How to Pray When You Don’t Know What to Say

When you don’t know what to say in prayer, begin with one honest sentence: “God, I want to pray, but I’m not sure how. Please help me.” You can then name a need, give thanks for something specific, or slowly pray the words Jesus taught his disciples.

This guide approaches prayer from a Christian perspective. Whether you are exploring faith, returning after a long time, or struggling to find words today, you can take a small first step without preparing a speech.

You can ask to be taught

One of Jesus’ disciples asked, “Lord, teach us to pray.” Asking for help is part of the Gospel’s account of learning to pray. Jesus answered with the prayer Christians know as the Lord’s Prayer. Luke 11:1–4

Before teaching it in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus warns against praying to impress other people and imagining that many words will secure a hearing. He tells his hearers that their Father knows what they need before they ask. Read this as an invitation to approach God sincerely, rather than worrying about how impressive your prayer sounds. Matthew 6:5–8

Written prayers and a prayer book can also be a good starting point; your own words are another option. Try using the words you would normally use. If your first sentence feels unfinished, you can stop, pause, and continue. There is no need to turn every thought into religious language.

Use the Lord’s Prayer when you need a starting point

You can read the Lord’s Prayer directly from your Bible, or pray the version used in your church. You can also let its themes guide your own words: honouring God’s name, praying for his kingdom to come and his will to be done, asking for daily provision, asking for forgiveness, forgiving others, and seeking help against temptation and evil. Matthew 6:9–13

For a first attempt, read one line slowly. Pause and consider what it brings to mind today. Then offer a short response of your own. You do not have to add a personal sentence after every line, or understand everything before you begin.

For example, after reading the line about daily bread, you might pray about providing for your family or share your concern for someone who lacks enough food. These are examples of applying the prayer to daily life, not extra words you are required to say.

A simple outline for your own prayer

If a blank page or a quiet room leaves you stuck, try these five prompts. They are a practical exercise you can adapt, not a test or a compulsory formula.

1. Address God. Start with “Father,” “Lord,” or “God.” Take a moment to remember whom you are addressing.
2. Give thanks. Name something particular: a meal, a kind conversation, or help you received. If today has been difficult, you do not have to pretend otherwise.
3. Speak honestly. Describe what is on your mind. You might be worried, grateful, confused, sorry, or unsure what you believe.
4. Ask for help. Bring one need and one other person to mind. Be specific enough that you know what you are asking.
5. Ask for guidance. Consider the next choice in front of you. Ask for help to act with patience, truthfulness, or love, then close your prayer.

If five prompts feel like too much, choose one. You can also write your prayer down and read it aloud. The Church of England’s beginner guidance suggests using written prayers and the Psalms when you need help finding words. Learning to pray

An example prayer you can adapt

The following is an original example, not a quotation from Scripture:

Change the details so they are truthful for you. You can leave a pause where you want to name someone, or replace the example completely with your own words.

When words still do not come

In a passage about suffering, hope, and waiting, Paul describes the Spirit helping believers in their weakness when they do not know how to pray as they ought, and says the Spirit intercedes for them. The reassurance in Romans 8 concerns God’s help in weakness; it does not promise that every request will be answered in the way we expect. Romans 8:18–27

You can pause quietly, or return to a short sentence such as, “God, help me bring this to you.” Silence does not have to become another task you must perform perfectly.

If you need language for disappointment, read Psalm 13. It begins with questions about feeling forgotten, asks for help, and ends with an expression of trust. Its movement gives Christians room to bring sorrow into prayer without pretending it has already disappeared. Psalm 13

Can you pray the same words again?

Yes. In Gethsemane, Jesus returned to prayer and repeated his words while entrusting himself to the Father’s will. Repetition itself is not the same as thinking many words will earn a hearing. Matthew 26:39–44

A familiar prayer can give you words to return to. You can say it slowly and attend to its meaning, rather than pressuring yourself to invent something new every time.

Take one small step today

Choose a moment today, open Luke 11:1–4, and read it slowly. Then offer one honest sentence about your own life. That is a manageable place to begin.

If you would like company as you learn, ask a trusted Christian or a leader in your church to pray with you and explain their approach. You do not need to arrive with polished words.

For church teams, our guide to responding when someone asks for prayer covers who follows up and how to respect the person’s wishes.

Prepared with AI assistance. Scripture references were checked against the World English Bible Classic, which is in the public domain. Translation information. The example prayer and suggested sentences are original wording.

Featured image: AI-generated editorial illustration.