Resilience in prayer is the ability to continue engaging with God, even when we don’t feel like it or it seems like our prayers are going unanswered. Resilience is us showing up with an open heart – waiting, wrestling, or simply sitting in stillness.
Resilience in prayer means we embrace God in the process because we believe that growth, healing, and peace come through our persistent communion with Him. The persistent act of seeking connection with God despite our doubts, disappointments, or distractions leads to our resilience in prayer.
Now Jesus was telling the disciples a parable to make the point that at all times they ought to pray and not give up and lose heart. ~Luke 18:1 AMP
3 Challenges to Resilience in Prayer
1. Spiritual Dryness or Feeling Distant
Feeling distant from God or disconnected during our prayer time can stem from “dry seasons” or “seasons of winter” because God may feel far away from us. David expressed this feeling well in his Psalms.
As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants after you, God. My soul thirsts for God, for the Living God. ~Psalm 42:1-2a WEB
I would have despaired had I not believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for and confidently expect the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for and confidently expect the Lord. ~Psalm 27:13-14 AMP
We can have comfort from the knowledge that God never leaves us.
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. ~Isaiah 41:10 NASB
2. Distractions or Busyness
The busyness of life can make it difficult for us to focus, and distractions can easily divert our minds, stealing our hearts’ attention.
Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth. ~Colossians 3:2 WEB
3. Feeling Unheard or that Prayers are Unanswered
We can feel unheard when God’s answers to our prayers differ from what we expected or the timing is longer than we anticipated.
I believe God answers all prayers. Sometimes He says, “Yes.” Sometimes He says, “No.” and sometimes He says, “Wait.” We don’t always appreciate the answers we receive or the timing of those answers, but I believe He answers our prayers.
And sometimes God asks human vessels to be His arms and feet, but they don’t obey, so the manifestation of the answer isn’t expressed on the earth, though that was His heart and will.
And sometimes the other side interferes, as we see when Daniel prayed, and the answer was delayed three weeks by demonic beings.
So, God hears our prayers, He answers them, but the manifestation of the answer is sometimes different than what we expect, and that is where trust or doubt appears before us, and we have to make a choice on whether we believe God hears, cares, and answers our prayers or we will doubt His goodness.
6 Ways to Cultivate Resilience in Prayer
1. Embrace Honesty, Vulnerability, and Authenticity
God invites honesty. We want to bring our true feelings – anxiety, anger, confusion, joy, gratitude – to Him in prayer. Authenticity before the Lord creates space for a deep heart connection with Him and for transformation as we release everything to Him, in exchange for His peace.
Trust in, lean on, rely on, and have confidence in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is a refuge for us (a fortress and a high tower). ~Psalm 62:8 AMPC
2. Pray Scripture
Reflecting on verses that describe God’s character, nature, and ways can guide our prayers and strengthen our faith.
I will meditate on Your precepts, and consider Your ways. ~Psalm 119:15 WEB
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove with the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. ~Romans 12:2 NASB
Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary. ~Isaiah 40:31 NASB
3. Reflect on God’s Faithfulness
We can recall times when God’s presence felt strong, when we experienced His peace, and when He answered a specific prayer. Remembering His faithfulness to us in the past can help us persevere through current challenges. Recalling His faithfulness will sustain our faith and strengthen our hope.
But this I call to mind, therefore I have hope. It is because of the Lord’s lovingkindnesses that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great and beyond measure is Your faithfulness. ~Lamentations 3:21-23 AMP
4. Create a Consistent Prayer Routine
Routine builds discipline and signals to our heart and mind that prayer is important. As Daniel did, we can set aside regular times for prayer – even a few minutes creates a daily habit.
Daniel continued to get down on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before God. ~Daniel 6:10b AMP
5. Pray in Community
When we pray with others, we can share one another’s burdens, uplifting each other in the process.
For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst. ~Matthew 18:20 NASB
6. Keep a Prayer Journal
Recording our prayers, along with how and when He answers them, will greatly encourage our hearts. We can submit our prayer requests to Him.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. ~Philippians 4:6-8 NASB
And we can focus on what is true, give thanks, and receive His peace.
Rejoice always and delight in your faith; be unceasing and persistent in prayer; in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. ~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 AMP
Final Thoughts: Keep Praying and Keep Trusting God
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from challenges, to keep moving forward despite setbacks. Resilience in prayer means maintaining a relationship with God through persistent, honest, and faithful communication.
Resilience in prayer means we embrace our dialogue with God – whether it is joyful, quiet, or filled with questions – and we continue to trust God and draw near to Him in the midst of the ups and downs. We exchange our burdens for His rest, our despair for His hope, and our cares for His peace.
Resilience in prayer means we choose faith over fear and hope over despair. Our persistence transforms us – teaching us perseverance, deepening our trust, and reminding us that God is always with us.
My prayer for you is that the Lord would strengthen your heart and your steadfast commitment to keep praying, seeking, and embracing His Presence. And may the Lord encourage your heart as you wait upon Him, and may you persevere in believing He will answer you.
Recommendations
Prayer for Beautiful Faith Growth in Wisdom – Strength with Dignity
Resilience from a Christian Perspective – Strength with Dignity
References
Amplified Bible (AMP) Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631. All rights reserved.
Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation.
New American Standard Bible 1995 (NASB1995), copyright 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.
World English Bible (WEB) by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is a registered trademark.
Bible Gateway Blogger Grid Member #bgbg2 #BibleGateway
16 thoughts on “The Truth and Value of Resilience in Prayer”
We do need resilience in the age of distraction. I am easily distracted by all my time-saving devices!
Our time-saving devices can be a major distraction, Debbie!
Amen, Lisa! This last week, I pressed in with praise when my heart was wounded – and in the pressing in, in the praising, in the thanking, in praying for selfless results – I felt His joy burn in my heart. Maybe, for me, the most important part of resilience is not sitting in hurt and frustration but pressing in to time with Him. Thank you for your powerful message for my Monday morning.
Well said, Maryleigh, “Resilience is not sitting in hurt, but pressing into time with Him” as He is the only one who can restore our souls and revive our spirits.
So much good encouragement here, Lisa! Prayer is such a lifeline.
Prayer is a huge lifeline, Lois.
Prayer is the spiritual discipline with which I struggle the most, so I appreciate this word about resilience. Prayer does require a muscular commitment!
Intentionality in prayer makes a difference, Michele.
I once heard well-known missionary Rachel Saint (who served in Ecuador for decades), that prayer is work! I’d never considered that viewpoint before, but certainly identified with her statement. It takes effort to carve out the time, fight against distractions, remain vigilant even when some requests seem to go unanswered, etc. Some of your suggestions, Lisa, do help make the work of prayer more meaningful and satisfying!
I’ve never considered prayer to be work, Nancy, though I do think it takes intentionality; so, like you, I find Rachel Saint’s viewpoint to be interesting.
Lisa, thank you for your encouraging words to keep at it with our prayer life. We can get so discouraged when our prayers go unanswered or we feel distant from God. Love this verse you included.
I would have despaired had I not believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for and confidently expect the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for and confidently expect the Lord. ~Psalm 27:13 14 AMP
I appreciate you linking up with Grace & Truth! Your post resonated deeply, and I’m thrilled to feature it on my Pinterest board. Find it here: https://www.pinterest.com/embracingtheune/grace-truth-christian-link-up-featured-posts/.
Psalm 27 gives us confidence that our hope is not in vain, Maree.
Resilience is such a valuable trait to have in so many different areas. Being able to bounce back from hard things is something we all have to do again and again. Practicing resilience is so important.
So true, Lisa, practicing resilience is a valuable trait to carry us through the challenging seasons.
This was a most encouraging post, Lisa. I have been looking more closely at 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 the last few days from the perspective of thanksgiving and gratitude. This >> “Resilience in prayer means maintaining a relationship with God through persistent, honest, and faithful communication.” Your thought of “resilience in prayer” was interesting to think on. It expands on perseverance as it standing firm and trusting God, maintaining hope even when we do not see His answer. Resilience in prayer will keep us connected to hope, which will never disappoint us.
I’m so glad you were encouraged, Joanne. Yes, I believe God always answers us even though we don’t always see the answer with our eyes. Hope keeps us believing in His goodness. I look forward to reading your reflections on 1 Thessalonians 5.