I know a woman who was having trouble getting to sleep because of many things running through her mind. She woke up her husband, and he graciously began to listen. After she shared for a while, he compassionately suggested praying together about it. She agreed, as she thought what a great man her husband was. He began to pray,

Dear Lord…[insert snore sound effect]

The woman had a great sense of humor and just laughed about it while her husband continued to snore.

How many times do you pray but begin snoring after your initial request, lacking attentiveness?

How well do you commit to communicating with God?

Do you easily include some things in your prayers but sleep through some of the other prayers you know you’re supposed to pray?

I don’t know a single committed Christian who would identify his or her prayer life as fully mature and unwanting of any growth or improvement. We can always work on our prayer lives, because prayer is our communication with God. It doesn’t end. We don’t ever master it. God changes us, and we get to know Him better; therefore, our prayer lives continue to require humility and vulnerability that can be thrilling and comforting as well as intimidating and frightening. God doesn’t just ease our minds; He changes our hearts. And that’s not always the most comfortable process.

Consider how you’ve pressed the snooze button on your prayer life, even if it’s just in one area. Or, what do you tend to press the snooze button on in general as you pray? Pressing the snooze button isn’t about the times you don’t know what to say; it’s about the times you get distracted or refuse to try to say something. It’s an escape.

God knows you well. He knows your struggles. He knows why you’re disengaging with Him. He’s ready to listen.

Wake up and pray.

The Lord is near all who call out to Him, all who call out to Him with integrity. (Psalm 145:18)