I've personally found that the hardest part of prayer isn't the act itself but overcoming the emotional resistance to start. Sidlow Baxter's analogy about getting out of bed to pray really resonates—our emotions often tempt us to stay comfortable and disengaged. However, making the deliberate choice to pray regardless of how we feel can lead to a powerful spiritual breakthrough. When you push past that initial coldness or apathy, it feels like you're entering into a sacred space where God meets you exactly where you are. In my experience, taking my will by the hand is like setting a mental commitment that I won’t wait for motivation or feelings to kick in. Instead, I choose obedience first. This practice is transformative because over time, feelings of dryness or resistance lessen as faithfulness grows stronger. Jesus’ desire for us to pray—not just when we feel like it but as an act of obedience—is a reminder that spiritual discipline refines our connection with Him. Moreover, prayer isn't just a routine; it's an active wrestling with our wills and prejudices—sometimes challenging but always rewarding. The example from tellingthetruth.com about Cornelius, who was prepared for a divine encounter because he was faithful in prayer, encourages me that preparation through obedience leads to meaningful encounters with God. It’s comforting to know that even when emotions lag, our obedience can open a channel for God to work in us and through us. For anyone struggling with starting or maintaining a prayer life, I encourage adopting this mindset of obedience over emotion. Praying regularly despite internal reluctance isn’t easy, but the reward is a deepened faith and transformed heart. God meets us in those moments, and over time, feelings begin to align with faithfulness, making prayer a source of strength, guidance, and peace.