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

What stops you from talking to God regularly?

Becoming comfortable with prayer takes practice. And yet—if we want to grow in our faith, it’s important that we’re able to have honest conversations with our relational God.

So, if you’re not sure what to pray about…

Here are 5 examples of daily prayers:

1. Pray for God to be Known

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think… to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations…”

EPHESIANS 3:20-21

Example:

God, we know that You are above all things and that by You all things are held together. Today, please be glorified in our world. Would people who have never met You, find You. Amen.

2. Pray for the World

“Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”

EPHESIANS 6:18

Example:

God, please set the world right. Do what’s best for Your kingdom, and fill Your people with mercy, strength, and bright ideas so that we can spiritually contribute to our world. Amen.

3. Pray for What You Need

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”

PHILIPPIANS 4:6

Example:

God, You know what I need before I do. So please give me what I need today so that I can focus on You, and not on my problems. And, when it comes to tomorrow’s needs, I trust that You will provide. Amen.

4. Pray for Forgiveness

“But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”

MARK 11:25

Example:

God, You alone know our intentions. Please forgive the people who have wronged me because I have forgiven them. And Lord, forgive me because I’ve also messed up. Please don’t hold our mistakes against us. Amen.

5. Pray for Healing and Protection

“Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.”

JAMES 5:14

Example:

God, there is so much suffering in our world. Please heal the sick and restore peace and life to our weary souls. Protect our bodies and our minds, and give us Your strength to endure temptation and trials. Amen.

These ideas aren’t new—Jesus used them to teach His disciples how to pray 2,000 years ago:

Our Father in heaven,
may your name be kept holy.
May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.
Give us today the food we need,
and forgive us our sins,
as we have forgiven those
who sin against us.
And don’t let us yield to temptation,
but rescue us from the evil one.

MATTHEW 6:9-13

To help you create a regular prayer rhythm, try creating a Prayer List inside your Bible App. Every day, pick a few things from that list to focus on. (You can also invite friends into your conversations with God by sharing your Prayers with them.)

As time goes by, you’ll be able to look back at that list and reflect on what God was doing in your life during that time.