Have you ever run out of prayers?
Perhaps you’ve prayed so hard for something, and the answer didn’t come—or it didn’t come in the way you expected. Maybe the weight of disappointment has silenced your words. Or perhaps you’ve simply run out of spiritual energy, the strength needed to engage in the holy work of prayer.
Prayer is indeed work—a sacred, holy task. But there are times when we lose faith, energy, or confidence in God’s goodwill. We might even start believing the enemy’s whispers that God is withholding answers to punish us. And in our discouragement, we stop coming boldly to the throne of grace, afraid to ask for big things.
If that’s where you are, take heart: You are not alone. Even the great prophet Elijah experienced this.
Elijah ran out of prayers
In 1 Kings 19, Elijah had just faced off against the prophets of Baal and witnessed God’s miraculous power on Mount Carmel. But when Queen Jezebel threatened his life, Elijah became afraid:
“Elijah was afraid and ran for his life…” (1 Kings 19:3).
Fear had replaced faith. He was burned out, discouraged, and ready to give up. Elijah cried out, “I’ve had enough, Lord!” (1 Kings 19:4). Sound familiar?
This mighty prophet—who had just seen fire fall from heaven—was reduced to helplessness. But here’s the good news: Helplessness is exactly where true prayer begins.
Christian theologian Ole Hallesby once wrote, “Prayer has been ordained only for the helpless.”
If you feel helpless, you’re in the perfect place to pray. Prayer is simply telling God, day by day, in what ways you feel inadequate. When you admit your helplessness, you invite the Holy Spirit, the ultimate Helper, to fill up what is lacking in you.
God is never absent, though He may feel hidden. He says to us, “Just keep talking to Me.” Even when you’re out of energy or faith, keep talking to Him. Elijah did. He collapsed in despair but still spoke to God. He kept the conversation going, even in his brokenness.
Four steps for when you run out of prayers
When Elijah ran out of prayers, he took action. More specifically he did four things you can do when you run out of prayers yourself.
First, listen for God’s voice.
God asked Elijah, “What are you doing here?” (1 Kings 19:9). When you’re at your lowest, pause and listen for His still, small voice. He may reveal that this isn’t where He wants you to be—spiritually, emotionally, or physically.
Second, revisit your past.
Elijah traveled to Mount Horeb, the place where God had revealed Himself to Moses. Revisiting his spiritual past reminded Elijah of God’s faithfulness. When you’re in a hole, remember the times God has shown His goodness and power in your life.
Third, deal with the present.
God didn’t leave Elijah in his despair. He gave him practical steps to care for his physical and spiritual needs. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is rest, eat, and take small, obedient steps forward.
Fourth, take on the future.
God renewed Elijah’s calling and sent him back into the world with purpose. If we remain open to God’s direction, even our lowest moments can become part of His eternal plan.
Prayer is the answer
When you run out of prayers, don’t stop praying. Even if you feel ridiculous or faithless, keep talking to God. Helplessness isn’t a barrier to prayer—it’s the doorway.
And as you pray, trust that God is actively engaged, hearing and answering, even when you can’t see it. He is a God who may seem hidden but is never distant.
So, what are you doing here? This might be the question God is asking you today. If you let Him, He will meet you where you are, renew your strength, and set you on a path of purpose once again.
Let’s keep talking to Him, even when we’ve run out of words.