“Feeling tired when you pray? That might mean you’ve lost step with Jesus and drifted away from His rhythm. When this happens, don’t panic. Just turn to Him calmly, with faith and trust.” As He told Fr. Gaston Courtois, “the inner melody will return.” Fr. Gaston (1897–1970) heard these words directly from Jesus and wrote them down. His notes, later published in the book When the Lord Speaks to the Heart, are packed with practical advice for dealing with struggles in prayer and deepening your relationship with God. So, if prayer has ever left you feeling stuck, you’re not alone. Let’s break down some common struggles and what Jesus said about them.
Too Busy to Pray
Life is hectic, isn’t it? Most of us feel like we’re running around all day and can’t spare even a quiet moment for prayer. It’s easy to think you’re being more productive by focusing on tasks instead of taking time to sit with God. But here’s what Jesus had to say to Fr. Gaston about that:
“The time you spend in adoration, letting yourself soak in My presence, is far more valuable than all the rushing about you do without Me.” He didn’t stop there: “Simply look at Me, speak to Me, and listen with love. Even ten minutes with Me can give you more light and clarity than the wisest books.”
So, carve out time—even just a little—and let Jesus into your busy day. Trust me, He’s worth it!
No Desire to Pray
Ever feel like you just don’t want to pray? You’re not alone. Prayer can feel dull and pointless, especially when it hasn’t been a habit or when your connection with God feels distant. But Jesus gave Fr. Gaston this advice:
“Throughout your day, pause for quick, silent moments of adoration. Ask Me to increase your desire for Me, to renew your joy in being with Me. I love answering prayers like that. But stay patient; don’t rush My grace.”
If boredom with prayer is tripping you up, try this: switch things up! Jesus said, “Don’t let love become monotonous. Find new ways to express it. Even just saying ‘Come, Lord Jesus!’ with sincerity calls Me closer to you.”
No Clue How to Pray
Once you’ve made time for prayer and regained the desire, the next question—what do you actually do when you pray? Should you talk, listen, sit in silence, or something else entirely?
Jesus reassured Fr. Gaston that every soul is different and prays in its own unique way. “Simply come to Me and keep Me company. Look at Me. Let our eyes meet. Share what’s on your heart, and trust that I’ll hear you.”
No need to overthink it. Jesus also said, “If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask Me. I might not answer right away, but trust that I’ll respond—whether it’s through the Holy Spirit, life events, or a quiet nudge in your heart.” Just relax into His presence, let go of control, and open yourself to what He has for you.
Feeling Like God Doesn’t Answer
Ever feel like your prayers are being ignored? Like you’re pouring your heart out only to hear… nothing? It can be so discouraging, but Jesus had this to say:
“You may not immediately understand everything I say or do, but what matters is that My thoughts slowly soak into yours and transform you.” So, even when nothing seems to be happening, trust that God is working within you.
And here’s the kicker: “Stop clinging to your own ideas of how your prayers should be answered. Open yourself to My will, and you’ll start to see new horizons in your life.” So, keep showing up, keep praying, and let Jesus work in His time, not yours.
“Come to Me and see.
Read and draw from my
gaze. Dive in
and take from my Heart”
Not Feeling Anything
Sometimes we expect prayer to feel amazing—like we should be swept up in some emotional, spiritual high. But Jesus reminds us that true prayer doesn’t rely on feelings. Here’s what He told Fr. Gaston:
“What matters isn’t the flashiness or excitement but the steady, faithful connection with Me. Even when things feel dry, your faithfulness means everything to Me.”
Rather than chasing emotions, focus on simply being present with God. Unite yourself to His love, His sacrifice, and His desires for you. That quiet, steady bond is what truly counts.
Constant Distractions
Let’s be real: distractions in prayer are so common. Our minds wander, life’s worries creep in, and sometimes it just feels impossible to stay focused. But Jesus encourages us to seek interior calm:
“You can’t hear Me when your mind is chaotic. You need silence—a small desert within where you can rest with Me. Let go of unnecessary worries, impatient thoughts, and harsh self-criticism. Be gentle with yourself and trust Me to guide your mind back to My voice.”
If distractions happen—and they will—don’t beat yourself up. Just turn back to Jesus and keep going.
Losing Momentum
Maybe you’ve had an awesome prayer life before but somewhere along the way, you lost steam. It’s easy to quit when prayer doesn’t feel as exciting or fruitful as it once did. But Jesus gently reminds us:
“You’ll always need to renew your connection with Me. Nothing on earth is ever won or gained once for all. But each time you return, it’s like being born anew—your love grows deeper.”
Need motivation to start praying again? Call on the Holy Spirit! Jesus says, “The Holy Spirit can refresh, inspire, and set you ablaze with love for Me. Even if you’re tempted to give up, keep coming back to Me, and I’ll breathe new life into your soul.”
Let God Speak
Prayer is a lifelong journey—there’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach, and you’ll always be learning. But the most important thing is simply to remain open. Here’s how Jesus put it:
“To hear My voice, you need to create space for Me. Open your soul sincerely—no walls, no reservations—and be ready to listen. Brush aside unnecessary worries. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you stir the fire of love in your heart and to sharpen your ability to hear Me. Then, just adore Me in silence and let Me speak.”
Sometimes, it’s as simple as sitting quietly at Jesus’ feet. Let Him call you by name.
So, there you have it—a little encouragement to keep going, keep praying, and keep trusting that Jesus is with you every step of the way. Even when it feels like a struggle, He’s never far.
01/02/2026
