“Prayer— am I doing it right?”

Over the past weeks, we’ve discussed some thoughts and concerns around the topic of prayer. Prayer is a powerful gift that allows us to communicate directly with God, sharing our hopes, fears, and gratitude. It is the foundation of our faith, yet many of us struggle at times with feelings of doubt, frustration, or confusion surrounding prayer. Have you found yourself wondering why some prayers seem to go unanswered? “Why doesn’t God answer my prayers? Am I doing something wrong?” Do you ever feel like you're not praying "correctly" or that you simply don't know how to pray?

It is important to remember that prayer is a deeply personal experience, and there is no one "right" way to communicate with God. Just as each of us has a unique relationship with our loved ones, our relationship with God is also unique and individual. When we feel uncertain about our prayers, it can be helpful to reflect on the nature of our communication with God. Prayer is not about using fancy words or following a strict formula; it is about opening our hearts and minds to God in a spirit of honesty and humility. The purpose of prayer is communication, connection, and community.

If you find yourself struggling with doubts or feelings of inadequacy in your prayer life, remember that you are not alone. Even the disciples of Jesus asked Him to teach them how to pray (Luke 11:1). It's okay to acknowledge your uncertainties and seek guidance from others in the faith community or spiritual leaders.

Unanswered prayers can be especially challenging and may lead to feelings of disappointment or even anger. In those moments, it is important to trust in God’s wisdom and timing. Sometimes, what we perceive as an unanswered prayer is actually a redirection— or a sign that God has a different plan in store for us. It might serve as a reminder that God’s ways are higher, and God’s thoughts are not our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).

If you ever feel discouraged or confused in your prayer life, I encourage you to take comfort in the words of the Apostle Paul, who reminds us:

“Do not be anxious about anything,

but in every situation,

by prayer and petition,

with thanksgiving,

present your requests to God.

And the peace of God,

which transcends all understanding,

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

— Philippians 4:6-7

Let us continue to nurture our prayer lives with faith, perseverance, and trust in God’s love and plan for each of us. May our prayers be a source of comfort, strength, and connection with our Heavenly Father.        

Very truly,

Pastor Adam