Prayer Coaching: Building a Consistent, Life-Giving Prayer Life

Framing verse: “Lord, teach us to pray…” (Luke 11:1)

When Prayer Feels Like a Struggle

You know prayer matters. You want to connect with God. But sometimes prayer feels more like guilt than grace. You try to start, but your mind wanders. You get distracted, discouraged, or just plain stuck. The desire is there—so why is it so hard?

If that resonates, you are not alone. Even Jesus' own disciples had to ask, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1). That request was not about information—it was a cry for formation. A longing for real connection, not just performance. And it is still our prayer today.

Enter the gift of a prayer coach—not someone to grade your spirituality, but someone to walk with you, offer gentle guidance, and help you build a rhythm of prayer that fits your real life. A prayer coach isn’t there to add pressure. They're there to make room. Space to breathe. Space to meet God again, not out of obligation, but out of love.

What Is Prayer Coaching (And What It Isn’t)?

Prayer coaching is not a rigid program or a list of “shoulds.” It is a relational, Scripture-centered process of learning how to pray in a way that is consistent, honest, and life-giving. It looks less like a lecture and more like a gentle companion saying, “Let’s figure this out together.”

Here’s what prayer coaching typically includes:

• Creating a daily or weekly rhythm of prayer that fits your life stage

• Learning to pray Scripture when words run out

• Breaking shame cycles that keep you from approaching God

• Developing simple, repeatable practices (not performance goals)

• Receiving support when you feel spiritually dry or stuck

It is not about performance, long eloquent prayers, or spiritual competition. If you’ve ever thought, “I should be better at this by now,” prayer coaching exists to meet you right there—with grace, not guilt.

Why We Struggle With Prayer

Many of us never had anyone actually show us how to pray. We picked up bits and pieces—before meals, in crises, in church—but not a consistent rhythm. Over time, prayer became either a last resort or a guilt trip. Here are just a few reasons we drift:

• Distraction: Our minds wander. Life moves fast. Silence feels foreign.

• Shame: We feel like God is disappointed, so we avoid Him.

• Confusion: We do not know what to say or how to start.

• Performance mindset: We treat prayer like a spiritual report card.

But Scripture shows us a different way. The psalms are messy and raw. Jesus prayed alone and with others. Paul groaned with words he did not know how to say. Prayer is not a performance. It is presence. And it is learned, like any relationship, over time.

Three Signs You Might Benefit from a Prayer Coach

1. You’re longing for consistency, but you keep falling off the wagon.

If your prayer life looks like three great days followed by three silent weeks, you're not broken. You're human. But having someone help you craft a rhythm that fits your real life—not your ideal life—can make all the difference.

2. You’re tired of shallow or scripted prayers.

You want to go deeper. Not just recite lines but actually connect with God. A prayer coach can help you learn to pray Scripture, listen for God’s voice, and journal prayers that reflect your heart, not just your habits.

3. You feel spiritually dry and don’t know how to reengage.

Dry seasons are real. But they do not mean God is distant. Sometimes, you just need someone to remind you that God isn’t waiting for you to get your act together—He’s already near. A prayer coach helps you notice Him again, even in the silence.

A Simple Framework for Prayer Coaching

Prayer coaching at Share The Struggle often follows four simple movements. You can try these today—even without a coach:

1.    Start with Stillness – A few deep breaths. “Holy Spirit, here I am.”

2.    Scripture First – Read a short verse slowly. Let one phrase settle in.

3.    Speak Honestly – Tell God what is real. No filter needed.

4.    Sit and Listen – Even 60 seconds of silence can shift the atmosphere.

You do not have to pray for an hour. You just have to start. The goal is not more words. The goal is more presence.

Real Stories. Real Change.

Sandra, 38: “I thought coaching would feel like a lecture. But it felt like a lifeline. My coach helped me build a simple 10-minute rhythm. That changed everything. I started meeting God again instead of hiding.”

David, 44: “I used to think prayer had to sound a certain way. Now I write a sentence each morning and just sit with God. Coaching didn’t give me a formula. It gave me freedom.”

Michelle, 26: “I didn’t know how much shame I was carrying until my coach helped me name it. Now prayer feels safe again.”

Common Misconceptions (And Gentle Corrections)

“Prayer coaching sounds weird—shouldn’t I just pray more?”
More effort doesn’t always lead to more connection. A prayer coach helps you identify what's getting in the way and gently clears the clutter.

“Isn’t this just therapy with Jesus talk?”
No. Prayer coaching is rooted in Scripture, not psychology. It isn’t about digging into your past—it’s about practicing presence with God today.

“I should be able to figure this out on my own.”
Maybe. But why carry it alone? Jesus sent the disciples two by two for a reason. We were never meant to do faith in isolation.

Scriptures to Anchor Your Prayer Life

Let these verses guide your next prayer. Read slowly. Pray them out loud. Let the Spirit lead:

• Luke 11:1 – “Lord, teach us to pray.”

• Romans 8:26 – “The Spirit helps us in our weakness...”

• Psalm 62:8 – “Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.”

• Philippians 4:6 – “In everything by prayer… let your requests be made known to God.”

• 1 Thessalonians 5:17 – “Pray without ceasing.”

Write one down. Tape it to your mirror. Let it interrupt your day. Prayer does not require perfect timing—just a willing heart.

A Simple Prayer You Can Borrow

Father, I want to pray, but sometimes I don’t know how. Thank You that You are not put off by my silence or mess. You just want me near.

Jesus, be my teacher in prayer. Lead me gently when I forget. Help me believe You are listening, even when I feel nothing.

Holy Spirit, form my prayer life. Not out of duty, but delight. I want to walk with You in honesty and love. Amen.

You Do Not Have to Figure This Out Alone

If prayer feels like a wall you cannot break through, we are here. Our coaching is Scripture-based, practical, and kind. No pressure. No judgment. Just support to help you build a rhythm that fits your season.

Explore our course library or start with Freedom From Anxiety if you find that anxiety makes prayer harder.

If shame is what keeps you from God, try More Than Your Past. This course gently helps you drop the baggage and approach the throne with confidence again.

Still unsure? Send us a quick message that says, “I need prayer coaching,” and we will walk with you from there.