5 Reasons We Struggle to Stay Faithful in Prayer
- Amy Diane Ross
- May 30
- 3 min read
Prayer has been heavy on my heart lately. I’ve been asking the Lord to deepen, strengthen, and make my prayer life more intentional. One morning, I only had about ten minutes before running out the door, and I just needed to be in the Word, just to hear something from my Father.
In this passage, Jesus tells the parable of the persistent widow to show us that we ought to pray always and not lose heart (Luke 18:1). She kept coming back to the judge again and again, asking for justice. And even though the judge was unjust, he finally gave in—not because he was good, but because she wouldn’t stop asking.
Jesus follows this parable with a question that still convicts me every time I read it:
“When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8)
He’s talking about faith expressed through prayer. Will He find us praying? Will He find us faithful? Or will He find us too tired, too busy, or too disappointed to keep asking?
1. We Don’t Know What to Say
Many women have shared with me this sentiment: “I don’t really pray because I don’t know how to communicate with God.” Maybe you think your words aren’t fancy enough, or you feel like you need to sound spiritual or formal.
Let me tell you: God doesn’t need Shakespeare. He wants you. He loves your voice, your accent, and your personality. He formed you in your mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13). You don’t need to approach Him with perfect words—just come sincerely.
Talk to Him like a daughter talks to her Father. “God, I’m struggling today.” “Lord, help my unbelief.” That’s prayer. Be real.
2. We Feel Too Guilty or Ashamed
The enemy wants us to stay stuck in shame. So many of us say, “I blew it. God must be so mad at me. I can’t even talk to Him.”
But that’s not the Gospel. “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). If you are in Christ, the penalty has already been paid. You’re covered. You’re loved. You’re welcome.
Yes, we repent. Yes, we confess. But then we go boldly into the throne room of grace (Hebrews 4:16) because the veil has been torn. Jesus already made the way.
3. We’re Too Distracted
Busyness is a big one. I get it. We’ve got kids, jobs, schedules, phones buzzing with distractions. I’m guilty of it too, scrolling, checking notifications, jumping from one thing to another.
But here’s the truth: we make time for what matters. Jesus was the busiest man on earth, constantly pulled in every direction, questioned, and chased, yet He always made time for prayer (Mark 1:35).
So can we. Even just ten minutes of undistracted, intentional time with the Lord can change your day. Don’t let distractions rob you of communion with your Father.
4. We’ve Lost Heart
This is precisely what Jesus warned against in Luke 18. “Pray and do not lose heart.” But the truth is, many of us have.
We’ve prayed for a child to come back to Christ, for a breakthrough in our marriage, for healing, for direction—and nothing’s changed. So, we stop asking.
But Jesus says, 'Don't give up.' The persistent widow didn’t quit. She kept knocking. And God is not a wicked judge—He’s a loving Father. So, ask again. Fast and pray again. Keep believing. Let prayer build your faith, not drain it.
5. We Compare Ourselves to Others
Some women say, “I can’t pray like her.” You hear someone pray boldly and think, “Well, I could never do that, so why even try?”
Stop right there. Your prayers are powerful. Whether you speak quietly or passionately, your Father hears you. He created you with your unique voice, personality, and temperament.
The Body of Christ needs both the bold intercessor and the quiet heart. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to prayer. God isn’t looking for performance—He’s looking for faith.
Conclusion: Get Back on the Horse
If you’ve stopped praying, get back up. If you’ve felt discouraged, distracted, ashamed, or unsure, start talking to your Father again.
Persistent prayer isn’t about twisting God’s arm—it’s about transforming our own hearts. It’s about building trust, character, and dependence. And Jesus is asking: “Will I find faith when I return?”
I want Him to find me praying. I want Him to find you praying, too.
Let’s be women who don’t give up. Let’s be women who believe that prayer still works. Let’s be found faithful.
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