How to Start Praying When You Don’t Know What to Say

Many people believe prayer requires the “right” words.

Often, that belief comes from seeing or hearing beautiful prayers rooted in scripture — words that sound strong, faithful, and deeply meaningful. Scripture-based prayers are beautiful. They carry wisdom, history, and truth, and for many people they become a powerful anchor.

But for beginners, scripture prayers can sometimes feel hard to memorize. At times, they can even feel awkward — especially if the words don’t fully reflect what your heart is carrying in that moment.

And that’s okay.

Prayer isn’t about sounding holy — it’s about being honest.

Prayer Is Not One-Size-Fits-All

There is no single “right” way to pray.

Scripture-based prayers are a gift, but they are not a requirement. Faith doesn’t demand memorization before connection. Prayer is meant to be a conversation, not a recital.

Sometimes the most meaningful prayers aren’t spoken perfectly — they’re spoken truthfully.

Prayer can be messy.
It can be short.
It can be silent.

You can pray in your head.
You can pray on paper.
You can pray with questions instead of answers.

Sometimes prayer is simply saying, “I’m here.”

That counts.

The Power of Prayer Comes from the Heart

The power of prayer does not come from perfect wording or eloquence.

It comes from presence.

Prayer has the power to:

• Calm your spirit when your thoughts feel loud

• Ground you when emotions feel heavy

• Strengthen faith over time

• Bring peace before clarity arrives

• Remind you that you are held, even when you feel unsure

A simple, honest prayer spoken from the heart often carries more weight than words that don’t fully resonate.

If scripture speaks to your soul, lean into it.
If it doesn’t in a certain moment, you are allowed to speak freely.

God listens to both.

Prayer Grows with Practice, Not Perfection

You don’t fail at prayer.

There is no script you have to follow and no spiritual level you have to reach first. Prayer is a practice — one that grows more comfortable the more you show up.

Some days prayer feels natural.
Some days it feels awkward or uncertain.

Both are normal.
Both are welcome.

You are allowed to begin again — every day if needed.

Simple Ways to Begin (Without Pressure)

If you’re not sure where to start, try one of these gentle approaches:

• One-sentence prayers:
  “Guide me.”
  “Help me.”
  “Thank You.”

• Written prayers:
  Write exactly what you’re feeling, even if it doesn’t sound “spiritual.”

• Silent prayer:
  Sit quietly and breathe, inviting God into the stillness.

• Scripture-inspired prayer (without memorizing):
  Read a verse and respond in your own words — no memorization required.

There is no wrong door into prayer.

You Are Already Enough to Begin

If prayer feels unfamiliar, that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It means you’re learning.

Faith isn’t built through perfection — it’s built through willingness.

You don’t need the right words.
You don’t need to sound confident.
You don’t need to have it all figured out.

You just need to show up.

Journal Prompts

Take a quiet moment to reflect.

• What would I say if I prayed without worrying about saying it right?

• When do I feel most open to prayer — morning, night, or in quiet moments?

Let your answers be honest. That’s where prayer begins.

A Closing Prayer

May your prayers be honest, not perfect.
May you feel safe speaking from the heart.
May you remember that showing up is enough.

Amen 🤍