Have you ever tried to pray but found yourself at a loss for words?
Maybe you sat in silence, unsure of where to begin. Maybe your thoughts were too scattered, or emotions too heavy, to form a single sentence. If that’s you, you’re not alone. Many people—whether they’ve been Christians for years or are just beginning to explore faith—struggle with what to say to God.
Here’s the good news: God already knows your heart, and He welcomes you just as you are. You don’t have to have the perfect words. You don’t have to say things in a certain way. You just need to come to Him. Even when you don’t know what to say, God hears you.
What Does the Bible Say About Prayer?
If you’ve ever felt uncertain about prayer, take comfort in these promises from Scripture:
- God hears you, even when words fail. “The Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” (Romans 8:26, NKJV)
- God invites you to come to Him with everything. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7, NKJV)
- God doesn’t require fancy words. “When you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.” (Matthew 6:7-8, NKJV)
Prayer isn’t about performance—it’s about a relationship with your Heavenly Father. And like any good father, He wants to hear from you, even if all you can do is whisper, “Lord, help me.”
Simple Ways to Pray When Words Don’t Come Easily
If you’re struggling with what to say, here are some simple ways to approach prayer:
1. Pray Scripture
Sometimes, when we don’t know what to pray, God has already given us the words in His Word. Try reading and praying through:
- The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)
- The Psalms (Psalm 23, Psalm 46, and Psalm 121 are great places to start.)
- Jesus’ prayers (John 17 is a powerful chapter to meditate on.)
2. Use a Simple Framework
If you need structure, the ACTS method is a helpful guide:
- Adoration – Praise God for who He is.
- Confession – Admit your sins and ask for forgiveness.
- Thanksgiving – Thank God for His blessings.
- Supplication – Bring your needs and the needs of others before God.
Even a short prayer like, “Lord, You are good. Forgive me. Thank You for Your love. Help me today,” is a powerful way to connect with God.
3. Meditate on God’s Word
Prayer isn’t just about speaking—it’s also about receiving what God has already spoken to us in Scripture. If you don’t know what to say, open your Bible and read a passage slowly, letting God’s Word guide your thoughts.
For example:
- Read Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God.” Take a moment to reflect on who God is and His power over your life.
- Read Romans 8:31 – “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Let this truth shape your prayers of trust and confidence in Him.
When you’re unsure what to pray, let God’s Word lead you. You don’t need to listen for a new message—He has already spoken to us through the Bible!
4. Write It Down
If speaking feels difficult, try writing your prayers in a journal. This can help you process your thoughts and see how God has been working in your life over time.
5. Pray With Others
Prayer isn’t meant to be a solo journey. When you’re struggling to pray, being with others who pray can encourage and strengthen you. Join a church service, Bible study, or prayer group where you can hear others pray and learn to pray alongside them.
You Don’t Have to Pray Alone
Prayer isn’t just a personal discipline—it’s a gift that God has given to His Church. When we pray together, we support and encourage one another in faith. At Immanuel Lutheran Church in Winter Haven, we gather in worship each week to hear God’s Word and lift our prayers together.
- Join us on Sundays for worship and prayer.
- Come to Bible study to learn more about God’s promises.
- Reach out to us—we’d love to pray with you and for you!
No matter where you are in your faith journey, know this: God wants to hear from you. He welcomes you, even in your silence, and He meets you right where you are.
So if you don’t know what to say, just start. Even a simple, “Lord, help me,” is a prayer He hears. And if you’d like to experience prayer within a loving church family, come pray with us this Sunday. We’d love to welcome you!
👉 Join us this Sunday at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Worship is at 10:15 am. We are located at 1449 34th St NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881.