Praying Doesn’t Have to be Hard: 4 Ways to Make it Easier

Why do we let waves of fear swamp our lives, instead of dropping to our knees in prayer? Why does anxiety continue to crush us, when all we have to do is look up? Jesus has already cleared a path for us to talk to God, but we often continue to struggle within our own minds for solutions to life’s problems. Weave prayer into the natural inclination to solve problems by surrendering what ails us to our God. He promises to hear us, defend us, and love us… through it all. It’s that simple. 

1. Open yourself up to worship with music. 

“Let them sing joyful praises forever.” (Psalm 5:11) 

Because of Jesus’ victory, we can sing praise at all times. Prayer doesn’t have to be hard. Sometimes, it starts with a song. Music can quickly take over the melody of our hearts and the frame of our minds. Listen to the Christian station or singing a favorite old church hymn or song. God works through those melodies to connect us to Him. Music has always been a way to express emotions we cannot put into words, and it’s an excellent way to reflect in prayer. 

2. Look for evidence of God working in your life. 

“Remember what I have told you.” (Matthew 28:7) 

This verse was part of the frantic realization that Jesus had risen from the dead. In remembering the instructions they were given, their minds and hearts must have been flooded with the statements Jesus had uttered as they walk alongside Him during His ministry on this earth. Looking back to remember, they began to see Him more clearly. Through the seasons of pain and the times of triumph in our lives, He grows us in our faith. Prayer doesn’t have to be hard. Look back on life, and look for His evidence. Thank Him for being there, and trust that He still is… and always will be. 

3. Tell God how you’re moving for the Kingdom.

“Now spend your time serving the Lord your God and his people.” (2 Chronicles 35:3)

Prayer is what we have done, what we are doing, and what we plan to do. This verse in 2 Chronicles is a push to God’s people to set the ark down. A permanent home had been built for it by King David’s son, Solomon. Now, it was time for them to go. The same sentiments ring true in the New Testament; Christians are urged to go spread the gospel, help people in His name, and love as He would. Prayer is talking to God about our movement, the mistakes we’ve made, and the goals we have. It’s thanking Him for blessings and praising Him for His presence. Prayer is all about what we’re up to on a daily basis. It’s a conversation with our Father. 

4. Ask God anything. 

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7) 

No matter where we are at with our relationship with Jesus… from “still questioning” to “following hard,” He tells us to keep asking. “You will find.” And the longer we live and walk with Jesus, the more we find that we want what He wants. “The door will be opened.”  There is a peace in realizing that He is in control, and we are allowed to ask Him anything. The hard questions. The awe-struck questions. All questions. Prayer doesn’t have to be hard. It’s just asking questions. Worship, remembrance, movement, and inquisition. Prayer is a piece of our everyday life. A picture of what God already knows we’re up to. He just wants to share in the experience with us, help us, guide us, and love us. It’s who He is. 

A Prayer for God’s Presence in Our Lives

Father, Praise You for opening up the line of communication that we benefit from daily in prayer to You. Thank You for Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross that made that possible. Make it attainable for us to feel and experience Your presence every day that we walk with Your Son. Forgive us for neglecting to open our hearts to You each day, toiling and vexing instead over our own solutions and worries. Bless us and heal us. Chip off the hard parts of our hearts that refuse to let go and let You in. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Meg writes about everyday life within the love of Christ as an author, freelance writer, and blogger at Sunny&80. Her first book, “Friends with Everyone,”  is available on amazon.com. She earned a Marketing/PR degree from Ashland University but stepped out of the business world to stay at home and raise her two daughters. Besides writing, she leads a Bible Study for Women and serves as a Youth Ministry leader in her community. She lives in Northern Ohio with her husband, Jim, and two daughters.

Photo credit: ©GettyImages/vadimguzhva

This article is part of our prayer resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.

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