When Praying Feels Like Talking to a Wall
I’m a pastor. I lead prayers on Sundays, in hospital rooms, over meals, before meetings, and sometimes just sitting alone. And if I’m honest? There are times when prayer feels like talking to a wall. There have been things that I have earnestly and fervently prayed for with all my might – continually and for many days – and after all that praying my prayers were not answered (at least not the way I wanted). I must admit that it really had a negative impact on my faith and my prayer-life afterwards.
I don’t say that for shock value. I say it because it’s true - and because I think many of you might feel it too, but are afraid to admit it.
We’re taught to believe that when we pray, God listens. And He does.
But what do you do when it doesn't feel like He’s not listening? When your prayers feel like they bounce back at you, unanswered and unheard? When silence is louder than any Amen?
You’re Not Alone
If you feel this way, it’s okay, it’s not a sin, and you’re not failing as a Christian. You’re being honest. Scripture is full of people who felt unheard:
David cried, “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?” (Psalm 13:1).
Job said, “I cry out to you, God, but you do not answer” (Job 30:20).
Even Jesus, in His greatest agony, prayed, “My God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46).
Silence in prayer is not proof of God’s absence. Sometimes, it’s simply the reality of walking by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). And faith, as C.S. Lewis put it, is often holding on in the absence of tangible reassurance.
What’s Really Happening?
When prayer feels empty, remember:
1. God is not ignoring you. Silence is not rejection.
2. Your feelings are not the judge of your faith. Faith isn’t about what you feel. It’s about what God has promised.
3. Prayer is formation, not just transaction. You’re not just sending requests to God; you’re being shaped by the act of returning to Him - even in silence.
Sometimes God answers with silence because He’s teaching you something deeper: trust without proof, relationship without reward, perseverance without applause.
What to Do When It Feels Pointless
Keep praying anyway. Silence doesn’t mean stop. It means lean in. Keep showing up.
Pray honestly. Say what you’re really thinking. “God, this feels pointless. Help me believe You’re here.”
Use Scripture as your prayer. Let Psalms become your words when yours run dry.
Tell someone. A friend or pastor. Prayer doesn’t have to be solitary. You’re not the only one who feels this.
One Final Thought
Sometimes prayer feels like talking to a wall. But what if, behind that wall, God is quietly working? What if He’s building something you can’t yet see? In those moments, remember: the wall isn’t the end of the story. God hears. Even when you don’t feel it. So pray again today. Even if it feels like talking to a wall.
