Why Do We Not Pray? Why Do We Stop Praying?
People stop praying for many reasons. Some do not believe in a divine presence; others are overwhelmed by doubt that overshadows their belief in God. Some feel disheartened when their prayers go unanswered. Others are held back by guilt and shame, or they experience spiritual dryness that makes prayer feel empty.
All these reasons point to a deeper issue: a lack of personal experience of God. Without that experience, the reasons for prayer lose meaning. Yet paradoxically, the very purpose of prayer is to encounter God. When we experience God, faith takes root—and with faith, prayer becomes a natural, heartfelt response. In our aha-moment with God, our faith and prayer become one.
When Jesus died, Thomas’s expectations were shattered. He was left to wrestle with sorrow and confusion. Doubt became his greatest obstacle, slowly crushing his hope in God. Perhaps in silent despair, he cried out, “Why, God?” However, God always listens—and He always responds. Jesus began answering Thomas’s doubt by first appearing to the other disciples. But the news of His return seemed too good to be true, and Thomas’s skepticism remained.
A week later, Jesus returned—and this time, Thomas was present. Overwhelmed by in encountering the Lord, Thomas could only exclaim, “My Lord and my God!” The experience of Jesus melted every doubt and filled his heart with love that he cannot explain. He embraced God’s will, knowing his life would never be the same again.
As we celebrate the feast of the Apostle Thomas, I am reminded of William Barclay’s words: “There is something very lovable and very admirable about Thomas. Faith was never an easy thing for him; obedience never came readily to him. He was the man who had to be sure; he was the man who had to count the cost.”
How do we proceed when our faith is in doubt and make sure of our faith? To move forward, could we count the cost by praying? In moments of struggle, prayer opens the way to experiencing God. Doubt often carries a hidden curiosity—a deep yearning to understand life’s greater purpose. While it may reflect a weakened faith, it is not the absence of faith. The beautiful truth is that when doubt is brought into prayer, it becomes a path to the revelation of God’s love. Within the curiosity that doubt brings lies the adventure of encountering and responding to our Creator and His mysteries.
After Jesus’ ascension, Thomas, once burdened by doubt, was sent like the other apostles to proclaim the Gospel. According to tradition, he traveled to India, where he founded a Christian community that endures to this day. Ultimately, he followed his Master’s example—giving his life in martyrdom, reportedly pierced by a spear.
Let us pause and ask God the grace to continue praying unceasingly in times of doubt, trusting that He will always listen. Here, we will experience the joy of proclaiming, “My Lord and my God!” and answer His call to “Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.”
Rev. George Meze, SJ
I am Fr. Vilezo George Meze SJ, originally from India. I am doing my EdD studies and serve as a spiritual director with Campus Ministry. Before coming to the U.S., I spent a decade working in school administration among Indigenous communities in Northeast India.
