J
So today I was talking to my friends and I confessed that I was having a hard time praying. They said that it could have to do with my depression (it's gotten really bad as of late). What are your thoughts on this? Do you think it has to do with depression or something else?
1. Listen to praise music or just praise God yourself without it.
In regard to praise, we read such things as the following in scripture:
Isaiah chapter 61
[1] The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
[2] To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;
[3] To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
"Heaviness" or depression is oftentimes spiritual in nature ("the spirit of heaviness") and "the garment of praise" will help to lift it. Just think about King Saul for a moment. When he was being tormented by an evil spirit, he did find relief when David played his harp before him.
2. Spend some time in the Psalms.
If you can't concentrate enough to read them, then either listen to them on CD if you have the Bible on CD or you can listen to them online on the following website for free:
https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/audio/
I personally prefer the KJV reading by Max McLean, but you can choose whichever version or narrator best suits you.
Anyhow, just know that you're not alone. IOW, everyone struggles with prayer at times.
P.S.
Hey, Josh...