Features, Jesus Culture, Life Advice
7 Reasons to Pray Even When You Have Doubts
Does it feel like God isn’t listening? Or do you feel like he’s so far from you that you can’t feel his presence? Are you questioning whether or not He is real? Prayer may just be the cure. Here are 7 reasons why you should pray even when you are having doubts.
7. Prayer forces you to confront your doubts out loud.
Have you ever prayed your doubts…to the person that you are doubting? Sounds awkward to say “Hey God, I don’t believe,” but sometimes that’s what needs to be done. Recall, that even in the Bible, a man told Jesus to his face that he didn’t believe.
“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”
Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”Mark 9:23-24 (NIV)
Prayer is a safe space to express our doubts. Jesus also said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matt 11:28). Doubt is a heavy thing to carry, so bring it to God, He’ll take care of the rest.
6. Prayer softens your heart towards God
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
Ezekiel 36:26
If you are experiencing doubts, then it’s highly like that there’s “an ice box where your heart used to be.” Doubts starve us of our affection for the Lord. You may get angry when someone tries to encourage you or experience bitterness. Prayer can literally transform you. Through prayer, you can express your darkest emotions, and feel the freedom of being a child of God again.
5. Prayer reminds you to practice other spiritual disciplines such as fasting and giving
If you are experiencing doubt, chances are other areas of your spiritual life are lacking. You may have stopped giving, fasting, or reading your bible. Praying through doubts creates a space for reflection. You’ll think about all the things you used to do, and all the good habits that you let go of. Realizing your inaction, can lead to action, and bring a little faith.
4. Prayer reminds you to be in community
Praying through doubts is extremely lonely. If you’re feeling that feeling, it’s God’s way of telling you to get back in the building, hit up your accountability partners, or just call someone to talk. And yes, we are living in an era of low church attendance. But there are many benefits to being a part of a healthy church community. Let’s not forget even Jesus walked with others, he had 12 besties. Also, consider this:
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” – Matthew 18:20
That’s right! If you’re having trouble feeling God’s presence, just know that praying with others is how to access that closeness again.
3. Prayer reminds you to read the Word
2. Prayer reminds us who the real enemy is
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Ephesians 6:12
Your boss pissed you off! You can’t stand your spouse! You are tired of the “bebe” kids that you made! Someone cut you off in traffic! Our minds can turn the people associated with a negative experience into enemies real quick and make them the source of our doubt for God. Yet, we know that the evil one is behind all the foolishness and malice rampant in this world. Your family, your friends, or the people you come across are not the enemy nor should they be the reason why you no longer trust God. They are people of God or people that need God. When we pray, our spiritual eyes become sharpened to this truth, and we fight on the right battlefield.
1. Prayer draws you closer to God
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.Hebrews 11:6
