How to simply pray when you’re not sure what to do

When I’m not sure what to do next, I can simply pray.

Confession

True confession. This has been a week and I wasn’t sure I would get this blog post written. I had some ideas on what to write, but never had a moment to capture the words. I was working on it last night, but then life happened. You know, when everything else takes precedence and you have to let go of your plans.

Praying

So I found myself praying this morning: Lord, what do I write? It had come to this. I didn’t have anything put together on my own so I had to pray about it.

The beauty of prayer

That’s the beauty of prayer. It helps us focus on Jesus, not on our problem. Sure my problem was still there. I was no further along on my blog post, but I was closer to Jesus. It felt like time had slowed down a bit. I still had a hectic morning. I still didn’t have many words written down, but everything felt just a little more calm. I was able to take a breath and pause, if not in activity, at least with the thoughts in my head.

I focused on Jesus

Once I focused on Jesus I felt like I had more time. I had time to write and send a card to someone. I had time to make pancakes, though I misjudged the amount of water I needed and had to make adjustments. But I wasn’t stressed out about it.

Prince of Peace

I think for me, prayer is about perspective. I have a resource when I’m not sure my own resourcefulness will carry me through. I can look toward the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) when my perspective is anything but peaceful.

Words from Jesus

And if you’re not sure how to start, listen to a few words from Jesus on prayer:

“Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.” Matthew 6:6 MSG

More thoughts on how to simply connect with Jesus:

Rest a moment with Jesus and find peace.

If pausing and resting doesn’t come easily, rest assured you’re in good company:

What can I do in this season of chaos? Be still.

2 thoughts on “How to simply pray when you’re not sure what to do”

  1. Another good word Susan. Graham Cook said praying is not looking for answers it is praying with the answer. Here is a visual. Walking down the path with Jesus hand in hand. Walking with the answer. We focus on Jesus and things become clear.

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