We believe in prayer. We love it. We need it every day.
But sometimes, if we look closely, we’ll see that some of the things we do during prayer are just funny. Not sinful. Not evil. Just… funny.
Maybe it’s how we move. Maybe it’s what we say. Maybe it’s how serious we try to look. Over time, people pick up habits that are more dramatic than spiritual. And it’s okay to laugh a little while still learning.
Let’s talk about four funny things people do in the name of prayer.
1. The “Holy Twist and Squeeze” Posture
You’ve probably seen it—or done it. Someone starts to pray and suddenly their whole body gets involved.
They bend at the waist like they’re picking something from the floor
Their neck twists to the side
Their face squeezes tightly
One leg starts tapping the ground like a drum
It becomes a full workout session.
Now, there’s nothing wrong with movement during prayer. But sometimes we confuse spiritual power with physical effort.
Ecclesiastes 5 verse 2 says:
“Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God…”
In other words, slow down. Breathe. God hears your words. He is not measuring how twisted your spine is.
2. The “Repeat It Until Heaven Shakes” Method
There are people who believe that the more you repeat a word, the more powerful the prayer.
“Fire fire fire fire…”
“Break break break break…”
“Now now now now…”
At some point, the word loses meaning. But the person keeps going.
Repetition is not a sin. Persistence is biblical. But prayer is not about how many times you can shout a word. It’s about faith and sincerity.
Matthew 6 verse 7 says:
“And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like the pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.”
You don’t have to push the word like a chant. God heard you the first time.
3. Praying in King James English
“O Father, Thou art worthy. Hearken unto thy servant…”
Some people cannot pray unless they sound like a Shakespeare play. King James English becomes their spiritual language—even though they don’t talk like that any other time.
But here’s the truth. God understands your normal voice. You don’t need to speak “Thee” and “Thou” to sound holy.
Romans 8 verse 15 says:
“By Him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’”
That word “Abba” means Daddy. It shows closeness, not performance. Speak to God like you would speak to someone who truly loves you. You don’t need old English to be heard.
4. The “Sleep Talking Prayer”
This one is more common than we admit.
You lie down to pray
You start strong
Then your voice drops
Then the prayer turns into a mumble
Then silence
Then snoring
You wake up later and say, “Amen.”
We laugh, but it’s real. Prayer at night is powerful, but it also comes with the risk of sleep. The flesh is weak, especially after a long day.
Matthew 26 verse 41 says:
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
If this happens often, you’re not alone. But maybe it’s time to try praying a bit earlier. Or pray while sitting up. Or walking. Keep your body awake so your spirit can stay focused.
Final Thoughts
Prayer is serious, but it is also real. God is not looking for drama. He is looking for hearts.
Yes, we pick up funny habits sometimes. Yes, we laugh at ourselves. But in the middle of it all, God still hears us. He still draws near. He still answers.
So let your prayer be sincere
Let your posture be honest
Let your words come from your heart
And if you catch yourself doing one of these funny things
Just smile
And keep growing