Battling Intrusive Thoughts

Battling Intrusive Thoughts

From Unlocked: Daily Devotions for Teens by Keys for Kids Ministries

June 10, 2026 · 5 min

About this episode

The episode discusses strategies for dealing with intrusive thoughts during prayer and emphasizes the importance of bringing struggles to Jesus.

READ: PSALM 139:1-12; MATTHEW 6:9-13; ROMANS 8:26-39 “What’s wrong with me?” I said to myself as unwelcome thoughts invaded my prayer time. Guilt consumed me. My desire to pray was spoiled by toxic thoughts. This was my special time with God, and I felt like I’d failed. “How can I call myself a Christian? I’ll have to quit praying.” Has this happened to you too? If so, you’re not alone. I discovered there were strategies that helped me, and hopefully they’ll help you too. 1. Remember the world is dysfunctional. Trying to live a holy, God-filled life in a broken world is difficult because humanity is scarred from the effects of original sin (Genesis 3). Thankfully, Jesus knows we’re imperfect, and He wants to walk with us in our brokenness. Dwelling on the ways we think we’ve failed does not help, but bringing them to Jesus will. 2. Acknowledge the struggle and keep praying. One day at church, I felt like the Holy Spirit prompted me to ask someone if they’d ever suffered terrible thoughts while praying. This believer had, in fact, experienced a similar problem! “Pray more” was the helpful advice given. When we pray, we encounter Jesus, which is why our prayers are powerful. That’s…

Topics covered

  • intrusive thoughts
  • prayer
  • spiritual struggle
  • Christianity
  • mental health
  • faith

Keywords

  • intrusive thoughts
  • prayer
  • spirituality
  • Christian faith
  • mental health
  • Holy Spirit
  • Jesus

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: PSALM 139:1-12, MATTHEW 6:9-13, ROMANS 8:26-39, Genesis 3

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