‘But I can’t pray…’
It’s a cry that comes from many an anguished heart. People may know they need God but, when the tough times hit, they get overwhelmed by their circumstances and the words dry up. Rarely is this a deliberate choice – few actively decide to make life harder for themselves by ceasing communication with the Lord of all (though, at times, an angry heart may choose to walk away). But it’s a common struggle and one that, if left unchecked, can lead to spiritual drift. So, how do we help our brothers and sisters in their time of need?
Dos and don’ts
As with all sensitive issues, being simplistic never helps. ‘Just do it’ may make for a decent catchphrase, but it’s rarely a wise pastoral response. Ignoring any physical components won’t help either: if someone is exhausted, in trauma, on strong medication or in overwhelming pain, thought processes may well be in some ways impaired – many activities of daily living can become harder not just speaking to their Father above. Sometimes facilitating some rest may be the most caring first response. After listening to what people find hard about praying, we can put some building blocks in place.
