of your soul to the One who can help.
Start smaller than you think
A man who has neglected prayer often tries to restart with a plan he cannot keep. He promises an hour at 5:00 a.m. and quits by Thursday.
Begin where you are.
Pray before you leave the truck. Pray with your wife for two minutes at the end of the day. Open the Bible, read a short passage, and ask God to help you obey it. Put a brother’s name on a list and pray for him by name.
Consistency will form you more than intensity.
Do not pray alone forever
Private prayer is necessary. Isolated prayer is different.
Jesus sent His men out together. The early church prayed together. Christian men still need brothers who will ask, “Have you talked to the Lord about this?”
If prayer has grown cold, tell a faithful man. Ask him to check on you. Meet and pray, even if the prayer is brief and awkward.
Awkward prayer with a brother is better than silent drift.
Colossians 4:2 says:
“Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving.”
—Colossians 4:2, NASB
Devotion is a decision repeated over time.
Pray tonight. Pray poorly if you must. Pray honestly. Then pray again tomorrow.
The Lord is not waiting for you to feel ready. He is already listening.
Can we help you find a small group of men you can pray together with?
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Jeff Hagen
President & Founder
Hill Cities, Inc.
