Prayer Closet Real Talk
When God Feels Silent
Sis, let’s talk. Not the social media highlight reel talk. Not the “I’m too blessed to be stressed” kind of conversation. But the raw, tear-stained pillow, hands-lifted-in-frustration, “Lord, do You even hear me?” kind of talk.
This is for the woman who has prayed until her voice went hoarse. Who has fasted, sowed seeds, served faithfully, journaled, cried, repented, and still… nothing. Just silence.
I see you.
More importantly, God sees you. Even in the silence.
This prayer closet real talk about when God feels silent; and how we navigate spiritual dry seasons with honesty, hope, and holy fire that won’t burn out.
When Silence Feels Like Abandonment
There’s a particular kind of ache that comes from feeling ignored by the One you love the most. It’s not just loneliness; it’s a holy ache.
You ask questions like:
“Lord, did I miss something?”
“Why can’t I feel Your presence like I used to?”
“Is this punishment?”
“Am I doing something wrong?”
And I want to pause right here and tell you: You’re not crazy. You’re not weak. And you’re definitely not alone. Spiritual dry seasons when God feels silent are not signs that God has left you. They’re often signs that He’s drawing you deeper. The silence isn’t absence. It's an invitation.
The Misunderstood Ministry of Silence
We live in a culture that idolizes noise, productivity, performance, and applause. But God? He does some of His most powerful work in the stillness.
Remember Elijah in 1 Kings 19? The prophet was running on empty mentally, emotionally, spiritually. He was looking for God in the fire, the wind, the earthquake… but God wasn’t in any of that.
Then came a whisper. “And after the fire came a gentle whisper…” (1 Kings 19:12, NIV)
When God is silent, He might be whispering. And the only way to hear a whisper is to come closer.
Real Talk: What Dry Seasons Feel Like
I want to name what some of us are too ashamed to say out loud.
Spiritual dry seasons can feel like:
Prayer fatigue. You open your mouth and it feels like dust is coming out.
Worship withdrawal. The music is playing, hands are lifted, but your heart feels numb.
Word confusion. You read your Bible, but it doesn’t move you.
Isolation. You’re surrounded by people but feel unseen by God.
Shame. You wonder if you’re the only one not “feeling it” anymore.
Here’s the truth that sets you free: Faith is not a feeling. It’s not goosebumps or tears during a sermon. It’s the choice to still believe even when your soul feels parched.
Why God May Be Silent
Let’s unpack this. There are a few spiritual reasons why you might be in a dry season — none of which mean God is done with you.
1. He’s Growing Your Faith Muscles
Sometimes, God pulls back not to punish you, but to strengthen you. Just like a parent teaching a child to walk will take a step back — not to abandon, but to empower.
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)
When your senses fail you, your spirit rises.
2. He’s Speaking Differently
Maybe you’re used to hearing God one way: through dreams, prophecy, or emotions, but now He’s shifting your spiritual ears.
God may be inviting you to listen in new ways: through Scripture, through silence, through circumstances, or through other people.
3. He’s Doing a Reset
Dry seasons reveal what you’ve been depending on. If worship was more about music than intimacy, if prayer became routine instead of relationship, the silence detoxes your soul.
It’s not punishment. It’s pruning.
What To Do When God Feels Silent
I won’t give you a five-step formula to end the silence. Because God is not a vending machine, He’s a Father. But I will share some ways to keep your spirit alive while you wait.
1. Be Honest With God
God can handle your honesty. Cry. Yell. Whisper. Journal. Sing off-key. He’s not offended by your pain.
David did it all the time:
“How long, Lord? Will You forget me forever?” (Psalm 13:1)
Honest prayers are still holy.
2. Stay in the Word, Even If It Feels Dry
Keep showing up. Even when the Scriptures feel like stale bread, keep chewing. The Word is alive, and one verse in the right moment can shatter the silence.
Don’t read for feelings. Read for faith.
3. Worship Through the Fog
Worship isn’t for God’s ego, it’s for your spirit. It reminds you of what’s true, even when your feelings are shaky.
Put on your worship playlist. Lift your hands in your bedroom. Whisper “Hallelujah” through your tears.
Worship is warfare.
4. Anchor Yourself in Community
Don’t isolate yourself. That’s exactly where the enemy wants you, alone, discouraged, and silent.
Lean into your sisters in Christ. Join a Bible study. Send a text. Ask someone to pray for you and with you when you can’t pray for yourself.
Community carries us when our faith is weak.
5. Remember What He Said Last
If God is silent now, go back to the last thing He said. Did He give you an assignment? A promise? A word?
Keep walking that out until He speaks again.
You’re Not Failing — You’re Being Formed
Beloved, this season is not failure. It’s formation.
You are not forgotten. You are being fortified.
And though your soul feels dry, the Spirit is still flowing under the surface.
There’s a version of you on the other side of this silence — bolder, deeper, wiser, more rooted. She’s already in the making.
“Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:4)
This is the part of your testimony that won’t be flashy, but it’ll be foundational. This is the kind of faith that doesn’t need fireworks to stand.
This is where warriors are born.
Final Encouragement: Keep Coming to the Closet
If you’re in a spiritual dry season, keep coming to the prayer closet; even when the floor is cold and the room feels empty.
Sometimes, just showing up is the most powerful act of faith.
Because here’s the beautiful truth: God is not just listening to your words. He’s reading your heart. And He always responds. Maybe not in your timing, maybe not in your way, but always in love.
Even silence is sacred when God is in it.
So Sis, hold on.
Keep praying.
Keep worshiping.
Keep believing.
The silence won’t last forever.
But what do you gain in the silence? That will last eternally.
If this post spoke to you, share it with a sister who might need the reminder. Drop a comment below about your own experiences in spiritual dry seasons — let’s build each other up.
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