Unless you’ve been around people who pray aloud, or grew up in a faith-based community, prayer can feel awkward. There’s not a set formula for prayer, which can sometimes feel intimidating. You may wonder, “Am I doing it wrong?” or “What if I don’t know what to say?”
The good news is prayer can be simple. God isn’t looking for perfect words; He’s looking for you just to share what’s on your heart. Here are a few of the ways you can being praying:
Start with the Prayer Jesus Taught Us
When Jesus’ disciples asked Him how to pray, He gave them this simple model, known as The Lord’s Prayer:
“Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name,
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
And forgive us our debts,
As we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.”
(Matthew 6:9–13)
This isn’t just something to memorize; it’s an outline you can build on:
- Praise – “Our Father… hallowed be Your name”
- Surrender – “Your will be done”
- Ask for any needs you might have – “Give us today our daily bread”
- Confess any sins and forgive others – “Forgive us… as we forgive…”
- Ask for help – “Lead us not into temptation”
You Don’t Need Fancy Words
Jesus warned against using “many words” just to sound spiritual (see Matthew 6:7). He pointed to the Pharisees, religious leaders who prayed for show, often on the streets outside the temple. God’s not impressed by fancy language; he just wants you to be honest.
Talk to Him like you would a good friend who knows everything about you, and still loves you no matter what it is you need to say to Him.
Simple Ways To Start Praying
1. Write a Letter to God
If talking out loud feels weird, start by writing your prayers in a journal. Write like you are having a conversation with Him, and He’s just a good listener.
2. Find a Quiet Spot
Jesus often went off by Himself to pray (Mark 1:35). A quiet corner, your car, or even a closet works just fine. It’s good to find a place without a lot of distractions.
3. Use Prayer Prompts
Here are a few starters:
- “God, I’m feeling anxious about…”
- “Thank you for…”
- “Lord, I need help with…”
- “Please help my friend who is…”
4. Try “Breath Prayers”
These are short prayers you repeat quietly when you don’t know what else to say, but feel like you want or need to say something.
Examples:
- “Jesus, give me peace.”
- “Lord, I trust You.”
- “Thank You, God.”
Remember Prayer Is a Relationship
Don’t treat prayer like a performance. Treat it like a conversation. You don’t have to fill the silence. You don’t need a script. Just start. Even if all you can say is, “Help”, that’s enough. Sometimes in the silence we can hear Him speaking back to us, not audibly, but in our thoughts and hearts.
Also, remember you’re not alone. Every believer, no matter how long they’ve walked with God, had to start somewhere. God delights in hearing your voice, even when it’s shaky or unsure.
So, find your quiet place… and just say hello.Looking for more resources on prayer? Check out our Set Page, where you can learn more about praying through the Lord’s Prayer, a great first step.