For most believers, difficulty praying is not due to ignorance. We know prayer is important and that it should be a priority.

Verses like the following are written as commands, not suggestions:

“Devote yourselves to prayer.” (Col. 4:2)
“Pray continually.” (1 Thess. 5:17)
“Always keep on praying for all the saints.” (Eph. 6:18)

For most believers, difficulty praying is not due to lack of benefits. Listen to the testimonies of those who have fervently prayed and you will know its value. Prayer is powerful:

“The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16-18)

So, why do we find difficulty in praying?

We underestimate the work involved in praying: (Eph. 6:18; Col. 4:2; 1 Pet. 4:7; Lk. 11:1-8)

• We need to be active — alert, clear-minded, self-controlled, persevering.
• We can’t be passive or lazy about praying. It’s too easy to lose focus or even fall asleep.

We underestimate the role of the Spirit in helping us pray: (Rom. 8:26; Eph. 6:18)

• We need to be consistently walking in the Spirit – dependent and yielding.
• We can’t be making excuses that we don’t know what or how to pray. We have a Helper.

We underestimate the enemy and consequently don’t pull on God’s mighty power as needed: (Eph. 6:10-18; 1 Pet. 5:8-9)

• We need to be proactive – “put on” the armor.
• We can’t be unaware of the devil’s schemes, letting ourselves believe his lies about being too busy to pray, that it doesn’t really matter, etc.

We over-estimate our own ability to deal with life: (Prov. 3:5-6; Jn. 15:5)

• We need to be abiding in Him, letting Him have control – humble and trusting.
• We can’t be serving two masters without neglecting one over the other.

We know we should pray, that God commands it. Could it be because we don’t think it’s beneficial?

Can We Really Claim Prayerlessness is Due to a Lack of Benefits?

If we don’t pray because we fail to see its value, or benefit, then we have to reconcile the following:

1.  God’s Word clearly promotes the benefits of praying: Read the following verses for just a few of the many specific benefits of praying we find in Scripture:

“I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” (Ps. 34:4)

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6-7)

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5)

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16… and more in verses 13-18)

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb. 4:16)

Some of the benefits will be outward demonstrations of God’s power and grace. Others, equally if not more potent, may be internal results affecting our heart attitudes and perspective. There’s definitely something beneficial about prayer if we have a God who keeps His promises.

2.  Many believers testify of answers to prayers, attesting to the benefits of praying: Read through the Psalms for the psalmist’s testimony of God responding to his cries. Listen to fellow believers who have personally experienced God not only hearing but responding to their prayers(Jn. 14:13; 1 Jn. 5:14). There must be something beneficial about prayer or these people are either liars or the exception.

3.  Even non-believers seem to value people praying for them: If nothing else, many non-believers derive comfort and encouragement, a blessing, when a Christian says they will pray for them. There must be something beneficial about prayer for that to happen.