How to Pray When You Don't Know How

Prayer is talking with God. That is really all it is. You do not need special words, a quiet cathedral or a particular posture. You can pray out loud or silently, in the car or at the kitchen sink, in full sentences or in a sigh.

If you said yes to Jesus at Gage Park, or you are simply curious, prayer can still feel strange at first — like talking to the ceiling. Jesus' own friends felt that way. They asked Him, “Lord, teach us to pray.” His answer is the best place to start.

Start with the prayer Jesus taught

When His disciples asked how to pray, Jesus gave them a short prayer, now called the Lord's Prayer. It is not a magic formula to recite; it is a pattern you can follow in your own words. Here it is, from Matthew 6:

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today 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 the evil one.”

Pray it one line at a time

“Our Father in heaven.” Start by remembering who you are talking to: not a distant force, but a Father who loves you. “Hallowed be your name.” Thank Him and praise Him for who He is.

“Your kingdom come, your will be done.” Ask for His good purposes in your life, your family and your city. “Give us today our daily bread.” Ask for what you actually need today — work, health, wisdom, money for rent. Nothing is too ordinary.

“Forgive us … as we also have forgiven.” Be honest about where you have gone wrong, receive His forgiveness, and let go of what you are holding against others. “Lead us not into temptation.” Ask for strength and protection for the day ahead.

A simple daily rhythm

Pick a time you already have — first coffee, the drive to work, before you fall asleep. Give it five minutes. Walk through the Lord's Prayer in your own words, then talk to God about whatever is on your mind. End by sitting quietly for a minute. Prayer is a conversation, and conversations include listening.

Some people find it helps to pray with a Bible open — reading a chapter of John, then praying about what they read.

When your mind wanders

It will. Do not scold yourself; just come back. If you keep drifting to the same worry, that is probably what you need to pray about. Praying out loud, writing your prayers in a notebook, or praying while you walk can all help you stay focused.

Short prayers for real life

Not every prayer needs five minutes. Some of the most honest prayers in the Bible are one line. “Help.” “Thank you.” “Lord, have mercy.” “I believe; help my unbelief.” “Not my will, but yours.” Use them all day long.

Pray with others

Jesus taught His followers to pray “Our Father,” not “My Father.” Prayer was always meant to be shared too. Pray with your family, with a friend, with a small group at church. When you are stuck, ask someone to pray with you. You do not have to learn to pray alone.