When Prayer Feels Like a Chore, Not a Joy - a 5-Day Devotional to Reset Your Prayer Lifeنموونە

If you’re honest, have there been times when prayer feels more like a checklist than a conversation with God? You know it matters, but instead of feeling life-giving, it sometimes feels heavy. You may wonder: Why do I struggle to pray? Why does it feel like work?

Here’s the truth—God never intended prayer to be a burden. Prayer is not about getting the words perfect or saying the “right” things. It’s about pouring out your heart to the One who loves you most. The good news is, if prayer feels dry today, it doesn’t have to stay that way.

Over the next five days, you’ll learn how to bring honesty back into your prayers, shift from performance to presence, and rediscover the joy of simply being with God. Prayer is not another task on your list—it’s the place where your soul finds rest.

Day 1 – From Duty to Delight

Scripture: “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” — Psalm 37:4

Devotional Thought: When prayer feels like duty, it drains you. But when prayer becomes delight, it fills you. Too often, we approach prayer as if God is a boss to be reported to rather than a Father to be enjoyed. Prayer is not about checking in—it’s about connecting.

Delight grows when you shift your perspective. Instead of asking, “What do I have to pray about?” ask, “Who do I get to talk to today?”

Prayer: Father, help me move from duty to delight in prayer. Let my time with You be filled with joy, not obligation. Amen.

Reflection/Action Step: Today, begin your prayer by simply thanking God for who He is, not what He gives. Notice how this shifts your heart.

This is just the beginning of rediscovering joy in prayer. If you’re ready to go deeper, my book Get Your Groove Back in God: A 30-Day Journey to an Intentional Prayer Life will guide you through daily steps to rebuild your prayer life with passion and consistency.

👉 Get your copy here or on Amazon