Do you ever find it hard to pray?

If so, you’re not alone. There are times when we’re so tired or frazzled that we just can’t muster the energy for a talk with the Almighty. Maybe those are the times when we need to talk to him most. But depending on the day and on what you’re going through, it can be tough, can’t it? And then, because you feel guilty, you don’t tell anyone about your stumbling prayer life.

So here’s an idea: Breathe the Name.

Let your prayers simply be a time of breathing the name of God.

-He’s strong when you’re not.
-He’s steady when you’re not.
-And he knows what you’re going through when you can’t even find the words. 

I’m not saying that you should never get into specifics or offer up prayers of praise, gratitude, confession or help. But when your heart is feeling deflated, it can be good to remind yourself that it’s not all up to you—even in prayer.

Someone I know breathes the Hebrew name for God from the Old Testament: “Yahweh…” In, out, in, out.

Someone else I know whispers “Holy Spirit, come…” as they go about their day.

As for me, I say JESUS…

One of the most comforting verses in the Bible is Romans 8:26: “the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” How compassionate and caring!

Tired? Frazzled? Struggling in prayer?

Breathe the Name.

By Matthew Ruttan

–“Up!” is going on pause this coming week but returns on November 9.

–This Sunday at Westminster: “Wisdom is more than stuff you know.” Um, like what? Well, you can tune in here on Sunday at 10:01am EST.

–“A motto for a pandemic.” That’s my latest blog, written with the Rev. Dr. Richard Topping, the Principal at the Vancouver School of Theology. You can read it here. I think it’s succinct, helpful, and hopeful.