How to Pray When You Don't Know What to Say
When you don't know what to say, tell God exactly that and start with one honest sentence. You can borrow words from the Psalms or the Lord's Prayer, or simply sit quietly before Him. The Bible says God already knows what you need and the Spirit helps when words run out.
By RenewedSpirit team · Published · Updated
How do I start praying when I have no words?
Start by saying that you don't know what to say. That sentence is already an honest prayer, and honesty is where prayer begins.
- Be still for a moment. Take three slow breaths and remember that God is already listening.
- Say one true sentence. "I'm tired." "I'm scared." "I don't know what to pray." Any of these is enough.
- Borrow a line from Scripture. Read a Psalm slowly and make its words your own.
- End simply. "Thank You for hearing me. Amen." There is no minimum length.
"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words."
Does God need me to use the right words?
No. Jesus taught that prayer isn't about many words, because the Father knows what you need before you ask. Plain words are not a lesser kind of prayer.
"And when you pray, do not babble on like pagans, for they think that by their many words they will be heard. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him."
"Even before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it, O LORD."
What short prayers can I borrow from the Bible?
Scripture is full of short prayers you can pray as they are. The tax collector prayed only seven words, and Jesus said he went home justified (Luke 18:13-14).
"But the tax collector stood at a distance, unwilling even to lift up his eyes to heaven. Instead, he beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner!’"
"Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is our refuge. Selah"
"So then, this is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day 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.’"
What is a simple prayer for when I'm stuck?
You can pray this one as written.
"God, I don't know what to say. You know what is in my heart better than I do. Here is what I can name: [say it]. Help me with the rest. Thank You for listening. Amen."
What if praying feels empty?
Feeling nothing doesn't mean God isn't listening. Many Psalms were written from seasons when God felt far away, and they kept praying anyway. If heaviness or numbness lasts, talk with a pastor, counselor or doctor you trust.
"For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?"
Frequently asked questions
Is silence a form of prayer?
Yes. Sitting quietly before God, aware that He is with you, is prayer. Psalm 62:1 says, "In God alone my soul finds rest."
Can I pray the same words every day?
Yes. Jesus gave the Lord's Prayer to be prayed, and many Christians pray it daily. Repeating words is fine when you mean them.
Is it okay to write my prayers down?
Yes. Writing can help you focus and notice what you're really carrying. A written prayer is just as real as a spoken one.
Keep going
Scripture and sources
Romans 8:26; Matthew 6:7-8; Psalm 139:4; Luke 18:13; Psalm 62:8; Matthew 6:9-13; Psalm 13:1; Luke 18:14; Psalm 62:1. Berean Standard Bible (BSB), public domain.
Reviewed by the RenewedSpirit team · Editorial standards