How to Deepen Your Prayer Life When You Feel Stuck

Let’s be honest—sometimes prayer flows like a beautiful conversation with God, and other times it feels like you’re leaving a voicemail that He’s definitely not checking.

You sit down to pray, but instead of deep, soul-stirring words, all that comes out is:"Hey, God… so, uh… yeah… it’s me again. You good? I mean, You’re always good, but… you know what, never mind. Amen."

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your prayer life—like your words are bouncing off the ceiling or your mind is wandering to your grocery list—you’re not alone. Even the strongest believers hit moments when prayer feels hard, dry, or just routine. The good news? You don’t have to stay stuck.

Why Does Prayer Feel Hard Sometimes?

First, let’s clear something up: If prayer feels tough, it doesn’t mean you’re a “bad Christian.” It just means you’re human. Even the disciples—who literally walked with Jesus—asked Him, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1). So if they needed help, trust me, you’re in good company.

Prayer can feel difficult for a few reasons:

Distractions – Somehow, the moment you sit down to pray, your brain remembers every unfinished task, old argument, and embarrassing moment from 10 years ago.
Doubt – Maybe you’re wondering, Is God even listening? Does He care about this?
Routine Fatigue – Saying the same prayers every day can make it feel mechanical instead of meaningful.
Spiritual Warfare – The enemy knows the power of prayer, which is exactly why he’ll do everything to keep you from it.

So, how do we push through?

1. Get Real With God

You don’t have to sound like a King James Bible verse for God to hear you. He’s not grading you on eloquence—He just wants your honesty. Tell Him exactly how you feel. “Lord, I feel stuck. Help me.” Boom. That’s a prayer.

David was called a man after God’s own heart, and if you read Psalms, you’ll see why—he kept it real with God. He prayed when he was happy, frustrated, confused, and even a little petty (Psalm 109 is wild). God isn’t afraid of your raw emotions, so don’t hold back.

2. Switch Up How You Pray

If you always pray the same way—same words, same time of day, same “Dear God, thank you, Amen” routine—your prayer life might just need a refresh. Try:

Praying out loud – Sometimes, speaking your prayers makes them feel more intentional.
Writing them down – Journaling your prayers can help you focus and track how God answers over time.
Using Scripture – Praying God’s Word back to Him is powerful (Isaiah 55:11). Start with verses like Philippians 4:6-7 or Psalm 23.
Praying through music – Worship is a form of prayer. Next time words feel hard, let a worship song become your prayer.

3. Set the Atmosphere

Listen, we set the mood for everything else—date nights, workouts, even binge-watching TV shows—so why not for prayer? Find a quiet space, light a candle, play some soft worship music, or even take a prayer walk. Creating an intentional space can help remove distractions and focus your heart.

4. Use the ACTS Model (because structure can actually help!)

If you don’t know what to say, try using this simple guide:

Adoration – Start by praising God for who He is. (Example: “God, You are faithful and good, and I’m so grateful for You.”)
Confession – Be honest about anything weighing on your heart. (“Lord, I’ve been struggling with doubt and control. Forgive me for not trusting You fully.”)
Thanksgiving – Thank Him for what He’s done. (“Thank You for always providing for me, even when I don’t see it right away.”)
Supplication – Bring your needs and the needs of others to Him. (“God, I need clarity and wisdom. Please guide me.”)

5. Pray Even When You Don’t Feel Like It

Some of the most powerful prayers come when you least feel like praying. Push past the emotions and pray anyway. Even if it’s short. Even if it’s messy. Even if it’s just “Lord, I need You.”

Romans 8:26 reminds us that when we don’t know what to pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us. So, even when your words feel weak, Heaven is backing you up.

6. Ask for Prayer Support

Sometimes, we need others to help us break through. Don’t be afraid to ask friends, mentors, or your faith community to pray for and with you. When we pray together, things shift (Matthew 18:20).

7. Give Yourself Grace

Your prayer life won’t always feel on fire, and that’s okay. What matters is that you keep showing up. God isn’t looking for perfection—just a willing heart.

Challenge: Take One Step Today

Pick one way to refresh your prayer life this week. Maybe it’s praying out loud, journaling, or setting a specific time each day to pray. Whatever it is, commit to it.

Remember, God isn’t distant—He’s right there, listening, speaking, and drawing you closer. So don’t let feeling “stuck” keep you from seeking Him.

He’s just waiting for you to start the conversation. 💛