How To Overcome Prayerlessness: 13 Practical Steps for a Stronger Prayer Life

Prayerlessness is not an inconsequential matter—it is a spiritual soul battle, waged by the flesh and the devil to fight our communion with God, the will to persevere in faith, and the determination to remain anchored in God’s presence. Prioritizing prayer amidst the distractions of life—busyness, social media, and even personal struggles—can be a daunting task. The flesh is the chief agent that seeks to draw us away from prayer; it chokes our minds with worries and distracts our sole focus. Despite all the struggle to pray, prayer remains the vital breath of our Christian life.

Here are some tips to help you overcome prayerlessness

1. Recognize that it is a spiritual battle

Our Lord Jesus, in His infinite wisdom, counsels us, saying, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41). Our spirit is eager for fellowship with God—it longs for His presence and warmth, yet the flesh is prone to become spiritually lukewarm.

2. Lean on God’s grace

Seek God’s grace and strength to overcome the deception of prayerlessness. Take hold of the victory already won in Christ and press forward in your devotion to God—that though the flesh is weak, God’s grace makes us more than able to conquer and rule the flesh. Seek ye Jehovah and his strength; Seek his face evermore. (1 Chronicles 16:11)

3. Ask the Holy Spirit for Help

The flesh’s weakness and the devil’s deception are constant reminders of our need for the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome this wile of the flesh and the devil. It is the Holy Spirit who empowers us to mortify the desires and dominance of the flesh. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. (John 14:26 NKJV)

4. Start Small

Consistency in prayer is more important than our desire to spend hours in prayer. Start small, build a habit of praying over time, until you can easily transition to long hours of praying. Pray without ceasing; (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

5. Ask for angelic support

Angels are servants to us, the inheritors of salvation. After Jesus’ temptation, the angels came and ministered to Him. Though we don’t pray to angels, we can ask them to aid us. Then the devil leaveth him; and behold, angels came and ministered unto him. (Matthew 4:11)

6. Start now

There is no better or right time to start praying than now. God gave us the liberty to call on His name at any time, place, or situation. Don’t wait for a more convenient time—start now.

7. Document God’s faithfulness

Writing down what God has done for you over time reminds you of His faithfulness. This stirs gratitude. They shall utter the memory of thy great goodness, And shall sing of thy righteousness. (Psalms 145:7)

8. Pray with someone

We are called to pray for one another and pray with one another, and when we gather to pray, we experience God’s tremendous power. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:20)

9. Know that it is communion with God

Prayer is not a burden, it is an invitation to hear God’s voice as you share your heart. Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and will show thee great things, and difficult, which thou knowest not. (Jeremiah 33:3)

10. Worship more

Worship invites the presence and glory of God. When you worship, God’s presence makes praying easy. But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. (Psalms 22:3)

11. Limit distractions

The world is full of distractions that draw our attention from God. If you must pray consistently and effectively, you must limit distractions. And the cares of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. (Mark 4:19)

12. Don’t be discouraged

If you miss a time of prayer, don’t let the guilt dissuade you from praying. Deal with the discouragement quickly before it turns to apathy. Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to Jehovah. (Lamentations 3:40)

13. Pray The Lord’s Prayer

If you struggle with what to pray about, start with the Lord’s Prayer—it’s the perfect guide. Our Lord Jesus gave us a model for how to pray. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. (Matthew 6:9-13). If you’re ready to explore what each line means and how to pray through it with purpose and clarity, continue with the article. How to Pray Using the Lord’s Prayer: A Verse-by-Verse. Or you want to declare your victory over prayerlessness. These 12 bold declarations will help you break spiritual dryness and reignite your prayer life. Powerful Declarations to Overcome Prayerlessness and Ignite Your Prayer.

BONUS:

Remember prayer is about communion with God who loves you.

Closing Reflection

Remember, it is not about perfection but fellowship. Start praying today. Begin where you are, open your heart to God, and ask for His grace and strength to remain consistent in prayer. As you do, you will find that prayer becomes less of a struggle and more of a place where your strength and intimacy with God are renewed.

If you do not have a relationship with God, and you desire to—and the Holy Spirit has convicted your heart of God’s truth and love—begin with the confession below.
God, I confess that I am a sinner, and I have fallen short of Your glory. I believe in my heart that Jesus Christ died and rose again for my sins. Therefore, I confess Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Let Him be my Lord henceforth, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

How to Pray Using the Lord’s Prayer: A Verse-by-Verse.

Powerful Declarations to Overcome Prayerlessness and Ignite Your Prayer.

How To Overcome Prayerlessness: 13 Practical Steps for a Stronger Prayer Life