Feeling overwhelmed, stuck or unsure how to pray? Here’s how to build a real, reverent, and effective prayer life using The Battle Plan for Prayer.
Feeling Lost in Prayer? You’re Not Alone
Maybe you’re in your 20s and trying to figure out what adulting even looks like, or in your 40s+ going through mid‑life transitions, marriage shift, divorce, kids grown, identity questions. Prayer might feel awkward or distant. Maybe you’ve tried and thought: “Does God even hear me?”
Here’s the encouraging news: You don’t need perfect words or some special prayer posture. Prayer is a relationship. It’s about showing up and moving forward. I grew in this through the book The Battle Plan for Prayer: From Basic Training to Targeted Strategies by Stephen Kendrick and Alex Kendrick — inspired by their film War Room.
In this article we’ll walk through:
- what prayer is (and what it isn’t)
- why we pray especially in the chaotic seasons
- how to build your own “battle plan” for prayer
- how to talk with God in an authentic way
- how to pray for the hard stuff (family, enemies, government)
- what to do when you feel attacked, stuck, or discouraged
Whether you’re just starting or need a reset — this is for you.
What Prayer Is — And What It’s Not
Prayer is an ordinary conversation with the extraordinary God. It’s the place where you bring your real self — your questions, your pain, your hopes — and He welcomes you.
Prayer is not a magic lamp or genie where you rub the wrong way and expect your wishes to pop out. Sometimes God says “no” or “not yet” — not because He doesn’t care, but because He does care deeply. He sees traps the enemy sets that we don’t. He knows timing, maturity, and hidden places in our hearts.
Even when we don’t understand, it’s wise to trust Him.
Proverbs 3:5‑6 (ESV): “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Proverbs 16:9 (ESV): “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.”
These verses show that while you plan and build strategy, God directs, refines, and protects. You need both humility and boldness.
Approach God with reverence and love. Address Him as “Father,” “Lord,” or “Jesus” with respect. It’s not a casual chat with your buddy — it’s a relationship with the Creator.
Why We Pray – Especially in Crisis
Life in your 20s or life in your 40s+ both bring storm seasons: career confusion, relational breakdowns, mid‑life identity crises, loneliness, parenting adult children, feeling unseen.
Prayer is needed because:
- We cannot change people on our own — but God can.
- We cannot see the spiritual battlefield — but He can.
- Our humanity fails — but our Father doesn’t.
Gratitude matters. Before you ask, start with “Thank You.” That simple act aligns your heart with His. It softens and opens you.
God is not on the same level as the enemy. The devil attacks, lies, isolates. But God is the Victor, the Defender, the One who goes before you. When you feel attacked, weak, unseen — you’re not failing. You might just be advancing.
Building Your Battle Plan – Start Where You Are
If you’re new to prayer or feel like you’ve been in the same loop for years — this is for you. The Kendrick Brothers talk about “basic training” then moving to “targeted strategies” in prayer.
Your simple start:
- Identify your targets — maybe an unsaved family member, toxic workplace, fear of the future.
- Recognize the locks (hindrances): unconfessed sin, doubt, bitterness.
- Grab the keys: repentance, aligning with Scripture, obedience.
- Build a daily rhythm:
- 1 min: Thank God
- 2 min: Confess
- 1 min: Scripture
- 1 min: Prayer requests
Example: “Father, protect my words. Help me show grace. Soften their hearts toward You.”
If you’re 40+ and have waited years for breakthrough — don’t stop. Make a prayer mission: “I’m praying for my adult children to know You this year.”
Conversations, Not Lectures – Making Prayer Real
You don’t need a perfect script. You need authenticity. Speak from your heart: “Father, I know I’ve messed up. Thank You for being with me. I need Your strength today…”
Then pause. Listen. Journal or use your phone:
- Date
- Gratitude
- Requests
- What you sensed
When discouraged, pray for someone else. Your breakthrough might begin there.
Praying for the Hard Stuff – Family, Enemies, Government
Some tough prayer targets:
- Family who walked away from faith
- Boss undermining you
- A broken marriage or system
Yes — pray for them. Only God can change a heart. Prayer invites divine intervention.
Pray for those in authority — even corrupt ones. Pray for enemies — not in vengeance, but grace. That’s spiritual strategy.
Your prayer zone is where you feel powerless. That’s where you fight.
What to Do When You Feel Attacked or Stuck
When you get serious about prayer, expect resistance.
Signs:
- You feel drained
- Prayers feel unheard
- You face more setbacks
Ask: “Holy Spirit, is this a block or a test?”
Romans 12:12 (ESV): “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
Look to Bible heroes — they waited, trusted, prayed, persevered. When you’re discouraged, shift and pray for someone else
Conclusion
For deeper Bible study and prayer support, we recommend using Blue Letter Bible — a free online resource with study tools, multiple translations, and verse breakdowns.
Whether you’re new or restarting — prayer is your lifeline.
- Gen Z: Don’t aim for perfection. Just start.
- 40+: Your prayers still count. Delay isn’t failure.
We’ve been there. We’ve felt attack. We read The Battle Plan for Prayer after watching War Room. Our prayer lives shifted. Some prayers are still unanswered — but we keep going. When discouraged, we look at Bible heroes — and pray for others.
If you struggle to stay focused or feel sleepy during prayer or Bible reading, check out our post on Feeling Sleepy During Prayer and Bible Study? Discover Powerful Solutions to Stay Spiritually Engaged
Recommended Resource: If you’re ready to build a prayer strategy, we recommend The Battle Plan for Prayer: From Basic Training to Targeted Strategies.
Affiliate Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through the link, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Call to Action: Start today:
- “Thank you God for…”
- “Please help me with…”
Do it 5 minutes a day. Then repeat. Treat prayer like a battle plan. Keep showing up.
FAQs
Q: How do I start praying if I never have?
A: Begin with gratitude, then ask, then listen. It’s not about length, it’s about heart.
Q: Why does God say no or stay silent?
A: Because He’s protecting or preparing you. His ways are higher.
Q: Can I be real with God but still respectful?
A: Yes. Talk with honesty and humility — He desires relationship.
Q: Should I pray for enemies and corrupt leaders?
A: Yes. Only God can change hearts. That’s your Kingdom calling.
Q: How do I know if I’m under spiritual attack?
A: If you feel unusually discouraged, isolated, or stuck — you may be. Don’t quit. Stay in prayer.