What are the right words to pray?

There are none. Prayer is honest speech to God in your own words. Even a single sentence, said and meant, is a full prayer.

Is there a prayer I can just read?

Yes. Many begin with the Lord's Prayer, the short prayer Jesus taught (Matthew 6:9-13). Reading it slowly and meaning it is a real prayer.

What if I have no words at all?

Then you can be silent, or say only God, help. Scripture says the Spirit helps us pray when we cannot find words (Romans 8:26).

Prayer & Presence

I Do Not Know How to Pray

If you do not know how to pray, here is the good news: nobody starts out knowing. Prayer is not a skill you have to master or a script you have to memorize. It is just talking to God as honestly as you can, in your own plain words. You can begin in the next ten seconds.

If this is you. Many people feel they should know how, and are embarrassed that they do not. You are in good company. Even Jesus friends asked him, teach us to pray. Not knowing is where almost everyone begins.

When they asked, Jesus did not hand them a complicated technique. He gave them a short, plain prayer, now called the Lord’s Prayer, and said the Spirit of God helps us pray even when we have no words at all.

What Jesus said, and what Scripture promises

“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.”

Matthew 6:9-13

“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”

Romans 8:26

“And the publican, standing afar off... smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.”

Luke 18:13

A prayer you can pray right now

A prayer you can pray right nowGod, I do not know how to do this, so I am just going to talk to You plainly. I do not have the right words. Please hear the ones I have. If You are real, help me find You. Amen.

You do not have to carry this alone. On the Living Bread prayer wall you can ask real people to pray for you tonight. You can keep it private, share only what you want, and you do not need to make an account to be prayed for. Someone will pray.

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And if you want to know the One you are praying to

You do not have to believe anything yet. Prayer is simply turning toward God as honestly as you can, and Christians believe that in Jesus, God turned toward us first. You do not have to take our word for it. Read his own words quietly and see what you find. The Gospel of John is a gentle place to begin, and it costs you nothing but a little quiet and an honest look.

Read the Gospel of John Ask for prayer Come and see

Jesus Christ is Lord.

Frequently asked questions

What are the right words to pray?: There are none. Prayer is honest speech to God in your own words. Even a single sentence, said and meant, is a full prayer.
Is there a prayer I can just read?: Yes. Many begin with the Lord's Prayer, the short prayer Jesus taught (Matthew 6:9-13). Reading it slowly and meaning it is a real prayer.
What if I have no words at all?: Then you can be silent, or say only God, help. Scripture says the Spirit helps us pray when we cannot find words (Romans 8:26).

Nearby, if you want itThe Lord's Prayer Starting again If you do not believe