How Do I Pray When I Don’t Know What to Say?

When Words Don’t Come

Have you ever sat down to pray and found yourself speechless? Maybe your heart is heavy, your mind is racing, or you simply don’t know how to begin. You’re not alone. Every believer—new or seasoned—has felt this way at some point. The good news is: God already knows what’s on your heart before you even speak.

“Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.” — Isaiah 65:24

Prayer is not about perfect words. It’s about connection with your Heavenly Father.

What the Bible Says About Prayer Without Words

The Bible assures us that even when we don’t know how to pray, the Holy Spirit steps in.

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” — Romans 8:26

This means you don’t have to have the “right” words. God understands your silence, your tears, and even your sighs.

Practical Ways to Pray When You Don’t Know What to Say

1. Pray the Lord’s Prayer
   Jesus gave us a model for prayer in Matthew 6:9–13. When you’re lost for words, start here.
2. Use Scripture as Your Prayer
   Open the Psalms or any verse that speaks to your situation, and pray those words back to God.
3. Keep It Simple
   Talk to God as if you’re talking to a trusted friend: “God, I don’t know what to say, but I need You.”
4. Sit in Silence
   Sometimes the most powerful prayer is quiet presence. Invite God into your stillness and let Him speak.
5. Write It Down
   Journaling your thoughts—even messy, unfiltered ones—can become a prayer poured out on paper.

Encouragement for the Speechless Heart

Prayer is not a performance; it’s a relationship. God is not measuring your eloquence; He’s listening to your heart.

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7

So if you ever feel stuck, remember: you don’t need the perfect words—you just need a willing heart.

❤️ Takeaway: When you don’t know what to say in prayer, trust that God already knows what you need. He delights in your presence, not your perfection.

✨ Still Have a Question?

If you didn’t find your answer here, don’t worry — you’re not alone. You can send your question directly through the Ask a Bible Question page. I’ll do my best to respond with guidance from God’s Word.

You can also leave your questions on my YouTube channel, This is where I regularly share Bible verses, encouragement, and answers to common questions.