Prayer often feels like an uphill battle in our busy lives. Yet sometimes, the most important spiritual practices are those we pursue even when motivation fails us.
"Pray fervently when you don't feel it. If you do not pray except when you feel like praying, you will not pray much, nor pray when you most need it. My brethren, when you do not feel like praying, you ought to pray all the more, and go to the Lord to help you to pray." — C.H. Spurgeon
"Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is." — Mark 13:33
Prayer requires something from us—effort, focus, energy, and time. Epaphras was described as "always laboring in prayers" for his fellow believers. Perhaps this explains why prayer is often abandoned in our convenience-driven culture.
True prayer demands more than casual attention.
A former colleague of mine would often break through our workplace reluctance with a simple phrase: "Well, there's nothing to do but do." His words would cut through our hesitation, and we'd grab our tools and return to the task—not because enthusiasm suddenly materialized, but because the work demanded completion.
Anyone who has finally tackled a dreaded chore knows the satisfaction that follows. When you collapse into a porch chair after finishing the lawn, sweat cooling on your brow and the scent of fresh-cut grass filling your nostrils, doesn't the accomplishment feel magnified precisely because it was difficult?
It seems that way with me.
Prayer works similarly.
Beginning is often the greatest hurdle. But as we press in, something transforms. Whispered words become conversation. The weight on our shoulders grows lighter. Divine peace—not like the temporary relief of finished chores but a deep, anchoring assurance—settles over you. You rise from your knees knowing God's promises are "Yes and Amen," certain as the sunrise.
The best time to pray is right now.
Not when circumstances force your hand or when feelings finally align. This very moment—with all its distractions, demands, and dullness—is your perfect opportunity.
What are we waiting for?
