Many people struggle with prayer. We struggle with praying regularly. We struggle with knowing what to pray for. In fact, we may struggle with even praying at all! It isn’t hard to utter a few words or to say something routinely from memory, and call that prayer. But to really pray for something close to the heart can be a big challenge for many.

Suppose a missionary in Africa asks you for prayers for the work he is involved in there. You would probably agree quickly, and ask for God to bless his work. It’s easy and you know what words to use. But when the prayer is for a need that is close to home – a loved one diagnosed with cancer, a friend who has suffered a miscarriage, or your child who is fighting for his life in the hospital – prayer can seem hard. The question is, “How can I really pray in this situation?”