When Praying Became a Chore

Your conversation with me turned into a quick list of requests before bed, when it didn't turn into complete silence for days on end. You feel like you've lost that closeness from before, from a time when talking with me was natural, almost automatic, like breathing without even noticing the effort.

I don't want your sacrifice of polished, well-rehearsed prayers. I want your real presence, even tired, even distracted, even when you don't quite know what to say or where to begin. Persevering doesn't mean never failing at this discipline — it means coming back, again and again, as many times as it takes, without ever giving up on the conversation with me for good.

Start small today. You don't need a whole hour of silence or beautiful, elaborate words. A simple "Father, here I am" already swings the door wide open again. Starting over in prayer means remembering that I never closed that door on my end — I've only been waiting, patiently, for you to come knock on it again.