Dear church,

In one sense, prayer is simple. But if we’re honest, it’s also one of the most difficult parts of our Christian life. Ask any believer about their struggles, and nine out of ten will tell you that maintaining a warm, deepening prayer life is one of their greatest challenges.

We get busy. We get distracted. And we get discouraged. Because so many of us have struggled for so long, it’s tempting to give up on prayer altogether. Then we stop praying, guilt creeps in and we become hard on ourselves for not trying harder. So, we resolve to be more disciplined. More intentional. And don’t mistake me, ALL spiritual discipline is good as 1 Timothy 4:7 tells us to “train yourself for godliness.” But let’s be honest: most of us have tried white-knuckle discipline before… and some of us still feel spiritually dry.

So, what’s the real answer? The key to praying more and witnessing more is not just greater discipline. It’s deeper intimacy. It captures the simplicity and sacredness of drawing near to Jesus. James says, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”- James 4:8

It’s not about guilt or grind. The real fuel of prayer is a heart captivated by Jesus. John 15:5 reminds us, “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” Stay close to the Vine, and fruit will follow.

We won’t truly pray until we see prayer as a way to express our love to God, not just a duty, but a delight. And we’ll never find joy in prayer until we recognize that Jesus is more eager to meet with us than we are to meet with Him. So, this week, before you write out your to-do list, bow your heart before the King. Not because you “should,” but because He’s worthy. Not because you feel ready, but because He invites you in love.

Be Encouraged,

Mathews