Here's Why You've Been Struggling With Prayer (100 Days Of Discipleship — Day 72) by Apostle Emmanuel Iren: MP3 Download & Sermon Notes

The Problem Is Often the Tradition, Not the Practice

If prayer feels like a struggle, the difficulty may lie in traditions that have nothing to do with Scripture. Who says you must close your eyes to pray? Jesus "lifted his eyes to heaven" when He prayed (John 17:1). The tax collector in Luke 18:13 bowed his head because he considered himself a sinner — not because it was required.

Many religious calisthenics — finding a private place, kneeling in a certain way, closing eyes, clearing the throat — can subconsciously overwhelm you before you even start. The anticipation of all those hurdles slows you down. It doesn't have to be that complicated.

The Most Powerful Hack: Just Talk to God

Sit up in the morning, even on your bed with your eyes open, and talk to your Father. That's it. Jesus prayed like He was close to God — "Our Father who is in heaven." That relational, conversational tone is the invitation He extended.

• Thank Him — specifically, not generally. Who in your family are you grateful for today? What circumstance?
• Cast your cares — tell Him what you're worried about. You're talking, not performing.
• Do this three times a day — apart from any formal devotional regimen. Just talk to God throughout the day.

There is a reason talkative people still say prayer is hard. The problem is the preconceived notion of how prayer should look — not the talking itself.

Sing to God Every Day

Singing is for every believer — not just singers. The average believer only sings along during Sunday corporate worship. That is not enough. Personally simulate corporate worship: play two worship songs and sing honestly from beginning to end. Do it from your heart, not as background music.

Watch Others Pray

This is a spiritual principle: iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17). Watching someone pray fervently, worship honestly, or seek God with tears — it stirs something. Make sure at least once a week you watch someone exhibit the type of devotion you covet.

Set a Prayer Alarm — and Start Small

Have a set prayer time on your phone. When it rings, stand up, pace the floor, and talk to God. If you're groggy — talk. If you can't do the full prayer routine — talk. Then sing. Then, sometime during the week, watch someone else pray or worship.

These four simple hacks — talking honestly to God, singing daily, watching fervent devotion, and setting an alarm — will build a consistent prayer life where rigid religious ritual alone never could.