As Christians, we face a huge challenge when it comes to apathy. Often times we feel like we have no ability to motivate ourselves.
This is not a new spiritual problem. We see apathy, sluggishness, and slothfulness written about in the Old and New Testaments.
However, there are unique challenges to apathy in this generation. We live in a time where whatever goes, you know what is best for you, and ultimately you are the boss.
Scripture however reveals a different picture. It points out that God is still ruling, He knows what is best, and ultimately He is in control.
We know that our apathy is not good or honoring to a God who has given everything to reconcile us to Himself. A God that gave His own son so we might not have to experience His wrath. A God who loved us so much that by simply turning to Him in faith allows us to be adopted into His family.
So how do we escape apathy?
It begins with prayer. Seek God and ask for the Holy Spirit to encourage you. Ask for God to help you push through the excuses. Be diligent in reading God’s word and remember the Gospel daily.
If we were to fix our eyes on these things we would not so easily slump into apathy and our own ‘control’.
We are glad you are praying about your own apathy or maybe the apathy of a loved one. These prayers will hopefully guide you in a new way to pray for apathy.
We are eager to hear how God answers these prayers and would love to pray with you during this time. Please comment below so we can join with you in prayer.
Short Prayer Against Apathy
Dear Heavenly Father, You alone have the power to save. You have created all things, including me. And you created me for a purpose, to honor you with my entire life.
Father, You know that I fall short in this area. My life prior to knowing you was in complete rebellion against you. I was separated from you, but you in your great mercy, sent Christ to die for my sins allowing me to be reconciled to you if I believe in Christ as Lord.
Father, you know I have believed. You know I love you and I look forward to eternity with you. However, the businesses and stresses of this life pull my attention away from you. I have become apathetic towards you and all you have done in my life.
Help me to see all the Gospel has done and allow me to have a renewed spirit and to get rid of the apathy in my life. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer Against Apathy So I Can Help Others
Sovereign God, my apathy is not good for me. It leaves me feeling far from you and I desire to be closer to you. However, I know that my apathy also affects others around me. Help me to have a zeal for you so that I can encourage others.
“Do not be slothful in zeal; be fervent in Spirit; serve the Lord” (Romans: 12:11 ESV)
God, I know that you have called me to make disciples. When I am apathetic towards you and your word I am setting an example to others that you are not worth my time. Instead, Lord, I want to set an example of loving and serving with zeal.
Help me to see the different roles you have called me to and serve with zeal even when it doesn’t feel good. Allow me to be a servant leader. Guide me into passionately following after you and invite others to do the same.
God, I want to show a passion for Your glory in the church. I want to stir up others and get rid of the apathy that lingers in so many of us at the church. Begin in me, Lord. Rid me of any apathy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer For Confessing Apathy
God, you are the truth. I don’t want to set my standards on anything but you and your word. Help me to see how serious my apathy is. Allow me to be moved by the Gospel again and again.
Father, I want to be captivated by you, to be in awe of Christ, and to be motivated by Christ’s love. Right now though most of my life is apathetic towards you. Forgive me, God.
God, I recognize that I am lacking in zeal for you and for doing good for your glory.
Christ, you gave yourself to redeem me from all lawlessness. You purified me for yourself. This should give me zeal for your work. Please rid me of all apathy.
I confess today that I have been apathetic and I know this is dishonoring towards you. Help me to turn from my apathy and only have a zeal for you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer For Accountability Towards Zeal
Gracious King, you have allowed me to be called your own. You have rescued me out of the darkness and now I am a citizen of light. I am so thankful for this new life.
God, I no longer want to be apathetic but only to have zeal for you. I’m praying today that you would give me someone who can help me be accountable for this.
Please give me someone in my life that will encourage me in this way.
“stir up one another to love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24 ESV)
I want my zeal towards you to overflow into good deeds and love for others. Help me to not neglect to hear the encouragement and accountability that I receive by going to church.
God, I see that going to church is the best way to regularly hear the Gospel, be encouraged by others, and see opportunities where I can serve. I know that the best form of accountability is getting into a good church so will you help me to go to church each week?
Thank you for your design of the church and the accountability it will bring in this area of getting rid of apathy and into a life of zeal for you and your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer To Daily Remember The Gospel
God, I know that you have created the church and it is a beautiful thing. You instruct us not to neglect being together and I love the opportunity every week to gather together.
Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:25 ESV)
God, today my prayer is for help on the other days of the week. I need to be reminded daily of your grace. Whenever I hear the Gospel my mind and attitude are changed from focusing on myself and instead focusing on You.
Father, remind me today of the Gospel that set me free and gave me the joy that will remove all apathy.
Allow this truth to sink so far into my heart that it allows me to serve and love others earnestly, to seek you throughout my day, and to practice hospitality.
God, I ask that you help me remember the Gospel every day because this is what will remove the apathy from my life and give me zeal to live in the way that you have called me to. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer Against Apathy So I Can Help Others
Sovereign God, my apathy is not good for me. It leaves me feeling far from you and I desire to be closer to you. However, I know that my apathy also affects others around me. Help me to have a zeal for you so that I can encourage others.
“Do not be slothful in zeal; be fervent in Spirit; serve the Lord” (Romans: 12:11 ESV)
God, I know that you have called me to make disciples. When I am apathetic towards you and your word I am setting an example to others that you are not worth my time. Instead, Lord, I want to set an example of loving and serving with zeal.
Help me to see the different roles you have called me to and serve with zeal even when it doesn’t feel good. Allow me to be a servant leader. Guide me into passionately following after you and invite others to do the same.
God, I want to show a passion for Your glory in the church. I want to stir up others and get rid of the apathy that lingers in so many of us at the church. Begin in me, Lord. Rid me of any apathy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Closing Thoughts
Apathy is a dangerous sin to be comfortable with. We may even convince ourselves it’s not that big of a deal. However, God has called us to live a life that is not luck warm but rather full of zeal for Him and the Gospel.
It is good to start fighting off apathy by praying. I hope these prayers helped you refocus a little more today and you sought the Lord in prayer. If you are still wanting to grow in your zeal for the Lord this article on growing closer to God, may help.
If there is any way we can additionally be praying for you in this area please comment below so we can be praying with you.
