Prayer when you feel spiritually dry
By Rachel Ujo
Bible Reading:
“You, God, my God, I seriously seek you; I am thirsty for you, and my whole is long for you, in a dry, dry land with no water.” – Psalm 63:1
Read or listen to the following:
Last January, I mentally hit a wall. It wasn’t sudden. It crept over me. I had to give something during my daughter’s volleyball tournament. This led to work deadlines that were late for three consecutive nights, as well as other family situations. And sadly, for a few weeks it was my time with God. One morning I catch the idea of ”finishing” prayer time without recalling what I read. My prayer journal entries have been reduced from paragraphs to bullets. The warmth I normally felt during the service didn’t feel very warm.
It was guilt that made it even worse. As someone who teaches and encourages others on a journey of faith, I felt like a scam. When my mental well was dry, how can I guide others? But God has reminded me in a gentle way that spiritual dryness is not a sign of failure. It’s a normal part of our journey with him.
If you have ever struggled with wilderness seasons that have transformed into spiritual deserts, you can find comfort in the fact that you are not alone and certainly not the first person to experience this problem.
In poem sal 63, David writes from the wilderness of Judas, probably while fleeing from his enemies. Despite being in the literal desert, he represents this beautiful and honest longing for God. David acknowledges his spiritual thirst, while also expressing his determination to seek God.
David did not deny dryness. It’s easy to fall into the trap of the idea of ”Oh, I’m not spiritually dry.” However, David used this season as a refresher. He remembered the times he experienced God’s existence in the sanctuary, and that memory promoted his desire to experience God again.
When you feel spiritually dry, you can follow David’s example. We can acknowledge our thirst while we are heading towards Him, rather than leaving Him. We can remember those sweet-linked moments we had in the past and believe they will come again. Sometimes, simply appearing, opening his words even when we don’t feel bad, praying even when the words don’t come soon – is an act of faith that God respects.
I hope this reminds you – and honestly, I also remind myself when I write this – reminding me of myself – that spiritual dryness occurs in all of us. One of my dear friend said to me, “Rachel, your complaints are proof of your loyalty.” Isn’t that something? The fact that you even notice dryness indicates that you know what rain is like. It is important to God. Would you pray with me?
Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father, I’m here to you today… well, don’t feel it at all, and that’s the problem. Like David wandering through that wilderness, my soul is thirsty with this tired, endless to do list and responsible dry land. I miss you. I miss the intimacy and joy that bubbles up when I feel your presence. Lord, I am not trying to hide this spiritual emptiness or dress it up with church-like words. Anyway, you’ve already seen it all.
Father, I choose to ask for you in this desert, especially in this desert. When my prayers feel like I’m training my script, help me lean in rather than running away. When I fail to focus or worship, the song doesn’t move me like they used to. Strengthen me with your spirit. Do you bring my spiritual lungs to life? Lord, restore my childlike faith in spending time with you. Thank you for getting to know me. It doesn’t decrease during these seasons. Your love does not depend on my emotional state or mental performance. Even if my faith feels weak, you are faithful. Thank you, yes. Amen.
Photo credit: ©Patrick Schneider/Unsplash
Rachel Wojo is an author, public speaker and podcaster who hosts Bible reading assignments on the popular blog rachelwojo.com. Her biblical approach and living environment influence women find strength and hope in everyday situations. Rachel’s journey is an ideal, hopeless prayer that sheds light on asking God’s questions. Rachel’s journey includes losing his mother to leukemia, daughter of her adult special needs, a rare neurologically degenerative disease, and her father suffers from illness. She is the author of hopeless prayer. It is to embrace the power of prayer in the darkest moments of life. Mostly, Rachel is in love with six on Earth and two in heaven for Matt.
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