God, I’m Tired: Honest Rest for Exhausted ParentsSample

What to Pray When You’re Too Tired to Pray

You love God. You know prayer matters. But some days, or nights you’re too drained to string two spiritual sentences together. Your mind is foggy. Your body aches. Your heart wants to cry out but all you can whisper is, “God, help.”

Good news! that’s enough.

Religion says your prayers need to sound pretty. Jesus says your prayers need to be honest.
The Bible says when you don’t even have words left, the Holy Spirit Himself prays for you. He takes your groans, your sighs, your tears, and turns them into a prayer that hits the heart of Heaven with power.

You don’t need a long speech. You don’t need the right words. You need a willing heart, even if that heart is half-asleep on the bathroom floor at 3 AM.
Some of your most powerful prayers will sound like: “God, I can’t.”
“Jesus, hold me.”
“Lord, I trust You. Help my unbelief.”

When your strength runs out, His never does.
When your words run dry, His Spirit picks up every syllable you can’t say.
He’s not grading your prayer, He’s holding you through it.

Reflection

When was the last time you gave yourself permission to pray messy, tired, half-formed prayers? What do you need to say — or sigh — to Him tonight?

Prayer

Holy Spirit, pray for me when I can’t find the words. Take my tired groans and turn them into power in Heaven. Thank You for seeing my weakness and covering me in strength. Amen.