Skip to content
Living Sword
Start free

Prayer · 2 min read

What to pray when you do not know what to say

By Living Sword · Updated 2026-09-26

AI-assisted lesson. Read the linked passages and consider their context.

A woman reading beside a window

When you do not know what to pray, begin by saying that. You can borrow words from a psalm, pray the prayer Jesus taught, or write one honest sentence. You do not need to create a long or impressive speech before you can begin.

Does the Bible acknowledge this difficulty?

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Read Romans 8:18-27. The passage speaks about suffering, hope and the Spirit's help in weakness. It gives a starting point for someone who does not know how to put a need into words.

Does a prayer have to be long?

7And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.

8“Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.

Jesus cautions against empty repetition; the passage does not forbid long prayers. Scripture also includes brief cries for help. In Matthew 14:22-33, Peter calls to Jesus as he begins to sink. The significance is his appeal for help, not the length of his prayer.

What are four ways to begin?

  1. Say one honest sentence: “God, I do not know what to say today.” You can stop there or add what you are facing.
  2. Read Psalm 13 slowly. Notice its questions, requests and expression of trust. Use the lines that express what you mean.
  3. Pray Matthew 6:9-13 one line at a time, pausing to consider what you are asking.
  4. Write a short prayer. A notebook can help you slow down and return to a thought without needing to hold it all in your head.

What if you feel little while praying?

You can acknowledge that too. Psalm 13 begins with questions rather than a description of immediate comfort.

1How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?

2How long shall I take counsel in my soul, Having sorrow in my heart daily? How long will my enemy be exalted over me?

The psalm moves toward trust and praise, but it does not provide a timetable for how your feelings should change. Read it as a whole rather than treating its ending as a demand to feel better at once.

How can Living Sword help?

You can describe what is on your heart or choose a simple topic. Living Sword uses AI to help shape a prayer with Scripture references. Read the passages, consider the wording, and make it your own. It supports prayer; it does not pray on your behalf.

Write your first prayer with a free account and no payment card, or continue reading how to pray Scripture without signing up.

Keep reading