How to Pray (When You Have No Idea What to Say)

Prayer is supposed to be simple, right? You talk, God listens. Easy. Except… what if it feels like you’re just talking to the ceiling? What if you have no idea what to say? And what if—let’s be honest—prayer just feels awkward?

Maybe you’ve been there—sitting in church, listening to someone pray with all the confidence in the world, while you’re over here wondering if you’re supposed to start with “Dear God” or just jump right in. Or maybe you’ve tried praying before bed, only to realize five minutes later that you accidentally started making a mental grocery list instead. Sound familiar? It does to me.

Every night I make it a point to get on my knees beside my bed, ready to have a deep and meaningful conversation with God. Some nights, it’s great—I’m fully present, pouring out my heart like we’re old friends catching up. Then there are other nights when I start strong, only to realize minutes later that I’ve somehow drifted into a mental recap of everything I forgot to do that day, what I need to do the next day, and whether the barista at the coffee shop thought I was rude for not really speaking to her today. Somewhere in the middle of that mind mess, I find myself apologizing to God for getting sidetracked. Funny thing is, I don’t think I’m alone in that.

Prayer can feel strange, especially if you’re new to it. But the good news? You’re not doing it wrong. Prayer isn’t about getting the words perfect—it’s about connection. So let’s talk about what prayer actually is, why it feels hard sometimes, and how to make it a natural part of your life.

What Prayer Actually Is (Hint: It’s not a Monologue)

A lot of people think of prayer as a formal speech to God—kind of like writing an email to your boss but with extra “Dear Lords” thrown in. But prayer isn’t a script, and it’s definitely not a performance. It’s a conversation.

But how is prayer a two-way street? How in the world do you have a conversation with the Creator of the universe—and why would He want to hear from you? Here’s the crazy part: God wants to hear from you because He loves you. He created you, He knows every detail of your life, and He desires a relationship with you (Jeremiah 33:3). Prayer isn’t about informing God of things He doesn’t know—it’s about building connection with Him, just like you would in any relationship.

And yes, God speaks, too. But not always in an audible voice. He speaks through Scripture, through the Holy Spirit nudging your heart, through wise counsel from others, and sometimes in that deep peace you feel when you know you’re on the right path. The more time you spend in prayer and in His Word, the more you’ll recognize His voice.

Think of prayer as:

A direct line to the Creator of the universe.
A chance to be completely real—no filters, no pretending.
A two-way street—yes, God speaks, too (more on that in a minute).

Philippians 4:6 (NIV) says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Prayer isn’t just for emergencies—it’s an ongoing relationship.

Why Does Prayer Feel Hard Sometimes?

If you’ve ever thought, “Is God even listening?”, you’re not alone. Here’s why prayer can feel difficult:

You Expect Instant Responses – God isn’t Amazon Prime. Answers don’t always come in two days or less.
You Don’t Hear an Audible Voice – God speaks, but not always in the way we expect. He often speaks through Scripture, circumstances, other people, and that deep sense of peace or conviction in your spirit.
It Feels One-Sided – Unlike human conversations, you won’t always get immediate verbal feedback. That doesn’t mean God isn’t listening or working.

How to Make Prayer Feel More Real

Be Honest—Even If It’s Messy God already knows what’s on your heart, so there’s no need to sugarcoat it. Tell Him when you’re frustrated, when you don’t understand, when you’re excited—just talk to Him like you would a close friend.
Write it out Journaling your prayers can help focus your thoughts.
Pray out loud Yes, even in your car. People will think you are on hands-free anyway.
Use Scripture Praying through Psalms is a great start.
Use Music Speaking of the Psalms, worship songs are a great way to pray when you don’t quite have the right words. I do this a lot.
Be still Sometimes, just sitting in silence before God is powerful.
Listen as Much as You Talk Prayer isn’t just about speaking—it’s also about listening. God often speaks through His Word, so after praying, take time to read Scripture and see what He might be saying.
Start Small and Be Consistent Don’t overcomplicate it. Start with a few minutes a day. The more you pray, the more natural it will feel.

The Power of a Strong Prayer Life

Prayer isn’t just something you check off a list—it’s the key to a deeper relationship with God. When you commit to talking with Him regularly, you’ll begin to see real change in your life. You’ll experience more peace in the chaos, more wisdom in decision-making, and more confidence in knowing you’re never alone.

God invites you into conversation because He loves you—yes, you. He isn’t distant or uninterested. He is a Father who delights in hearing your voice, whether your prayers are full of praise, questions, doubts, or even silence. The more you pray, the more you’ll see His presence at work in your life.

So don’t wait. Start today. Bring your worries, your hopes, your thankfulness, and even your confusion before Him. One honest prayer at a time, you’ll grow in faith, in trust, and in the confidence that your Heavenly Father hears you. And that changes everything—for today, for tomorrow, and for eternity.

☕ A little faith, a little courage, and a whole lot of stubborn joy. – Tonya

What’s been your biggest struggle with prayer? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts!