Prayer. For some, it’s a lifeline. For others, it feels like sending a text with no response. You know one of those questions asked of someone with read receipts on and they never reply!
Maybe you’ve found yourself wondering: Am I doing this right? Is anyone even listening? Is this thing on!? Well simply put: yes, yes, and yes. But let’s be honest—prayer can be confusing, especially when life gets messy or you feel like your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling.
There is good news however. Prayer doesn’t have to be complicated, fancy, or reserved for the “super christians.” It’s simply a conversation with God. If you want your prayer life to be less awkward and more impactful, here are three things you need to know that just might change everything.
1. God Actually Wants to Hear from You (Yeah, You)
Ok. Let’s clear something up: prayer isn’t about using the right words or sounding holy. You don’t need to bust out 17th-century King James English to get God’s attention. (“O Lord, Thou art most glorious and…” Yeah, He knows.) God wants you to come as you are—messy, honest, and real.
Think about it: if you’re a parent, you don’t require your kids to craft a formal speech before talking to you. God’s the same way. He loves hearing from you—whether you’re praising Him, venting frustrations, or just saying, “Help!” Don’t let guilt or uncertainty keep you quiet. Start talking. God’s not waiting for perfection; He’s waiting for you.
Pro tip: Not sure where to start? Try this: “God, Today I need…” Just fill in the blank with something you can’t hold in your hand (focus, peace, etc) Then wait. Simple. Honest. Powerful.
2. Prayer Is Less About Fancy Words and More About a Real Relationship
Imagine if you only talked to your best friend when you needed something. Or worse yet, if every conversation was a rushed list of demands: “Hey, I need you to fix this, do that, and make this happen. Cool? Bye.” That friendship wouldn’t last long.
Prayer is about connection, not just requests. Yeah, God wants you to bring your needs to Him, but He also wants you to share your heart. Thank Him for the good things. Be honest about your fears. Celebrate the wins. Grieve the losses. Listen for His guidance.
Relationships thrive on communication. The more you talk to God (and listen), the stronger your connection will be. And here’s the kicker: you don’t need to set aside an hour in a candlelit room of solitude. Talk to Him while driving (just don’t close your eyes please), folding laundry, or walking the dog. He’s always available—no appointment necessary.
Bonus tip: Silence isn’t God ignoring you. Sometimes He speaks in the stillness. Don’t rush it.
3. Prayer Changes Things… and It Changes You
We often think of prayer as a way to get God to act. And yes, prayer moves the heart of God. Miracles happen. Peace arrives. Circumstances shift. But sometimes, the biggest change happens in us.
Prayer can soften a hard heart, calm anxious thoughts, and bring clarity when you’re stuck. Even when God doesn’t answer the way you hoped, He often gives you strength to face the situation. And that’s no small thing.
And let’s be honest: sometimes the answer is “yes,” but sometimes it’s “I have something better in mind.” Trusting God’s timing isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Keep praying. Even when it feels like nothing’s happening, God is working, sometimes behind the scenes in ways you can’t see.
Encouragement: Don’t quit praying just because you haven’t seen immediate results. Some of the best answers come after the longest waits.
Prayer isn’t about checking a Jesus box. It’s about relationship. It’s about bringing your whole, messy, beautiful self to God and trusting that He hears you, loves you, and responds in His perfect way (and time).
So, talk to Him. Be honest. Be persistent. Be yourself. You don’t need a script. You just need a willing heart.
And remember: you’re not alone. At Living Word Galena, we believe prayer is foundational to life and faith. If you need someone to pray with you, reach out. We’re here for you. God is, too.
Your prayers matter. You matter. Don’t let doubt or busyness rob you of the life-changing gift of prayer. Start the conversation. You might just be surprised at what happens next.
Such a good reminder of Gid always being there regardless of how He answers our prayers.
Thank you