The Heart Cries and Groans of Prayer 

Julie Fillinger • March 10, 2026

Share this article

Click the play button below to listen to the podcast

An Honest Confession About Prayer  

I’ve been a Christian for a long time, and I still feel like I’m learning how to pray. I often wonder if I’m doing it “right,” if God is really hearing me, or why my mind gets so distracted the moment I begin. Over time, though, God has gently met me in those questions and given me several breakthroughs that have reshaped how I approach prayer. I share them here with the hope that they encourage you on your own journey. Even the cries of your heart and groans of your spirit speak to God. 

First Light: Learning to Watch and Wait  

One of my earliest breakthroughs came through something called First Light —the moments before sunrise when darkness just begins to give way to light. Sitting quietly, watching expectantly, taught me that prayer often begins not with words, but with waiting. God doesn’t rush, and He invites me into a posture of anticipation rather than productivity. Even on cloudy mornings, His presence still breaks through. First Light trained my heart to expect that God truly wants to meet with me.  

Praying God’s Word: Letting Scripture Lead  

Another turning point came when I stopped trying to come up with the “right” words and started praying Scripture—especially the Psalms. Reading a line and turning it into a prayer focused my wandering mind and opened my heart to pray for others. God’s Word gave shape and direction to my prayers, transforming them from scattered thoughts into meaningful conversation. Over time, praying the Psalms became one of the most life-giving rhythms of my prayer life.  Shape

Breathing and the Holy Spirit: Slowing Down to Listen  

I also learned something surprisingly simple: I needed to breathe. Taking a few slow, intentional breaths before praying helped me center my thoughts and become more aware of the Holy Spirit. Since Scripture connects breath and spirit, breathing became a physical reminder to slow down, let go, and listen. Prayer isn’t about emptying my mind—it’s about tuning my heart to God’s presence.   Shape 

The Pocket Prayer: Simple, Honest, and Powerful  

One of the most practical tools I’ve learned is the Pocket Prayer , a simple summary of the Lord’s Prayer:

  • Father 
  • You are good 
  • Your will is good 
  • I need help 
  • They need help 
  • Thank you 
  • In Jesus’ name, 
  •  Amen 

Each phrase invites reflection, humility, and honesty. This isn’t about impressing God—it’s about bringing my real self before Him. The Pocket Prayer reminds me who God is, who I am, and how deeply I need His grace.  

What Prayer Really Is  

Prayer is more than making requests. It includes gratitude, praise, confession, and dependence. It’s sincere, thoughtful, and guided by the Holy Spirit.

Scripture shows us that prayer can even begin as a groan—an inarticulate cry that God still hears. Ultimately, prayer isn’t about changing God’s mind; it’s about allowing Him to change mine.  

How We Pray: Humility, Alertness, and Bold Confidence  

Prayer calls me to humility—acknowledging that I am not in control. It keeps me alert in a spiritual battle where faith must be actively guarded. And because of Jesus, I can approach God’s throne with bold confidence, not fear. Asking God for help isn’t weakness; it’s strength rooted in trust. Courage for the journey doesn’t come from myself—it comes from the God who invites me to pray.  

Discussion & Reflection Questions  

  1. What fears or distractions most often interfere with your prayer life? 
  2. How does the idea of waiting expectantly change the way you think about prayer? 
  3. Have you ever tried praying Scripture? What might that look like for you this week? 
  4. Which phrase from the Pocket Prayer resonates most with you right now—and why? 
  5. In what ways might God be using prayer to change your heart rather than your circumstances? 
  6. How does knowing you can boldly approach God’s throne affect your willingness to pray honestly? 

< Older Post Newer Post >

Recent Posts

The Shift That Changes Everything

By Julie Fillinger • June 23, 2026
Julie Fillinger Sometimes I am guilty of biding my time until I get to heaven. I discovered enjoying God’s presence everyday changes my perspective on how I see suffering, waiting, and the journey ahead. In today’s podcast, I talk about what God used to help me make that shift. The post The Shift That Changes Everything appeared first on julie fillinger.

How God Changed Susan’s Plans…And Her Perspective

By Julie Fillinger • June 9, 2026
Julie Fillinger Susan Sellers shares a moving testimony of faith, perseverance, and God’s faithfulness through unexpected health struggles. In this Women of Faith episode, she reflects on open-heart surgery, years of complications, and the peace she found by trusting God when life did not go according to her original plan. The post How God Changed Susan’s Plans…And Her Perspective appeared first on julie fillinger.

Sonya’s Story of Quiet Courage and the Impact of Forgiveness

By Julie Fillinger • May 26, 2026
Julie Fillinger In this powerful Women of Faith conversation, Sonya Fortner shares her ongoing grief journey after the loss of her daughter Hannah. Together we discuss quiet courage, forgiveness, faith in suffering, and how God’s grace meets us in heartbreak. This honest conversation offers hope, healing, and encouragement for anyone walking through loss. The post Sonya’s Story of Quiet Courage and the Impact of Forgiveness appeared first on julie fillinger.

Phyllis Smith: A Life of Faith and Resilience

By Julie Fillinger • May 12, 2026
Julie Fillinger In this Women of Faith episode, Phyllis Smith shares how God shaped her through family life, military moves, community, widowhood, and an ongoing battle with cancer. Her steady perspective—taking each day as it comes—offers practical hope for anyone walking through loss or uncertainty. The post Phyllis Smith: A Life of Faith and Resilience appeared first on julie fillinger.

From Pageants to Purpose: Elizabeth’s Journey to Peace and Contentment

By Julie Fillinger • April 28, 2026
Julie Fillinger Elizabeth Miller shares how true peace and contentment are found not in achievement or status, but in a surrendered relationship with Jesus Christ. Through college challenges, pageant experiences, and career lessons, her story encourages women to fix their minds on Christ and discover lasting purpose, identity, and joy beyond performance. The post From Pageants to Purpose: Elizabeth’s Journey to Peace and Contentment appeared first on julie fillinger.

Ashley’s Story: Turning Pain into Purpose

By Julie Fillinger • April 14, 2026
Julie Fillinger In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with my friend Ashley as she shares her story of child loss, faith, and the peace that only God can give. Together, we talk honestly about grief, heaven, and how God meets us in life’s deepest sorrow. The post Ashley’s Story: Turning Pain into Purpose appeared first on julie fillinger.

The Cure for Loneliness

By Julie Fillinger • March 31, 2026
Julie Fillinger Loneliness persists even in busy, connected lives. This message explores why community alone cannot heal the ache within, and how God’s presence transforms isolation into hope. Through Scripture, worship, and Spirit-filled fellowship, we discover true connection, renewed perspective, and the assurance that we are never truly alone. The post The Cure for Loneliness appeared first on julie fillinger.

End of the Live Series Recap

By Julie Fillinger • March 17, 2026
Julie Fillinger We just finished leading our Courage for the Journey Live series, and our hearts are full. Over six Wednesday nights, we explored our view of God, suffering, courage, hope, peace, and prayer together. This recap reflects what resonated, what surprised us, and where we believe God is leading us next in this season.  The post End of the Live Series Recap appeared first on julie fillinger.

Peace With God Is Real

By Julie Fillinger • March 3, 2026
Julie Fillinger Through faith in Jesus, I have peace with God that steadies my heart when life feels uncertain. This devotional explores the difference between peace with God and the peace of God, showing how trust and prayer replace anxiety with hope and rest, even in suffering. The post Peace With God Is Real appeared first on julie fillinger.

Unshakable Hope IS Possible

By Julie Fillinger • February 24, 2026
Julie Fillinger Hope became my anchor as I faced loss and grief. Through suffering, endurance, and faith in God’s promises, I found unshakable hope. The resurrection assures me that loved ones are more alive than ever, and I live with the expectation of eternal life and future glory.  The post Unshakable Hope IS Possible appeared first on julie fillinger.
Show More