How to pray
How to pray when you don't know what to say
· 2 min read
How to pray when you don't know what to say, with simple ways to start, Scripture to pray back to God, and comfort from Romans 8:26.
When you don’t know what to say, start by telling God that. “Lord, I don’t know what to say” is a real prayer. You aren’t alone in it: “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).
What do I say when I don’t know how to pray?
When you don’t know how to pray, tell God that. “Lord, I don’t know what to say” is a real prayer, and Romans 8:26 says the Spirit helps us when we don’t know what to pray for. Then borrow words: pray the Lord’s Prayer line by line, pray a Psalm, or read a name from your list and pray one sentence for that person.
Start small
You don’t need long or polished words. Jesus said, “your Father knows what you need before you ask him” (Matthew 6:8). A sentence is enough.
- “Lord, help me.”
- “Thank You for today.”
- “Be with Sarah.”
One of the oldest short prayers, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner,” takes its words from Luke 18. See what the Jesus Prayer is.
Pray the Lord’s Prayer
When His disciples asked, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1), Jesus gave them words. Pray Matthew 6:9-13 slowly, one line at a time, and add your own words after each line.
Pray a Psalm
The Psalms give words for every feeling. Try Psalm 23 for peace, Psalm 51 for confession, Psalm 13 for waiting, and Psalm 103 for thanks.
Pray a verse for someone
Choose a verse and turn it into a prayer for a person. For example, from Philippians 4:7: “Lord, guard Michael’s heart and mind with Your peace.”
The Pray App suggests Bible verses for each prayer card.
Write it down
Sometimes writing is easier than speaking. Open a journal and write to God. See these prayer journal prompts.
Use a list
A list gives you something to pray about. Read a name, then pray a sentence for that person. See how to make a prayer list.
Sit in silence
“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). It’s fine to sit quietly before God without words.
Pray with The Pray App
Each prayer card holds a short prayer you can edit and a suggested Bible verse, so you always have a place to start. Tap Start praying and pray each card in your own words, or pray the words on the card.
The Pray App is free on the App Store. See how to create a prayer card.
Questions people ask
What do I say when I don't know how to pray?
Tell God that. Even "Lord, I don't know what to say" is a prayer. Romans 8:26 says the Spirit helps us when we don't know what to pray for.
Can I pray Bible verses?
Yes. Praying Scripture back to God is one of the oldest ways to pray. The Psalms are a good place to start.
Do my prayers need to be long or eloquent?
No. Jesus warned against "empty phrases" and said your Father knows what you need before you ask (Matthew 6:7-8). Short, honest prayers are welcome.
Related guides
- How to pray with your kids, at bedtime and every dayHow to teach your kids to pray, a simple pattern they can remember, bedtime prayers, praying a blessing over them, and ideas for every age.
- The ACTS prayer method, a simple guide with examplesThe ACTS prayer method explained, adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication, with a short example of each and Scripture to pray.
- Advent prayers for each week, for you and your familyAdvent prayers for each week of Advent 2026, Scripture to read from God's promises to Christ's return, and simple ways for a family to pray toward Christmas.
- Bible verses about prayer to encourage you to prayBible verses about prayer, grouped by theme, on why to pray, how to pray, praying with faith, and God hearing our prayers, with short notes.