Prayer can have its own rhythm. Some seasons of prayer feel natural, joyful, and alive; others feel difficult, routine, or nearly absent. We often pray most fervently when life is hard. When a diagnosis comes, a job is threatened, a relationship is struggling, or the future is uncertain, prayer comes easily. But when the storm passes and life settles, our prayers can begin to fade.  
Jesus offers a better way: make prayer a regular part of life, not something reserved for emergencies. In Matthew 6, Jesus says, “When you pray,” suggesting that prayer should become a natural rhythm for those who follow him. Set aside time for prayer, find a place to meet with God regularly, and, most importantly, tell God what is really going on. Prayer does not require polished words or formulas. Bring God your gratitude, questions, frustrations, fears, temptations, disappointments, and hopes.  

Perhaps the greatest challenge to prayer comes when we are disappointed with God, when we have prayed earnestly, and life has not turned out as we hoped. In Luke 18, Jesus addresses that struggle with a simple encouragement: “Do not lose heart.” Prayer is not a guarantee that God will always give us the answer we want. It invites us to remain in relationship with God even when we do not understand what God is doing.  

At its heart, prayer is a continuing conversation with someone who loves us. Like a parent who delights in hearing a child’s voice, God welcomes ours. So when prayer feels powerful, pray. When it feels ordinary, pray. And when it feels difficult, keep the conversation going. Don’t lose heart. Don’t give up on prayer.