​How to Pray When You Don’t Know What to Say

This week, my sister-in-law Brandi and I recorded our very first episode of Life on the Path, and we chose a topic that many Christians struggle with at one time or another: prayer.

If we're being honest, prayer can sometimes feel intimidating.

We may wonder if we're saying the right words, praying long enough, or approaching God the right way. Sometimes life feels so overwhelming that we don't even know where to begin.

The good news is that prayer was never meant to be about having the perfect words.

One of the biggest takeaways from our conversation was this:

Prayer is a relationship, not a performance.

God isn't looking for impressive speeches. He desires a genuine relationship with His children. In Matthew 6:7-8, Jesus reminds us that our Heavenly Father already knows what we need before we ask Him. Prayer isn't about informing God of our circumstances; it's about drawing closer to Him.

During our conversation, we talked about something many believers have experienced at one time or another: wondering if our prayers are "good enough."

Are they detailed enough?

Spiritual enough?

Long enough?

The truth is that God isn't grading our prayers. He isn't looking for polished speeches or perfect wording. He simply invites us to come to Him honestly, just as we are.

Another encouraging truth we discussed is that God welcomes our honesty.

There are seasons when we feel strong in our faith and words come easily. There are other times when we feel broken, confused, anxious, or overwhelmed. During those moments, we can come to God exactly as we are. We don't have to clean ourselves up first or pretend everything is okay.

Romans 8:26 reminds us that even when we don't know what to pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us. What a comfort it is to know that God understands the cries of our hearts even when we can't find the words to express them.

We also talked about the Lord's Prayer as a simple model for prayer. Jesus gave His disciples this example not as a script to repeat mindlessly, but as a guide for approaching God with worship, gratitude, trust, confession, and surrender.

Another important part of that prayer is forgiveness.

Jesus reminds us that just as we have received forgiveness, we are called to extend it to others. Holding onto bitterness can weigh heavily on our hearts and hinder our spiritual growth. Prayer invites us to surrender not only our worries, but also our hurts, resentments, and desire for control.

Prayer doesn't have to be complicated.

Sometimes it's a whispered, "Help me."

Sometimes it's a thankful heart praising God for His blessings.

Sometimes it's a desperate cry in the middle of a difficult season.

Sometimes it's sitting quietly in His presence.

What matters most is that we come to Him.

During our conversation, we also talked about prayer walks and simply talking to God throughout the day. Prayer doesn't always have to happen while sitting quietly with folded hands. Sometimes it happens while taking a walk, driving to work, washing dishes, or sitting on the porch at the end of a long day.

Prayer can be as simple as sharing your thoughts, fears, gratitude, and questions with the One who already knows your heart.

One lesson many believers discover over time is that prayer doesn't always change our circumstances immediately, but it often changes us.

It reminds us that we are not carrying our burdens alone.

It redirects our focus from our fears to God's faithfulness.

It helps us trust Him even when we don't understand what He is doing.

If you've ever felt like you don't know what to say when you pray, I want to encourage you today:

Start where you are.

You don't need perfect words.

You don't need a perfect prayer.

You don't need a perfect faith journey.

You simply need a willing heart.

God isn't waiting for perfect words.

He's waiting for your heart.

Whether your prayer is a few simple words, a quiet moment of surrender, or a heartfelt conversation during a walk, He is listening.

Have you ever struggled with prayer? What has helped you grow in your relationship with God? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

You can listen to our first episode of Life on the Path below. We hope it encourages you wherever you are on your faith journey.

Listen on Spotify

If you'd like more faith-filled encouragement, children's resources, and family activities, be sure to visit michellelepitre.com and subscribe to The Shine Library.