7 Things Christians Tell God When They Avoid Daily Prayer

The Power of Daily Prayer

Prayer is a wonderful opportunity for Christians to spend time with God. It is a time for praising Him, thanking Him for all that He has done, and bringing our anxieties, needs, and concerns before His throne.

We must remember that prayer is not a burden to God. In fact, He actively seeks worshipers (John 4:23).

Jesus urges us to pray and even taught His disciples how to do it in Matthew 6:5-13. Furthermore, the apostle Paul promised peace to any believer who casts their anxiety into God’s care:

“…do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

Throughout scripture and history, great men and women of faith devoted themselves to prayer and trusted its power. It is no wonder Paul urges Christians to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Obstacles to Daily Prayer

It is perplexing that some Christians confess to not praying daily or forgetting to pray. This is especially true when the blessings of prayer are so obvious.

Here are some common obstacles that get in the way of a consistent prayer life:

• Starting the day focused on tasks and problems instead of praying before facing the demands of life.
• Having little trust that God will answer. Some doubt that prayer is actually effective, despite what the Bible teaches.
• Trying to figure out how God will answer, or feeling disappointed when He does not answer the way they want or expect.

God always hears His children, and He answers our prayers with perfect wisdom. He gives us what we need, not just what we want.

Sometimes, what we want is the exact opposite of what is actually best for us. Other times, we might ask for things that go against His will. Even Jesus faced this in the Garden of Gethsemane before the crucifixion, praying for God’s will to be done above His own.

Similarly, the apostle Paul prayed repeatedly for a specific outcome in 2 Corinthians 12. When God answered differently, Paul rejoiced in God’s decision because it ultimately made him stronger spiritually.

God is not a genie who exists to grant our every wish. He is our loving Father who wants what is best for us. He always acts for our greater good, even when we cannot see or appreciate it in the moment.

7 Things Christians Tell God When They Avoid Daily Prayer

When we understand the blessing and power of daily prayer but still fail to pray, our actions send a loud message. By avoiding prayer, we are telling God:

1. You are not important to me or a priority in my life.
2. I do not have time for you.
3. I do not want to spend time with you.
4. I can handle my life and its challenges without you.
5. I do not believe you can impact the situations I am facing.
6. I have nothing to thank or praise you for.
7. I can take advantage of our relationship and use you only when I am in trouble.