How to Pray When You Don’t Feel Anything (Peter Adam on Prayerfulness)

In this first episode of Her Theology (February 2026), Cass sits down with Australian theologian Peter Adam to talk about prayerfulness, what prayer really is, why so many of us struggle to pray, and how to grow in practical, steady habits (without measuring prayer by emotion). Peter challenges the idea that prayer must be spontaneous to be “real,” explains how prepared prayers can deepen faith, and shares vulnerably about praying through depression, including why Psalm 88 mattered to him and why sometimes the best thing you can do is let trusted friends pray for you. You’ll also hear a thoughtful discussion about the Holy Spirit in prayer, how God uses prayers we think “failed,” and why fasting is less about rule-keeping and more about self-denial and dependence. 📌 In this episode: Does prayer need emotion to be real? Can you read a prayer and truly be praying? The Holy Spirit’s role in prayer (Scripture + inner prompting) Praying in depression & why Psalm 88 helps Why “pray without ceasing” can be more practical than you think Fasting: what it is, why it matters, and how to avoid guilt 📖 Resources mentioned Prayerfulness (Peter Adam) Psalm 88 The Lord’s Prayer Colossians 3:16 (mentioned) Paul’s “big prayers” (Ephesians/Colossians themes) 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@hertheologypodcast 🎧 Listen on podcast: Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/her-theology/id1539313608 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5Fy22UVwij5jctL2YCf8Pt 📩 Join the Her Theology email list: hertheology.com 00:00 - Welcome + Why Prayer Feels Hard 02:46 - Meeting Peter Adam + Prayerfulness 04:27 - What Prayer Actually Is (Biblically) 08:15 - “I’ve Always Found Prayer Difficult” 10:35 - Praying Throughout the Day 14:39 - Praying Scripture & Big Biblical Prayers 17:31 - Can We Pray for Small Things? 18:39 - The Holy Spirit’s Role in Prayer 25:07 - Healing, Faith & The Prosperity Trap 26:57 - Depression, Psalm 88 & Borrowed Prayers 30:43 - Why We Must Pray With Others 34:08 - Distracted Prayer & Staying Focused 41:32 - Fasting, Self-Denial & Dependence 53:29 - 3 Simple Ways to Grow in Prayer #ChristianPrayer #HowToPray #BiblicalTheology #HerTheology #PrayerLife #HolySpirit #Fasting #ChristianDiscipleship #Psalm88