When you don't feel like it (Full Version)

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Prairiehiker -> When you don't feel like it (10/6/2008 8:04:16 AM)

What do you do when you don't feel like praying? I'm not just talking about being moody. I mean, when you feel like your relationship with God is not there, like you're the only one trying, and God has left you. When He's not responding to you. I know most people would say it's not based on feelings. However, it's rather difficult when you can't feel...esp when you're relating to someone you can't see, you can't hear and all you need is some assurance that when you pray, He will answer and respond.



SonInMe1 -> RE: When you don't feel like it (10/6/2008 8:18:16 AM)

God is always there. If there is distance its not God's fault.

Run back.



Prairiehiker -> RE: When you don't feel like it (10/6/2008 8:21:31 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: SonInMe1

God is always there. If there is distance its not God's fault.

Run back.


That's very presumptuous of you. I didn't run away from God. I've been praying, and praying fervently. I've been reading His words. So, to say such a statement is a bit judgemental.



thiricy -> RE: When you don't feel like it (10/6/2008 9:55:42 AM)

God is always there we can't see nor feel him. I know you want some assurance but you just have to believe he's there and wait.

But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me. (Micah 7:7)



Focusing -> RE: When you don't feel like it (10/6/2008 10:11:04 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Prairiehiker

What do you do when you don't feel like praying? I'm not just talking about being moody. I mean, when you feel like your relationship with God is not there, like you're the only one trying, and God has left you. When He's not responding to you. I know most people would say it's not based on feelings. However, it's rather difficult when you can't feel...esp when you're relating to someone you can't see, you can't hear and all you need is some assurance that when you pray, He will answer and respond.


I have been there. This verse helped me, and continues to help me when I feel that way. I hope it helps you too.

In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words (Romans 8:26)

Also the book of Job. A couple dear sisters pointed me to Job when I was where you are, and after reading the first part of the book I felt angry that they would have told me to read it. I felt even more discouraged. But I persevered and continued on ... and read what Elihu had to say, and God's conversation with Job.



raivyne -> RE: When you don't feel like it (10/6/2008 10:14:23 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Prairiehiker

What do you do when you don't feel like praying? I'm not just talking about being moody. I mean, when you feel like your relationship with God is not there, like you're the only one trying, and God has left you. When He's not responding to you. I know most people would say it's not based on feelings. However, it's rather difficult when you can't feel...esp when you're relating to someone you can't see, you can't hear and all you need is some assurance that when you pray, He will answer and respond.


Hi Prariehiker!

We were talking about this very thing in Sunday School 2 weeks ago!

If you want to get to the other side of this desert, you're just going to have to walk.

You gotta keep praying sister! You'll come out of it eventually.

I like the mercyme song "Keep Singing", seems slightly appropriate so I'll leave you with a few bars of it.

I gotta keep singing
I gotta keep praising Your name
Your the one that's keeping my heart beating
I gotta keep singing
I gotta keep praising Your name
That's the only way that I'll find healing

Also just remember that whatever it is you're praying about He's already seen, already acted upon and already answered. Help will always come in time because God is always on time.

Praying for you.



URForgiven -> RE: When you don't feel like it (10/6/2008 10:36:01 AM)

I think we pray more often than we realize. We just do not recognize it as prayer, because we have a certain idea of what prayer is or isn't. We formalize what is in essence an ongoing awareness of God and an openness of ourselves to Him.

Many times I am unable to express what is truly in my heart, and I thank God that He has already provided for that also. (Romans 8:26)

Peace



Prairiehiker -> RE: When you don't feel like it (10/6/2008 12:59:27 PM)

Thanks guys.

My prayers are normally conversational. I don't go a few minutes without talking to God. Maybe that's my problem. Maybe I should learn to listen, instead of talking to God about everything. It's not like I'm requesting anything specific (well, maybe, but that's not what this is about). I'm wondering what do you do when you feel like you're talkign and no one is listening, so, you stop talking.



Focusing -> RE: When you don't feel like it (10/6/2008 1:08:37 PM)

PH, you can stop talking, but don't forget to keep your ear open in case He whispers something to you. [;)]

What do I think when God isn't talking to me? (don't laugh, okay) I think He's waiting for me to quit my whining. Not saying that you're whining, but I know that's what I do. Sometimes I just need to get it all out.

What do I end up doing? I have a certain friend that I call who knows me very well. He listens patiently while I get it all out. Not sure why he's so patient with me, but thank God he is. Then, when he feels I'm done with the complaining session, he will ask me some questions (because he has an uncanny way of sensing that what I'm complaining about is actually connected to something else ... and he's usually right), and when the conversation is done, my heart and mind are receptive to what the Lord wants me to hear. I just had to empty the box to make room for new stuff.

That's just me and how I function.



Liveloved -> RE: When you don't feel like it (10/6/2008 4:26:12 PM)

I remind myself of Elijah who thought he was all alone, the only one praying---yet there were 7,000! That always turns my head around and gets me thinking properly. The battle is in our minds and it is so easy to start thinking wrongly. So the Holy Spirit has to do more mind renewal so that my thoughts are His thoughts. But the Lord is a Master Workman and always corrects my thoughts and gets me back on track with right thoughts, good thoughts, His thoughts.

And I pray the psalms daily. They are an excellent reminder that we serve a God Who hears and who answers. . . in His way and in His time. Bless you, prairiehiker!



kyl -> RE: When you don't feel like it (10/6/2008 4:47:38 PM)

I remember what the bible says..
Pray for one another
ask and you shall receive
knock and the door will be opened

I think the Lord is always leading us to prayer. If it is to pray for a friend,neighbor,family,church,etc.
We have to know that prayer is our communication with the Lord. A door that we have to keep open always.
I often find it hard to pray for myself but I never find it hard to say a prayer of praise to the Lord.
I can always thank him for my health,although not the best there are millions that are not so blessed
I can always thank him for my my home,my family,my pets,
I can always thank him for the beautiful weather and for the people he has brought into my life that love me.
I can always thank him for going to the cross to pay for my sins
I can always thank him for his forgiveness and mercy
I can thank him for having victory through his resurrection
I can thank him for the plans he has for my life and for helping me through each day
Ok I will stop
That is how I get past the days when I dont know what to say or pray for.
The days where I feel like he is not so near.
I PRAISE My WAY THROUGH THEM....
SOMETHING HAPPENS WHEN WE TAKE THE TIME TO JUST BE THANKFUL



sparkleingsnow -> RE: When you don't feel like it (10/6/2008 6:01:13 PM)

I can sometimes feel that way, especially when i get my eyes off Him for even a little while.

What do I do? I trust in His word, that tells me He is always there. That He cares. I sing praises to Him. I pray for others. I thank Him. There is always so many things to thank Him for. Soon, I feel like He is helping me to pray again.



Prairiehiker -> RE: When you don't feel like it (10/6/2008 6:03:23 PM)

For the past few months, I've been getting a strange thoughts of going down on my knees while praying. Of course, I didnt' do it as I"m not used to it. I usually pray sitting down, or whatever it is I'm doing but never kneeling down. I'm thinking maybe it's God telling me to bow my knees before Him. I'm not sure if it will help the "dryness" feeling that I have right now about prayers. I even bought a book by Phillip Yancey but I haven't had a chance to read it because I"m busy studying for a huge exam.



wawhoo73112 -> RE: When you don't feel like it (10/6/2008 7:10:32 PM)

life is just a series of repeated testing of our faith.....believe or dont



prolifepj -> RE: When you don't feel like it (10/6/2008 9:37:51 PM)

I hate that feeling - like God is so distant and heaven is brass. The good thing is that God is not at all distant and heaven is most certainly not brass. When I get like that I try to remember that God has never and will never leave me. A preacher used to say when praying -"Father God, you are still God Almighty and you're just exactly where you always were". Often the distractions of life get in the way and cloud our view of the Father, but He is still there. At the end of the day - God is still there. We may not see and feel, taste and touch, but truth remains and His Word prevails. He tells us that He is with us - so be it! He tells us to pray - ok - I won't be moved by how dry I am, I will pray as He directs. He has reasons greater than ours for our prayers. Granted - I do not always follow what I know to do either. I struggle with the ridiculous thinking "I'm not good enough to pray today" as if I could ever be! Eventually, that gets kicked off too and back to the plow we go!

-edited for tpyos-[;)]



Dancre -> RE: When you don't feel like it (10/6/2008 9:52:13 PM)

You must get past the feeling stuff. God is there b/c His word says He's there. That's what makes Him there. Find verses that back up that God is still with you and trust His word. This will help you. Base your relationship on His word, not on what you can't feel.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Prairiehiker

What do you do when you don't feel like praying? I'm not just talking about being moody. I mean, when you feel like your relationship with God is not there, like you're the only one trying, and God has left you. When He's not responding to you. I know most people would say it's not based on feelings. However, it's rather difficult when you can't feel...esp when you're relating to someone you can't see, you can't hear and all you need is some assurance that when you pray, He will answer and respond.



GodsSoGood -> RE: When you don't feel like it (10/11/2008 5:56:29 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Prairiehiker


quote:

However, it's rather difficult when you can't feel...esp when you're relating to someone you can't see, you can't hear and all you need is some assurance that when you pray, He will answer and respond



WOW.. I'm sorry to hear that your feeling that way Prairiehiker. I have found that when we put God first in our lives, do all that we can for him (sharing the gospel and being a servent for the Lord) that he will help you in many ways you could never imagine.. It's too keep in touch with him in all that you do. Pray about all the things that are on your mind and ask God to help you have more strength and faith.. He'll fill your cup but you must also do for him as well :)



GodsSoGood -> RE: When you don't feel like it (10/11/2008 6:00:17 PM)

OH PS....... Seeing isn't believing, Believing is seeing :) Have faith in the Lord. He's there every for us every moment of our lives!!!!!



Little_1 -> RE: When you don't feel like it (10/12/2008 3:26:13 AM)

quote:



God is always there. If there is distance its not God's fault.

Run back.


Whilst God IS always there, there may be times in a Christian's life when God seems far away and not necessarily because we have moved from Him through disobedience. Sometimes this may be the case but in other instances, we may 'feel disconnected' from God for a variety of other reasons, e.g. when we are overly tired, ill health, hormonal change, during trauma or shock, etc. Also God may be test be testing our faith.



Little_1 -> RE: When you don't feel like it (10/12/2008 4:19:25 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Liveloved

I remind myself of Elijah who thought he was all alone, the only one praying---yet there were 7,000! That always turns my head around and gets me thinking properly. The battle is in our minds and it is so easy to start thinking wrongly. So the Holy Spirit has to do more mind renewal so that my thoughts are His thoughts. But the Lord is a Master Workman and always corrects my thoughts and gets me back on track with right thoughts, good thoughts, His thoughts......


Mind renewal through God's Word will change our thoughts about things such as relying on our 'feelings' and other wrong thinking and the Holy Spirit will help us renew our minds with Truth.

We all go through times when we feel our prayers are 'bouncing off the ceiling' so to speak! I am going through this right now. I came across a saying yesterday which I thought was good concerning praise. Now praise is similar to prayer in that when we are going through 'dry' seasons, we find it difficult to praise. Here is the saying:
quote:

"Praise is faith in action. -- Unknown"


I suppose you could say the same about prayer, i.e.
quote:

"Prayer is faith in action." -- Little_1


We may not 'feel' like praying or praising at times but God doesn't ask us to feel emotionally connected (just as well because my feelings are all over the place at the moment); rather God desires our obedience.
quote:

"Faith is obedience not feelings." -- Little_1


Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him [God]
and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6


My feelings are all awry at the moment but I am relieved that God is not depending on my feelings to carry out His will in my life and therefore, I am choosing to obey God and continue to pray to Him and praise Him rather than letting my feelings dictate to me. [:D]

Hope this helps.

Edited to add link regarding Mind renewal help: Christian Oasis



OneJohn410 -> RE: When you don't feel like it (10/12/2008 4:47:28 PM)

Reverence when you pray... is the positioning of the head really all that important, or is it more about the positioning of the heart and the mind? If you've ever tried to sing out of a hymnal with your head bent down over the words, guess what? You'll sound terrible- at least not as good as you could. You make it more challenging to breathe, and the hymnal absorbs a lot of your singing voice.

I think it's the same way when we pray. The minister says let's pray, and if you are a little slow, you can watch everyone's head fall forward like there's no neck muscle control any more. Have you ever seen anyone look skyward for a prayer, eyes closed, hands lifted up? Smiling? Happy to be in prayer? It's hard to feel that way with your chin on your chest.

Sometimes I'm on my knees with my face buried in the bedsheets- but that's just when I don't make the bed. Sometimes I'm flat on the floor, face down. Maybe if you let your prayer 'stance' be reflective of your emotions you are praying about it could help?

Great OP and posts, y'all.



Prairiehiker -> RE: When you don't feel like it (10/12/2008 5:30:59 PM)

Thanks, OneJohn and everyone that posted. I like the idea of being real with God and not following some formula. He knows my heart and I'm seeking Him with whatever little faith I have right now.



delete123 -> RE: When you don't feel like it (10/12/2008 5:36:50 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL:little faith I have right now.


If you have faith like that of a mustard (little)seed you can *Move* mountains.

PH~ A little faith can go a looong ways!

Sometimes I still struggle, praying for you



Prairiehiker -> RE: When you don't feel like it (10/12/2008 5:44:29 PM)

Delete, that's what I meant. I think it only takes a little faith to see and know God...and God can grow that faith, if we're willing.



manda59 -> RE: When you don't feel like it (10/16/2008 3:44:44 AM)

Better to have a little faith in a big God, than a lot of faith in a little one.

The question is, do we allow God to be big in our lives, or do we make Him too small...?



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