Why Does Prayer Seem Difficult?

Why does Prayer seem difficult?
The short answer: because, at some time or another, for every one of us, it is! If you are in any doubt, you only have to read the account of Jesus praying in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46; Luke 22:39-46). On the other hand, “there are no atheists in a foxhole”. Even the most sceptical pray fervently when life is at stake. But ordinary people, in ordinary circumstances, can find praying hard.

During the Anglican Baptismal Service, the priest makes the sign of the cross on the child’s forehead and says: “Fight valiantly as a disciple of Christ against sin, the world and the devil, and remain faithful to Christ to the end of your life”

A wise instruction, as those three enemies stand in the way of prayer.

Sin: You might call it Original Sin, or human nature, or “your inner slob”, but we’ve all got it. It’s what makes us tend to take the easier option, whether it’s the second cream cake, or prayers “forgotten” because we didn’t make the effort (or because it would have meant facing up to things on our conscience!)

The World: During World War II, CS Lewis wrote: “As Christians, we live in occupied territory.” The situation, if anything is worse today: we live in an increasingly materialistic society that pushes us away from the need and the motivation to pray.

The Devil: The name Satan comes from the Hebrew for “the Enemy”. Satan is also called the Father of Lies, and one of his favourites about praying is that voice of doubt that whispers “I’m no good at this.” (So what? God understands, and is pleased that you are trying. Does the fact that Pavarotti’s voice was better than yours stop you singing in the bath?)

Some ideas for fighting back!

Time Pressure: Take 5: if you don’t have regular time for prayer, think carefully where you could best squeeze in even five minutes. (Also: be creative, use trigger times, places and actions, and arrow prayers.) If you do have a regular quiet time, why not increase it by five minutes? Or find another five minutes at another point in your day? But consider: Are you perhaps over-committed? Is this permanent? Is there an adjustment you should make?

Distraction: You settle to pray and suddenly you remember dozens of things that you perhaps should have done or will have to do, worries and fears. So: can you find a prayer partner or small group to pray with? Can you make these cares and concerns part of your prayer. But consider: Are you listening? Are you being gently told to go and do something?

Dryness: Your prayers seem lifeless, routine has become a rut. Be open to new ways of doing things. Find someone to pray with. These times happen and usually pass; don’t struggle: tell God you’re having problems reaching Him. But consider: Are you tired? Are you otherwise well? Do you need to talk to your minister or an elder?