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How to Pray When You Are Tired

Getting tired and weary is something everyone experiences in life, even as believers of God. Our physical bodies have limitations. That’s why we need to take good care of our bodies, ensure that we get plenty of rest, and avoid stress at all costs. However, this is always easier said than done. Sometimes, because of life’s daily requirements, such as jobs, family, ministry, businesses, and so on, we often compromise our health and even our time with God. So, if you find yourself feeling like an empty battery by the end of the day and too tired to even read a Bible, how can you pray to God? Know that you can always say to God, “Abba, I’m tired today. I know You understand and You will strengthen me.” Or you can share with God what’s making you so tired or weary: “Lord, I’m so stressed about my (business, job, household work, students, school, etc.).” These short statements are also prayers, and God will listen to everything you want to say. The best prayer to offer when you are tired is a heart-to-heart conversation with God. Let it all out, and let Him strengthen you as you release the stress, the weariness, and anything else that’s making you tired for the day. You can tell God, “Father, I don’t know what to pray for right now, as my mind is too tired to function, but I trust in You.” You can be honest and real with God. 

Moreover, when you are tired and have nothing to say in your prayer, a simple “Thank You God for today” is already a powerful prayer that moves the heart of God. You can also exalt Him in your prayer by simply saying, “You are mighty and powerful. I trust in You, Father.” These simple and short words are prayers, and God listens to every word. He doesn’t count the length of your words or how long you have been praying. He just wants your heart, authenticity, and honesty. God wants to have a real relationship with you. Isn’t that the best thing ever? There’s no pressure, no stress, and nothing more to prove before the Father, because Jesus Christ has done it all for us. Through faith in Him, we can all take rest in the presence of the Heavenly Father without needing to prove ourselves to Him. Christ living within us is more than enough. You are qualified!

God understands our weariness and tiredness. He knows that our bodies have limitations. That is why He promised strength for the weary and power for the weak. Isaiah 40:29-31 says, He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Should you pray if you are sleepy?

You must pray to God even if you are “too sleepy”. It’s okay to fall asleep while talking to the Heavenly Father, in Christ Jesus. He won’t condemn you for that or count it as a sin. You are His child, and He perfectly knew you before you were even born. God knows why you are tired and weary. He has compassion for you, and whatever is breaking your heart is also breaking His. That’s how important you are to Him. Don’t feel bad about being sleepy and needing to pray. Praying is not a responsibility or a burden, but your method of communication to God. You can simply say, “God, I am sleepy. Can I sleep in Your presence?” Like a child, allow yourself to sleep safely in God’s presence. Even just by thinking of His goodness, without saying anything, that’s praying. As mentioned earlier, you can always talk to God and be honest with Him. He won’t be mad at you for being sleepy or tired. He won’t condemn or curse you for falling asleep while you pray. The truth is, praying to God as you fall asleep empowers and strengthens you. In His presence and His Word, you will be strengthened, encouraged, and empowered. Basically, even if you are very sleepy, just pray to God. 

Moreover, praying to God keeps you close to the Protector of your home. Even if you are sleepy, it is always best to keep your connection close to God, as He is the source of all protection. Sometimes, choosing not to pray and talk to God can lead to bad dreams or a bad start to your day. While God desires to keep you close, He respects your decision to shut Him out or leave Him out when you feel like it. Unfortunately, the enemy is right there waiting for every opportunity to move when you are out of connection to God. So, it doesn’t matter if you are sleepy; what matters is choosing to pray and communicate with God, even if it isn’t your best. Sometimes, your worst day with God is better than your best day without Him.

What does God say about tiredness?

The Word of God gives us many insights and revelations as to how God’s grace is perfectly made in our weaknesses. One of our mortal weaknesses is getting weary and tired from time to time, due to the limitations of our physical bodies. That is why God promised us strength and power. Many Scriptures speak about God’s promise of strength and power, especially in times of tiredness and weariness. Here are some Bible verses that you can meditate upon when you are feeling tired and weary:

1. Isaiah 40:29-31

29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:

31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

2. John 16:33

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

How to Pray When You Are Tired

3. Psalm 121:1-2

1 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

2 My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.

How to Pray When You Are Tired

4. Nehemiah 8:10

Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

How to Pray When You Are Tired

5. Isaiah 41:10

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

How to Pray When You Are Tired

6. 1 Peter 5:10

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

How to Pray When You Are Tired

7. Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

How to Pray When You Are Tired

8. 2 Corinthians 12:10

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

How to Pray When You Are Tired

9. Psalm 73:26

My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

How to Pray When You Are Tired

10. Exodus 15:2

The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt him.

The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.

How to Pray When You Are Tired

11. Psalm 46:1-3

1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

These are some Bible verses related to God’s promises for strength whenever His people are tired and weary. Even if you are tired, pray to God. Even if you fall asleep, pray to God. And if you don’t feel like praying, just be honest and talk to God instead. Talking to God is a form of praying to God. He knows, and He understands your situation. He is compassionate and kind when He looks at you. He watches over you as you fall asleep in His presence. And it moves His heart when you try your best to stay close to Him, even when you are too tired and busy. God knows how much you are trying, and He appreciates it. 

May the Lord empower you, strengthen you and give you peace as you choose to stay in connection with Him, no matter the circumstances in your life. May God bless you and keep you close to the heart of the Father, in Jesus’ name.

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