Pastor Aaron Olinski

Have you ever felt like your prayers were just bouncing off the ceiling? Like you’re talking to God, but nothing is happening in return? If so, you’re not alone. And you’re not doing it “wrong.” But there’s a good chance your view of prayer is too narrow.

Many of us have been conditioned to see prayer as a formula. Say the right words, add “in Jesus’ name,” and you’re done. But Jesus never taught prayer like that. What He did teach was far deeper. More relational. And definitely more persistent.

Let’s talk about what it really means to pray and why so many of us might be missing out on its full power.

You’re Probably Praying More Than You Think

If you think prayer only counts when you're on your knees or saying something out loud, you're limiting the way God designed us to connect with Him. Prayer is a conversation with God. And that can happen in all kinds of ways.

1. Talking out loud in your car or kitchen.

2. Thinking and meditating while walking or working.

3. Writing down your thoughts in a journal.

Each of these is valid. God hears the whisper of your heart as clearly as the words from your mouth. The point isn’t how you pray. It’s that you do it frequently, honestly, and expectantly.

What Most of Us Forget: Listening

Here’s a hard truth. We’re good at talking to God but not great at listening. Prayer isn’t a one-way request line. It’s a two-way relationship. And relationships require patience.

Listening in prayer might mean sitting quietly with no agenda. It might mean reading Scripture slowly, inviting God to speak. It might mean asking, “God, what do you want me to hear right now?” and waiting.

This is where the growth happens. The challenge of slowing down, listening, and trusting that even silence can be sacred.

The Power of Persistent Prayer

Jesus once told a parable in Luke 18 to make a point that we should always pray and never give up. In the story, a widow keeps bugging a judge until he gives her what she asks, simply because she wears him out. Then Jesus says, “Won’t God surely answer His chosen people who cry out to Him day and night?”

He’s not saying God is annoyed by us. He’s saying persistence matters.

Most of us pray for something once and then move on when we don’t see results. But Jesus challenges us to keep showing up. To trust that God is working in ways we might not see yet. To keep the conversation going, even when it feels like nothing is changing.

From Feeble to Faith-Filled Prayers

Here’s something worth asking. How strong are your prayers?

Too often we default to safe, vague language like, “God, if it’s Your will, maybe help me with this situation.” It sounds humble, but it's often fear disguised as faith.

Instead, what if we prayed like we actually believed God listens and responds?

• “God, You know the situation with my boss. I’m struggling to love them like You call me to. Will You create a breakthrough in my heart, and maybe in theirs too?”
• “Father, You see what’s happening in my family. I need Your strength, wisdom, and peace to be present in this moment.”

That’s not arrogance. That’s bold, faith-rooted praying.

Faith Is the Fuel

At the end of His parable in Luke 18, Jesus adds a line that’s easy to miss. “When the Son of Man returns, will He find faith on the earth?” He ties the idea of persistent prayer directly to faith.

Will we still be praying in a year? In five years? Will we still be trusting God when things don't change overnight?

A consistent, growing prayer life is one of the strongest indicators that your faith is alive. And it’s not about eloquence or length. It’s about heartfelt persistence.

How To Strengthen Your Prayer Life Today

If you're looking to go deeper in your relationship with God through prayer, here are some starting points:

1. Talk throughout your day on the drive, in line, at your desk.

2. Write down your prayers. They become a record of God’s faithfulness.

3. Pause to listen. Don't rush the silence.

4. Be specific and bold. Talk to God like you believe He’s listening.

5. Don’t give up. Keep showing up, even when answers feel delayed.

Your Next Step: Stay in the Conversation

So will you still be praying a year from now?

The answer likely depends on whether you build prayer into your daily rhythm. Not as a chore, but as a connection. As the way you stay anchored to faith when life throws you chaos.

You don’t have to be perfect at prayer. You just have to keep praying.