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

 

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

Hello everyone. It's been a little while.

Life, as it often does, got incredibly full over the past few months. There were days filled with the familiar sounds of life here, the distant hum of generators, the joyful noise of children playing after school, the heavy patter of rain on the roof during a downpour. And in the midst of all that noise, my own inner world went quiet. Too quiet.

My morning devotions, which used to be the anchor of my day, started to feel hard. The words on the page felt distant, and finding the energy to connect felt like a chore. This struggle came to a head one evening, after a particularly draining day, when I knelt by my bed to pray, a moment of connection I’ve always cherished. But on this night, nothing came. I opened my mouth, but the words were gone. All I could feel was the weight of my exhaustion and a confusing emptiness where my prayers used to be. Have you ever felt that way?

In that moment of frustrated silence, I felt a gentle reminder in my spirit: God wasn't waiting for a perfect speech. He was just waiting for me.

If you’ve ever felt lost for words, this guide is for you. Let’s explore together how to talk to God when your mind is blank and your heart is heavy.

1. Redefine Prayer: It’s a Conversation, Not a Performance

The first and most important step is to let go of the pressure. Many of us grow up thinking prayer requires special words, a specific tone, or a long list of requests. We see prayer as a formal presentation to a king on a distant throne.

But the Gospel tells us something different. Through Jesus, we are invited to approach God as our Abba, our Father. Think about how you talk to a loving parent. Sometimes the conversation is deep and long. Other times, it’s just a tired sigh as you sit next to them. Sometimes it’s a quick “thank you!” and other times it’s a desperate “I need help.”

Prayer is simply turning your heart towards God. He is more interested in your presence than your eloquence.

2. Start with Honesty: The Psalms Model

When you don’t know what to say, start with what is true. How are you really feeling? The Book of Psalms is filled with brutally honest prayers. David didn’t hide his feelings from God. He prayed when he was:

• Afraid: “My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen upon me” (Psalm 55:4).
• Confused: “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?” (Psalm 13:1).
• Tired: “I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears” (Psalm 6:6).
• Grateful: “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds” (Psalm 9:1).

Your prayer can be as simple as, “God, I’m exhausted today.” Or, “Father, I feel so confused about this situation.” Honesty is the bridge to intimacy with God. He already knows your heart; He’s just waiting for you to invite Him in.

3. Pray Someone Else’s Words: The Power of Scripture

On days when you can’t form your own sentences, borrow some that are already Spirit-inspired. The Bible is a wellspring of prayers.

• The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13): This is the prayer Jesus taught His disciples. Recite it slowly. Think about what each line means. “Our Father in heaven...” (You are my Father). “...hallowed be your name.” (You are holy). It’s a perfect outline when you have nothing else.
• Psalm 23: Read it aloud. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Let the truth and peace of this beloved chapter wash over you. Turn it into a personal prayer: "Lord, be my shepherd today. Help me not to want."
• Use a Hymn or Worship Song: The lyrics of a song like “Great is Thy Faithfulness” or a modern worship song from artists like Mercy Chinwo or Nathaniel Bassey can become your prayer. Sing it, hum it, or just read the words.

4. Use a Simple Framework: A.C.T.S.

If you need a little structure to get you started, the A.C.T.S. model is a simple and powerful guide.

• A - Adoration: Start by praising God for who He is. "God, You are good. You are powerful. You are faithful."
• C - Confession: Honestly admit where you’ve fallen short. "Father, forgive me for my impatience today. Forgive me for my doubtful thoughts."
• T - Thanksgiving: Thank Him for what He has done. Even on the worst days, there is something. "Thank You for the breath in my lungs. Thank You for my family. Thank You for the gift of this day."
• S - Supplication: Ask for your needs and the needs of others. "Lord, please give me strength for tomorrow. Please be with my friend who is sick."

You don't need to spend a long time on each point. It can be one simple sentence for each.

5. Embrace the Silence: When Groans Are Enough

Finally, remember this incredible promise from the Bible:

“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” - Romans 8:26

There are moments when all you can do is kneel or sit in silence. Moments when the pain or confusion is so deep that it comes out only as a sigh or a tear. In those moments, the Holy Spirit is translating your heart for you. Your silent presence before God is a profound act of prayer. You are showing up, and that is enough. He hears the groans that are too deep for words.

So, the next time you feel that familiar quiet, that frustrating emptiness, don’t turn away in shame. Turn towards Him. Whisper His name. Be honest. Be still. He’s not waiting for the right words; He’s just waiting for you.

What helps you pray when you don't know what to say? Share your thoughts in the comments below; it might be the encouragement someone else needs to read today.