When it comes to prayer, I sometimes hit a dry spell.

I’m a pastor. So perhaps that surprises you. In case it isn’t obvious, we’re human too! Very human. Most of the pastors I know love Jesus, want to serve him, care for his people, and struggle with many of the same things that you do.

When I say that I sometimes hit a dry spell that doesn’t mean that I stop praying. I just mean that there are times when it has been very natural and easy, and there are other times when it has been more difficult.

When that happens, I like to have a strategy. Here is one of those very strategies.

Pray the prayers that are already in the Bible. They are all over the place, especially in the Psalms. Take those words and apply them to your own situation. Let the word of God come up with the things to say!

For example, in 2 Thessalonians 2:17 Paul is praying for his readers. He asks that God “encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.”

What a great prayer—for them and for you.

“Lord, as I go out with my friends, encourage my heart and strengthen me in every good deed and word.”

“Lord, as I talk to my boss, encourage my heart and strengthen me in every good deed and word.”

“Lord, as I make this decision, encourage my heart and strengthen me in every good deed and word.”

Dry spells are normal. They don’t mean you don’t believe in God. Nor do they make you a “bad Christian.”

But it sure helps when you have a strategy. Take the prayers that are already in the Bible and apply them to your own situation. If you’re not sure where to start, go to the Psalms.

As you navigate any dry spells that might come up, my prayer for you is Paul’s prayer for the Thessalonians: May God encourage your heart and strengthen you in every good deed and word.”

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Notes:

–The Up Devotional is published 5 days a week (Monday-Friday) and returns on December 11, 2023.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.