Feeling Lost? Here’s What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Pray

If you’ve ever found yourself in a moment where you just don’t know what to pray, you’re not alone. It can feel frustrating, confusing, or even discouraging. Whether you’re facing tough times, feeling spiritually dry, or just don’t have the words, it’s normal to struggle with prayer.

The good news is, there’s no wrong way to pray, and there are ways to connect with God even when you feel lost for words. Let’s dive into some simple ways you can pray when you don’t know what to pray.

For years I thought it was horrible when I’d sit down to talk to God but have no idea where to start, or even what to say. I thought something was wrong with me, or even that I might be super “un-spiritual.” I’ve since learned that’s not the case at all, and the Lord has showed me what to do when I don’t know what to pray.

Whether you’re walking through a crisis, dealing with a difficult person or simply having a bad day, the next time you don’t know what to pray, try one of these ideas that have been helpful to me.

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

Sometimes, prayer doesn’t need to be perfect. It can be a simple cry for help or a quiet moment. God knows your heart, even when you can’t find the words. The key is to show up, even if you’re not sure what to say. Here are seven simple ideas for what you can do when you don’t know what to pray. These will help you connect with God, even in the silence.

1. Let The Holy Spirit Pray For You

Whether it’s walking through a crisis in my own life, or even hearing about tragic news from friends, I’ll bow my head to pray but the words just won’t come. And then I’m reminded of the the words from Romans 8:26, “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.”

I know that asking the Holy Spirit to pray on your behalf sounds odd, but I’d like to encourage you to give it a try. Even though you dont know what to pray, you’ll be comforted knowing that prayers are going up for the circumstance at hand. After all, who better to pray on your behalf than the Holy Spirit?

2. Speak the Name of Jesus

“When you don’t know what to say, just say Jesus. There is power in the name, the name of Jesus. If the words won’t come cause you’re too afraid to pray, just say Jesus.” – Just Say Jesus from 7eventh Time Down

Just as the words to the song say, there is power in the name of Jesus! Speak His name with boldness and confidence when you don’t know what to pray and you’ll be amazed at the peace it will bring.

3. Journal Your Thoughts

The idea of journaling actually came from one of my readers who commented on this post when I first wrote it. Here’s what Deb has to say about journaling when she doesn’t know what to pray:

I have found that using my journal writing more like letters to God is helpful. Sometimes I am inspired from the first key strokes but sometimes it starts out Dear God, I don’t know what to say… God are you there? I pray you are and that you will shine a light on me cause I am lost at this moment… Almost always before I am finished writing/typing I have got clarity and even we I don’t I have peace that I will soon.

Whether it be pen and paper or typing out your thoughts, why not try journaling when the words won’t come during prayer time.

Transform Your Prayer Life by Writing to God

This journal offers a simple, guided approach to prayer with daily prompts and the 4 keys to an abundant prayer life. It helped me shift from simply asking God for things to having deeper, more intimate conversations with Him.

It truly transformed my prayer life, and I believe it can help you do the same.

If you’re looking for a helpful tool to guide your prayer time, you can find this journal in my Etsy shop!

5. Say Scripture Out Loud

There is great power when we speak the Word of God over ourselves or our situation. Repeat the verse out loud until it sinks deep into your heart!

Not sure where to start, the Psalms are always a big comfort to me. Or you might try one of these:

• 35 Bible Verses About Strength In Hard Times
• 30 Guided Scripture Prayers for Christian Women to Pray Over Yourself
• 50 Verses About Trusting God When All Confidence Feels Lost
• 50 Uplifting Verses About Hope In Hard Times
• 30 Guided Scripture Prayers To Pray Over Your Child

6. Draw/Sketch A Picture

If you have an artistic bent, pull out your tools to draw and sketch your thoughts and feelings as you cry out to God. I have no doubt that He can speak to you and you’ll begin to have a conversation with Him while you’re drawing or sketching.

Enjoy coloring, this bible verse coloring book would be perfect for you!

7. Be Still In His Presence

Many times we think of prayer as being only us talking to the Lord. While that’s a big part of prayer, being still and waiting for Him to commune with us is a big part of prayer too. 

While I’ve never heard God’s audible voice when I’ve been still during prayer, there have been many times when He’s spoken to me through the Holy Spirit as a gentle nudge or calling on my heart as different thoughts come to mind. 

Sit in His presence for 5-10 minutes…it will change your day!

FAQ

The next time you don’t know what to pray, remember it’s okay. God hears you, even in your silence. It’s not about the words you speak, but the heart behind them. So, take a deep breath, and trust that God is right there with you.

Whether it’s a simple prayer or a long conversation, He’s always listening, and He loves you no matter what. Keep praying, and know you’re not alone in this journey.

If this was helpful in showing you what to do when you don’t know what to pray, you might also like:

• Transform your prayer life by learning how to pray to God.
• Become the woman God’s called you to be by learning how to grow your faith in God.
• If the Bible feels confusing, check out the beginner’s guide to learn how to understand the Bible.
• Get into the Word in just 10 minutes a day with one of these devotions for women.