“We are only as strong as our prayer life.”
I read that recently, and wow—did it hit home.
Prayer is one of the most underrated yet powerful tools we have in our healing journey, especially when it comes to post-abortion regret. I’ve noticed that the times in my life when I felt most overwhelmed and disconnected almost always lined up with the times I let my prayer life slip.
If that resonates with you, you’re not alone. Today I want to share how daily prayer can help you heal your heart from abortion shame and guilt—and how to actually build a prayer routine that feels life-giving, not legalistic.
Let’s dive in.
When My Prayer Life Went Cold
Last fall, I took an unintentional break from prayer journaling. I had started treating my quiet time like a to-do list instead of a relationship. I love writing out my prayers, but some mornings when the kids woke up early or I was behind schedule, I’d skip it—and then spiral into guilt.
I felt like I was letting God down. That I wasn’t giving Him my best. So I stopped the routine altogether.
Now, I didn’t stop talking to God—I still prayed throughout the day and stayed plugged into my church’s discipleship group. But I wasn’t carving out intentional time with Him. And over time, my spiritual life began to suffer.
Not because God was disappointed in me. He isn’t keeping score. He created us, and He knows we’re not perfect. The problem was that I wasn’t investing in our relationship anymore. Like any relationship, when we stop being intentional, connection weakens.
Rebuilding My Prayer Practice
At the beginning of the year, I felt a clear nudge from God: come back.
I started setting aside mornings again—just to be with Him. No pressure. No performance. Just presence.
And almost instantly, things shifted.
- I felt closer to Him.
- I heard His voice more clearly.
- My days were more peaceful.
- I was more patient as a wife and mom.
- My work improved.
- I felt free again.
And the best part? When I did miss a day, I didn’t beat myself up. I reminded myself: God is grateful for any time I spend with Him. He doesn’t grade us. If I couldn’t journal that day, it didn’t mean I was failing—it just meant I was connecting with Him in a different way.
How Daily Prayer Can Help Heal Abortion Regret
If you’ve never had a daily prayer practice before—or if yours feels stale—I want to encourage you to give it another try. This can be one of the most powerful tools in your post-abortion healing journey.
Here’s how to make it work for you:
1. Set a Time
Choose a time of day that works consistently, and stick to it as best you can. Morning works best for me—before my kids wake up. But if your kids are around, let them see you pray. It’s a beautiful witness.
Put it on your calendar. Set a reminder. Give it weight.
2. Pick a Prayer Method
There’s no “right” way to pray. God just wants your heart.
- Journal your prayers
- Pray out loud
- Talk to God in your head
- Draw or doodle while praying
- Pray while walking or working out
Personally, journaling helps me stay focused, but do what keeps you connected—and feel free to switch it up.
3. Use Helpful Tools
Consider using devotionals, prayer cards, or books to guide you. I offer a free 30-Day Digital Devotional Journal to my coaching clients that’s designed specifically for post-abortion healing. If you’d like access, book a 1:1 coaching session at brittanypoppe.com/coaching.
Other favorites:
- The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson
- Draw the Circle: The 40 Day Prayer Challenge by Mark Batterson
Both radically changed my prayer life.
4. Remember: It’s a Relationship
Prayer isn’t just about asking God for things—it’s about building a relationship with Him.
And sometimes, He’s waiting for us to take a step of obedience. Yes, pray for healing. But also ask Him:
“What’s my next step?”
Healing often happens when prayer meets obedience.
5. Don’t Give Up
Did you miss a day? No shame. Start again tomorrow.
Feel like it’s not “working”? Reevaluate. Are you filling your mind with distractions the rest of the day?
Quiet the noise. Keep going. God is always listening.
Let’s Walk This Out Together
I would love to hear how you’re building a prayer routine in your healing journey. Come share your plan (or your questions!) in our private Facebook group, Abortion Recovery for Christian Women. You can post anonymously, and it’s a safe space full of grace and support.
I truly believe your healing will accelerate as your prayer life deepens.
Let’s heal together—one prayer at a time.
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