When Prayer Feels Like a Struggle
Sometimes the most powerful prayers… are the ones that feel like a wrestle.
The Night We Tried to Win
I’ll never forget a moment from my mission.
One of the elders I served with was a former state wrestling champion—never pinned. Strong, quick, and nearly impossible to take down.
So naturally… a few of us had the brilliant idea to try.
We waited until the perfect moment—right after closing prayer. As soon as the “amen” ended, we all jumped in.
What happened next?
It was over before it started.
Within seconds, he had us all locked up—headlocks, legs, control everywhere. We didn’t stand a chance.
We thought we were ready for the wrestle…
But we weren’t even close.
And strangely enough, that moment has stuck with me—not because of wrestling…
But because of prayer.
The Battle You Can’t See
There is a battle going on in your life.
Not just physically… but spiritually.
And just like in any war, one of the first things attacked…
is communication.
As described in the transcript, when communication is cut off, an army becomes ineffective and disorganized.
The same is true for us.
Prayer is how we stay connected to God.
And if that connection weakens…
so do we.
Why Prayer Matters More Than Ever
We live in a world full of noise.
Distraction.
Temptation.
Pressure.
Confusion.
And sometimes it feels overwhelming.
So how do you stay grounded?
How do you stay strong?
You stay connected.
Prayer isn’t just something you do…
It’s how you access strength, guidance, and peace.
When You Feel Like Praying the Least
Here’s something important:
The moments you feel like praying the least…
are the moments you need it the most.
When you’ve made mistakes.
When you feel distant.
When you feel unworthy.
That’s when you should go.
Not run away.
Because God isn’t waiting to judge you.
He’s waiting to help you.
The Wrestle of Prayer
Prayer isn’t always easy.
Sometimes it’s a struggle.
A wrestle between:
what you want
and what God wants
Even Jesus Christ experienced this.
“Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” — Luke 22:42
That’s the wrestle.
Not changing God’s will…
But aligning your heart with it.
As taught in the Bible Dictionary:
“The object of prayer is not to change the will of God, but to secure for ourselves blessings that God is already willing to grant.” — Bible Dictionary, “Prayer”
That takes effort.
That takes humility.
That takes time.
God Is Always There
Think about it this way.
If someone you loved needed help…
when would you want them to come to you most?
When everything is perfect?
Or when they’re struggling?
God is the same way.
He wants to hear from you:
in your good days
in your hard days
in your confusion
in your gratitude
All of it.
Anchoring Quote
“I pray because I can’t help myself… It doesn’t change God. It changes me.” — C.S. Lewis
Practical Reflection
Be honest with yourself for a moment:
How consistent is your communication with God?
Do you:
only reach out when things go wrong?
forget Him when things go right?
avoid prayer when you feel unworthy?
No judgment.
Just awareness.
Because connection begins with intention.
Today’s Daily Challenge
Take a moment today—just one.
Find a quiet space if you can.
And pray.
Say what’s on your mind
Share what you’re feeling
Ask for help
Express gratitude
And if it feels awkward…
or imperfect…
or even like a wrestle…
That’s okay.
That’s part of it.
Closing
Prayer isn’t about saying the perfect words.
It’s about building a real connection.
A relationship.
A lifeline.
And yes…
sometimes it’s a wrestle.
But it’s a wrestle worth having.
Because through it…
you don’t just find answers.
You find strength.
You find peace.
And most importantly…
you find Him.
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