5 Proven Practices to Help When You Need to Pray

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What do you do when you need to pray but you can’t find the words? When your circumstances are so upsetting, and you’re so worried, that, as much as you want to pray … it feels impossible.

I remember a time when I was overwhelmed and exhausted, already feeling pushed beyond what I could handle, and then I received some news that pushed me right over the edge.

I called Rev in tears and, through my sobs, all I could say was, “I need you. Please come and pray with me.”

Another time, our family challenges were piled so high that every day it felt like we were playing a game of Jenga. It seemed like we could pull the wrong block at any moment and everything would come tumbling down.

When you and I are so upset that we can’t even organize our thoughts enough to take them to the Lord, we don’t have to give up. There’s help and hope!

Here are…

5 Things to Do When You Need to Pray

♥ Cry Out to Jesus

We don’t always need words to pray. We can go to the Lord, saying, “Jesus, I need You. Please help me.” He hears and understands that those may be the best words we have to offer.

Listen to my prayer, O God.
    Do not ignore my cry for help!
Please listen and answer me,
    for I am overwhelmed by my troubles.

Morning, noon, and night
    I cry out in my distress,
    and the Lord hears my voice.

Psalm 55:1–2, 17

♥ Hold On to God’s Promises

Cling to the truth that God faithfully keeps His promises. When everything feels hopeless, God’s Word can give us what we need to endure a difficult situation. His promises can fill us with hope and give us what we need to move forward with strength and peace.

“Be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:20

Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Deuteronomy 31:8

♥ Trust the Spirit of God is Praying for You

When you and I are too weak or upset to put our prayers into words, we can trust that the Holy Spirit prays for us and His prayers are always perfect.

The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. 

Romans 8:26

♥ Ask a Friend

When you’re too upset to put your prayers into words, ask for help by turning to your family and friends. Remember, they don’t have to know every detail of your circumstances. God knows. You just want them to go to the Lord on your behalf.

Pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.

1 Timothy 2:1

♥ Just Cry! 

When tears are all you have, remember your tears reach God’s heart, too.

One of my favorite verses:

You keep track of all my sorrows.
You have collected all my tears in Your bottle.
You have recorded each one in Your book.

Psalm 56:8

You and I are never alone. Our Father knows and loves us. He is well aware of each of our needs. He sees our broken hearts. He knows when we’re afraid. He collects our tears.

Let’s pray…

Please Help Me – I Need to Pray

Father God, I’m overwhelmed. This situation feels too difficult to endure. I can’t put it into words. I don’t even know what I need. I’m worried. I know what I want, but it all feels too heavy right now.

Thank you, Jesus, for telling me that I can bring my heavy burdens to You. Please help me. Hear the cries of my heart. Please hold me and fill my mind with the truth of Your promises.

You know my circumstances and my needs, please pray for me in harmony with the Lord’s will. Guard my heart and mind from the enemy’s lies that You can’t or You won’t. I believe You are always able, and with Your help, I will endure whatever You allow.

So, I will ask my friends and family to pray. I will trust You to give me what I need. I will remain confident that You know my present and my future and will always do what is best.

I love You. I praise You. And give myself to You in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.

I want to be more intentionally faithful in my prayer life, whatever my circumstances. 

I want to remember that prayer is not about how or what I’m praying. It’s an awesome blessing from the One to Whom we pray. Our words and posture aren’t as important as our faith in the Loving Father who welcomes us into His holy presence.

Yes, we will always go to Him with the things that we want and need, but as we do, may we be mindful that He is who we need more than anything.

It’s okay to ask for help when we need to pray. It’s okay to have nothing more to offer than our tears. We can always go to our Heavenly Father in Jesus’ name with the help of the Spirit. He is the One True God! He is able to do the impossible. He is what we need now and forever.

He is our future filled with hope.

“I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

Jeremiah 29:11

Trust His love. Trust His plans. Trust Him to give you what you need.

You may know someone who needs prayer today. Feel free to pass this along to them.

God be with you, bless you, and encourage you when you are overwhelmed and need to pray.

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