Have you ever sat down to pray and found yourself go… blank?
The quiet feels suffocating.
Your thoughts scatter.
You want to talk to God, but you don’t know where to begin.
If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone. Even the most faithful Jesus-followers experience moments when prayer feels impossible. There are seasons when the words just won’t come, when your heart feels tired, distracted, or numb. Sometimes it’s because you’re carrying grief too deep for words. Other times it’s because life has been moving too fast, and your heart hasn’t had time to catch up.
The good news? God isn’t waiting for polished words or perfect phrasing.
He’s waiting for YOU.
1. Start With Honesty
When words fail, honesty is enough. Tell God exactly that: “Lord, I don’t know what to say right now.”
You don’t need to impress Him. He already knows your heart. Sometimes the most powerful prayers are the simplest confessions of weakness. When you bring your silence and confusion before Him, you’re already praying in the truest way possible—depending on His strength instead of your own.
“Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.” —Psalm 139:4
2. Let Scripture Lead You
When you can’t find words, use God’s.
The Psalms, in particular, give language to every human emotion—grief, fear, joy, confusion, hope. Open your Bible and read a few verses aloud. Let those words become your prayer.
You might pray:
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1)
“When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” (Psalm 61:2)
As you repeat Scripture, it begins to shape your perspective. God’s Word reminds your heart of who He is and what’s true, even when you can’t articulate your own thoughts.
3. Sit in Stillness
Sometimes we just need to be completely silent.
Instead of filling the quiet with words, set your mind on His presence, His love, His nearness. Picture yourself simply sitting beside your Father.
Prayer is not always about saying something; it’s about being with Someone.
You can rest in the knowledge that the Holy Spirit intercedes for you. He translates your wordless sighs and groans into prayers that reach the Father's ear. (Romans 8:26–27).
4. Use Simple Prompts
If you need a structure to begin, try these:
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“Thank You, Lord, for…”
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“I’m worried about…”
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“Please help me to…”
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“I trust You with…”
Sometimes all you need is a single sentence to open the door. Once you begin, words may start to flow more freely—or they may not.
Either way, God is listening.
5. Remember: Prayer Is a Relationship
Prayer isn’t a performance. It’s a conversation with Someone who loves you deeply.
When you feel empty, come anyway.
When you’re unsure, speak anyway.
When you have no words, rest anyway.
The beauty of prayer is that God meets us where we are—not where we think we should be. He welcomes your silence, your tears, your fragmented thoughts. Because prayer isn’t about mastering a formula; it’s about maintaining a relationship.
So the next time you don’t know what to say, remember this:
You don’t need perfect words to reach a perfect God. You just need to show up.