Talking to God should be the easiest thing in the world.

The Bible tells us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). But when I first heard that, I didn’t feel inspired—I felt overwhelmed. My mind runs a mile a minute, and the idea of asking me to intentionally pray 24/7 sent me into panic mode. Was I doing it wrong?

But here’s what I’ve learned: Prayer doesn’t have to be perfect.

I know we hear that a lot in Christian circles, but are we actually living like it’s true?

The other night at dinner, I prayed a quick, simple prayer—“God, thank You for this food and my family. Amen.” Then I laughed and said, “Sorry, God, that’s just what came out.” I wasn’t trying to be facetious. It just felt real.

And my mom said, “If that’s what was on your heart, that’s exactly what God wanted to hear.”

That hit me. What if the reason talking to God feels hard is because we’re trying too hard to be someone we think He wants, instead of being who we are?

Think about your closest friendships—they aren’t built on perfect speeches. They’re built on shared time and unfiltered conversations. You don’t grow close to someone by only saying what you think they want to hear. Relationships grow when you spend time with others being your true self. Sometimes even with inside jokes and words that don’t make sense to anyone else.

Can you imagine being that close to God?

Katy Nichole’s new song “Honest Conversations” touches on exactly this. It’s about how hard it can be to talk to God when you’re hurting or when He feels far away—but there’s beauty in being real with Him. There is value in crying out to God. When’s the last time you prayed, and really said what was on your heart?

“If you love me
Then why do I hate myself
If you want me
Then why do I want to be someone else
If you know me
Then why do I feel so alone
If there’s answers
Then God, won’t you tell me so”

Those lyrics hit deep.

And Cory Asbury just shared a preview of his new song, Speaking Terms, that walks the same road—wrestling with silence, distance, and still choosing to reach out.

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Because the truth is, God isn’t asking for performances. He just wants you. Your tears. Your questions. Your real, messy, honest heart.

God created us with of these intricate and complex emotions in mind—and He can handle all of it. Feeling distant from Him doesn’t make you a bad Christian. It makes you human. And He already knows your heart. He just wants to hear it from you.

So next time you pray, don’t worry about making it “right.” Just make it honest.

If you need someone to stand with you in prayer, we’re here. Drop a request on our Hope Nation prayer wall, and know that you have a community ready to walk alongside you, lifting you up when it’s hard to find the words yourself.

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