I used to think my prayers were hitting a ceiling.
Honestly, for a long time, prayer felt like a chore. It was something I knew I should do but I often felt like I was just talking to myself. My mind would wander. I’d repeat the same old phrases. It felt distant and disconnected. If you’ve ever felt that way, you’re not alone. I’ve been there.
My journey has been a wild one. I’ve fought my way back from gaming addiction, binge eating, and a host of other unhealthy habits that left me feeling empty. I lost over 110 pounds and completely changed my lifestyle. But none of that lasting change happened until I started working on the most important relationship of all: my relationship with God. Prayer wasn’t just a religious duty anymore. It became my lifeline.
It’s the foundation that holds everything else up. So if you’re looking to go deeper and make your prayer life stronger, here are 15 ways that have helped me transform my own.
Start with Honesty
Forget trying to sound holy or using big, fancy words. God knows your heart better than you do. So just be real. If you’re angry, tell Him. If you’re confused, anxious, or feeling distant, say that. I remember times when my only prayer was, “God, I don’t even know what to say. I feel nothing. Please help.” That raw honesty is where real connection begins. It’s a conversation not a performance.
Build a Habit Through Scheduling
This might sound unspiritual but it’s incredibly practical. We schedule work meetings, gym sessions, and coffee with friends. Why not schedule time with God? When I was building my new productive routine, I learned the power of dedicated time blocks. I applied the same logic to prayer. I set aside a specific time each day, even if it was just for five minutes. It sent a message to my own brain: this is important. It’s a non-negotiable part of my day.
Use a Prayer List or Journal
My mind used to wander all over the place. I’d start praying for one thing and end up thinking about my grocery list. Keeping a simple prayer journal changed the game. I write down people I’m praying for, struggles I’m facing, and things I’m asking God for. It keeps me focused. Plus, it’s amazing to look back through it weeks or months later and see how God has answered those prayers. It builds so much faith.
Here are a few more ways you can strengthen that connection:
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Pray the Scriptures. The book of Psalms is basically a divinely inspired prayer book. When you don’t have the words, use His. Praying a Psalm out loud can give voice to feelings you can’t express on your own.
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Practice Gratitude. This one was huge for me, especially in my weight loss journey. Instead of focusing on the 100 pounds I still had to lose, I learned to thank God for the one pound I lost that week. Daily gratitude shifts your focus from what’s wrong to what’s right. Before you ask for anything, take a minute to thank God for three specific things. It changes your whole attitude.
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Embrace Silence. Prayer isn’t just about talking. It’s also about listening. It’s okay to just be quiet in God’s presence. Don’t feel pressure to fill every second with words. Just sit. Rest. Be still and know that He is God. This is a powerful way to quiet the noise of the world and hear that still, small voice.
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Try "Breath Prayers." This is a simple and ancient Christian practice. Pick a very short verse or phrase and repeat it quietly as you go about your day. A classic one from my Orthodox faith is, "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner." It turns mundane moments like waiting in line or sitting in traffic into moments of prayer.
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Go on a Prayer Walk. Get outside and walk around your neighborhood, your workplace, or a park. As you walk, pray for the homes you pass, the people you see, and the businesses in your community. It takes your focus off yourself and connects your faith to the world around you.
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Use a Prayer Book. Sometimes, the prayers written by saints and believers who came before us can give us the structure we need. My Orthodox faith is rich with beautiful prayer books that guide me when I’m feeling lost. It connects me to a great cloud of witnesses and reminds me I’m not on this journey alone.
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Pray for Others. Make a specific list of friends, family members, or even enemies, and pray for them by name. Intercession is a powerful act of love. It moves your heart from self-centeredness to selflessness.
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Find a Prayer Partner. Sharing your struggles and praying with a trusted friend can be incredibly encouraging. There is strength in numbers, and knowing someone is holding you up in prayer is a profound comfort.
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Pray "On the Go." You don’t need to be on your knees in a quiet room to pray. Talk to God while you’re washing the dishes, driving to work, or folding laundry. Weave conversation with Him into the fabric of your everyday life.
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Incorporate Fasting. Fasting isn’t about punishing yourself; it’s about disciplining your body to focus your spirit. When I was overcoming binge eating, learning to fast taught me that my physical appetites don’t have to control me. By intentionally saying "no" to food for a short time, I was saying a bigger "yes" to God. It clears your mind and deepens your dependence on Him.
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Sing a Hymn or Worship Song. Sometimes music can express what words cannot. Put on a worship song and sing along. Let the words become your prayer.
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End Your Day with Prayer. Before you go to sleep, take a few moments to review your day with God. Thank Him for the good parts, ask for forgiveness for your mistakes, and place your worries into His hands so you can rest peacefully. It’s like closing the book on the day with your closest friend.
Prayer is a journey, not a destination. There will be days when it feels amazing and days when it feels like a struggle. That’s okay. The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is connection. It’s about showing up, being honest, and building a relationship with the One who made you and loves you more than you can imagine.
So, where do you start? Don’t try to do all 15 of these things at once.
What is one small step you can take today to simply talk with God?
