Many addicts have a complicated relationship with their Higher Power. If you have never struggled in your prayer life as (a) an addict, or (b) an addict’s partner, you are the first. Prayer is not always easy. But it is still necessary. Let me offer a few suggestions on what to do when you don’t feel like praying.
1. Whisper his name. Don’t feel like you need to pray a long oratorical masterpiece. Just say God’s name, however you choose to do that. God. Father. Jesus. Jehovah. Start there.
2. Give God your silence. Prayer is more about presence than words. You can pray with words, but you don’t have to.
3. Punt. Let Jesus carry the ball for a while. He is your advocate. The Bible promises us of his willingness to “intercede for us” (Romans 8:34).
4. Rest. The angel gave his servant Elijah some really deep advice when he was too exhausted to pray: “Arise and eat. For the journey is too great for you” (1 Kings 19:7).
5. Journal. If you can’t say it, write it. I’m pretty sure God can read your handwriting.
6. Be brief. Start small. Max Lucado admits, “I often don’t pray for long periods of time; my prayers are relatively brief.”
Recovery Step: Prayer is a huge part of connecting with God. You can do this. Start small.
