.
As Catholics, we are called to live a life of constant prayer and communion with God.
It’s easy to pray when we feel His presence...when our hearts are lifted and we are full of joy.
But what about those moments when we don’t feel like praying?
When life is hard, when we’re tired, or when it feels like God is far, far away?
It’s during these moments that prayer becomes not just a devotional act, but a true act of the will...a choice to remain faithful, even when our emotions say "why bother???".
So how do we keep praying when we just don’t feel like it?
1. Remember the Purpose of Prayer
Prayer is not about how we feel in the moment.
It is a relationship with God and our dependence on Him.
Sometimes we might feel dry, distracted, or discouraged in prayer, but that doesn’t mean our prayers are any less powerful or meaningful.
Even in silence, God is always listening.
When we approach prayer as an act of love rather than a pursuit of a feeling, we grow spiritually, learning to trust Him beyond emotions.
2. Look to the Saints for Inspiration
The saints, our spiritual role models, also experienced times of spiritual dryness or moments when they didn’t "feel" God’s presence.
St. Teresa of Calcutta, who is known for her profound faith, spent years in spiritual darkness where she couldn’t feel God’s love.
Yet she continued to pray and serve, knowing that faith isn’t measured by emotions but by steadfast trust in God's will.
We are called to do the same.
3. Persevere in Prayer
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that prayer is a battle (CCC 2725).
It’s a battle against distraction, weariness, and sometimes, doubt.
But it’s a battle worth fighting.
Even when prayer feels like a struggle, perseverance in prayer strengthens our souls.
In those dry moments, remember that Jesus Himself experienced agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.
He asked for the cup of suffering to pass, but ultimately surrendered to the Father’s will (Matthew 26:39).
In the same way, our prayers, even when offered with difficulty, bring us closer to God’s will.
4. Invoke the Holy Spirit
When words fail or when your heart just isn’t in it, ask the Holy Spirit to guide your prayer.
Romans 8:26 reminds us, "The Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words."
The Holy Spirit is our Helper and Advocate, and He knows the desires of our hearts even when we can’t express them.
5. Be Faithful, Not Perfect
God doesn’t demand perfect prayers; He asks for faithful ones.
You don’t need to come before Him with eloquent words or a heart full of emotion.
Simply come as you are.
Even the shortest, most distracted prayers are heard by our Father.
The key is faithfulness—showing up in prayer, regardless of how you feel.
6. Offer it Up
When you feel spiritually dry or uninspired, offer that struggle as a sacrifice.
Unite it with Christ’s own suffering, as we are reminded to do with all hardships in our lives.
This is part of the beauty of our Catholic faith: our struggles, when offered to God, have redemptive value.
In conclusion...
Praying when you don’t feel like it is one of the greatest acts of love and trust.
It’s easy to pray when we’re on a spiritual high, but it’s in the desert, in the dry times, that our faith deepens.
Remember, it’s NOT about our feelings... it’s about our persistence.
Keep praying, knowing that God’s grace will sustain you even when it feels like He is far away.
Through perseverance in prayer, we draw nearer to God, even when we don’t "feel it".
***Don't Forget to See TODAY'S DAILY SPECIAL as it helps fund the Pediatric Mission! Click HERE***
As always, our entire family is here to give you hope & encouragement! We truly love you and pray for you daily! Never hesitate to send a prayer request!
.
Sending our love and prayers to our remnant family...Wendy, Walt and the entire Cukierski family
.
(PS: Catholic Spiritual Guidance Lessons for you, featuring writings from Rev. Fr. Kilian McGowan
It's a spiritual lifesaver and you can read more HERE )
-------------
We do what we say we do!
