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To the Mom Who Feels Like She’s Failing at the One Thing She Was Sure God Called Her To…

  Let’s be honest. Some days you feel like the circus clown… Only the clowns have more help and better costumes. Your “classroom” is the kitchen table. Your students? One’s crying, one’s hiding, one’s asking you a question that sounds like it came straight out of a college exam. Meanwhile, the baby’s screaming, the dog just threw up on the rug, and the toddler… well… let’s just say the peanut butter was NOT supposed to be art supplies. And you? You’re standing there with cold coffee, wondering how in the world you ended up in charge of someone’s entire education. "Maybe I’m in over my head." "Maybe I’m wrecking their future." "Maybe they’d be better off with a real teacher." You’ve seen those Instagram-perfect homeschool moms… Neat handwriting on the whiteboard, shelves arranged by color, kids smiling like they just won the lottery for Most Well-Behaved Family. You’ve tried to copy them. You’ve stayed up past midnight rearranging books, printing lesson ...
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13. Overcoming Lukewarmness in Prayer



Prayer can be one of the most fulfilling parts of our lives, a time when we connect deeply with God. But what happens when it feels empty, like we’re just going through the motions? This feeling of spiritual sloth or lukewarmness in prayer can be discouraging, but it is a challenge that many of us face. Today, let's explore what causes this and how we can overcome it.

Understanding Lukewarmness in Prayer

Lukewarmness is not about feeling dry or having difficulty in prayer—that’s a different challenge called aridity. Instead, it’s about a lack of willpower, a spiritual laziness that prevents us from fully committing to prayer. Imagine starting your prayer with some effort but quickly losing focus and energy, wanting to quit before you even get started. It’s like having a foot in two boats—you want to pray, but you also want to escape the effort it requires.

Why Does Lukewarmness Happen?

  1. A Weak Will: It’s hard to keep our soul in a state that’s ready for prayer. Regularity, silence, focusing on God, and serious reading require effort. The distractions of daily life and our own disinterest can pull us away.

  2. Distraction and Dissipation: When we allow our thoughts to wander, we lose the clarity and energy needed for prayer. This mental scattering weakens our will and makes it even harder to concentrate on God.

  3. Vague Resolutions: If our intentions in prayer are unclear, our efforts become half-hearted. We might say we want to be better, but without specific goals or a concrete plan, our prayer lacks direction and power.

  4. Quick to Quit: When prayer gets tough, we tend to quit early. Rather than pushing through the discomfort, we distract ourselves with other activities, and our resolutions fade away as soon as we step out of prayer.

Why Is This Dangerous?

The more we approach prayer with this lukewarm attitude, the more we lose the strength and spirit that prayer should give us. It’s like a medicine that can turn into poison if not taken properly. If we continue this way, we not only fail to grow spiritually but risk sliding further away from God.

How to Combat Lukewarmness

  1. Pray for Devotion and Strength: This type of devotion isn’t something we can achieve on our own—it’s a gift from God. Like the story of the Samaritans, God can turn even the most indifferent heart into one that is devout and passionate. We must ask for this gift sincerely, persistently, and with loud cries from our hearts.

  2. Prepare for Prayer: Before we even begin to pray, we need to get our hearts and minds in the right place. This means understanding the value of prayer and devotion, acknowledging our own weakness, and rekindling our fervor. Whether it's through fear, hope, or love, we must find the motivation to ignite our spiritual energy.

  3. Take Practical Steps:

    • Set Clear Intentions: Instead of vague resolutions like “I want to be better,” aim for specific goals. For example, decide to work on patience or kindness in your daily interactions.
    • Create a Routine: Find a time and place where you can pray without distractions. Regularity helps build a habit, making it easier to stay focused.
    • Reflect on the Importance: Meditate on why prayer matters and how it affects your life. When you understand its value, it becomes easier to put in the effort.

  4. Seek Support: If you're struggling, don't go it alone. Speak with a spiritual director or a wise friend who can guide and encourage you. They can provide insights and suggestions that you might not see on your own.

Moving Forward with Determination

Remember, lukewarmness in prayer isn’t a permanent state. It’s a challenge that we can overcome with God’s help and our own efforts. Every time we push past our laziness and distractions, we grow stronger in spirit. Every time we turn to God, asking for the grace to pray better, we take a step closer to Him.

Let us commit to renewing our prayer life with sincere devotion and strong resolutions. Let’s not be content with half-hearted efforts, but strive to give our whole selves to God in prayer. For every effort, no matter how small, brings us closer to the love and peace that only He can provide.

Conclusion: Persevere in Prayer

It’s natural to face struggles in our prayer life, but giving up should never be an option. God is always there, willing to pour His grace upon us if we sincerely seek Him. Let’s ask for His help to overcome our lukewarmness and to find strength and devotion in our prayer.

By persevering in prayer, we glorify God, grow spiritually, and transform our lives. Even when our hearts feel cold and our minds are distracted, each small effort to return to God is a victory. So, let’s continue to strive, with hope and courage, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.

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