I used to be hesitant to pray and sometimes I stumbled over my words when talking to God. Yet I desperately wanted to say the right things because I thought if I prayed the right way, God would listen and answer my prayers, the way I wanted Him to.
Eventually I got up the courage to talk with a friend about my fears and struggles. She assured me I was normal and shared how she had dealt with the same hesitancies and misunderstandings about prayer. She also walked with me through Bible, showing me verses about prayer and encouraging me to talk to God in a conversational way.
It’s been over twenty years since my friend mentored me in prayer. As I think back on that time, there are two powerful lessons I learned:
Prayer isn’t about saying or asking the right things — it’s about building a relationship with God by talking to Him.
If you’ve ever struggled with what to say when you pray, take a deep breath and know you are not alone. I’m so grateful there is no formula to getting prayer right and that God isn’t listening for our perfect combination of words or measuring how well we pray.
Yet there are still days, like today, when I want more power in my prayers. Days when I want to feel more confident in what I’m asking for, from the One who rules our nations, the Maker of all things, the Shepherd of my heart and the Creator of the ones I love.
And on those days, when I’m not sure what to pray, I turn to God’s Word again, because:
This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. (1 John 5:14)
When we pray God’s Word, we pray God’s will.
When I long for my prayers to be filled with power and my heart to be infused with faith, I look for verses about God’s will and His ways. One is Hebrews 4:12, where God teaches us that His Word is “alive and active.” Some days I pray that truth, asking God to make His Word come alive in a situation and active in the person’s life I’m praying for, or my own.
Often times while I’m praying, verses in the Bible that I’ve memorized will rise up to the surface in my prayers. When it feels like plans are spinning out of control, Jeremiah 29:11-13 will come to mind. On those days, I’ll pray:
Lord, You know the plans You have for me, plans to prosper me and not to harm me, plans to give me a future and a hope. You say that if I come to You and pray, You will listen and will lead me. So, today I surrender my plans for Your plans. Please guide my decisions and thoughts to match Yours so I can experience hope and not harm. Even though things aren’t going so great today, I trust the plans You have for me.
I’m so grateful for the grace-gift of talking to my Heavenly Father without hesitancy. Now that the pressure to say the right things is gone, prayer feels more like a comfortable conversation. Sometimes I just sit still and let God whisper His promises into my thoughts, and then I ask for their fulfillment in my prayers.
What is a favorite verse of yours that you could pray for yourself and someone else today?
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Leave a Comment
Michele Morin says
Yes! I stumbled into this truth about prayer when my kids reached the ages during which I just didn’t trust my own words. I’ve also been thankful for the prayers of others who have great wisdom and depth — often they prayed for things that would never occur to me, and I’ve tried to commit a few to memory. Here’s part of one: “strengthen us with courage to speak the truth in love and self-control. . .” What a great thing for mums to pray! I feel as if I’m borrowing the words and wisdom of others when I use their prayers.
Renee Swope says
I love that Michelle! Those words “strengthen us with courage to speak the truth in love and self-control. . .” are so applicable to so many conversations and relationships, but yes especially parenting. 🙂 Thank you for sharing!!
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Renee,
What a powerful statement that praying God’s word is praying His will. So true that we don’t have to be eloquent in out prayers….frankly God isn’t impressed. What he DOES want is our heart coming earnestly and honestly before Him. He wants us spending time with Him just being in His presence and not asking for a single thing – just enjoying being loved on and delighted in. When the waters get rough and I don’t know what to pray, I will pray God’s word. Or I will take it simpler, just repeating a line of scripture that I find comforting. When things are really bad, it becomes simpler still. “Jesus, help!” if an often heard prayer of mine and sometimes there is the Holy Spirit groaning for me because I simply can’t put it into words….they just don’t come. I wholeheartedly agree that what God wants is relationship. When we attempt to pray, He can fill in the blanks because He already knows what’s on our heart. Prayer is an outpouring of being and spending time in His presence. We can converse with Him like we do with a good friend. No fancy words needed. Loved this!!
Blessings,
Bev xx
ps. favorite scripture to pray: So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
Renee Swope says
Amen, amen, amen!! Love everything you shared Bev. And, Isaiah 41:10 is one of my favorites, too.
Marla says
“The LORD will give strength to His people; the LORD will bless His people with peace.” Psalm 29:11
Renee Swope says
Love this one too!
Becky Richardson says
I, too, for many years felt I wasn’t praying in the correct way. I overcame that recently and am enjoying a closeness with God. I have conversations with Him several times a day now and feel closer to Him than I ever have. Thanks for sharing this. Glad I am not alone.
Renee Swope says
Oh, I love that Becky. Isn’t it amazing how much closer we feel when we take the performance pressure off and just talk to Him all day, like a friend? It’s changed everything about my relationship with God, and sounds like yours too.
Nancy says
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
After my husband’s serious stroke, I was so blessed when I heard or read someone say, that when we do not know how to pray, just WORSHIP in song and pray, pray……..We serve such a Mighty God!
Renee Swope says
Yes, worship brings us right into His presence and shifts our focus from our concerns to His goodness and power. Thank you for sharing that!
Nancy says
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Renee Cole says
Thanking the Lord for you – and for His perfect timing for putting this perfect message on your heart, Renee!
Renee Swope says
So glad it encouraged you Renee. It was not my original post for today but with it being the US National Day of Prayer, I felt led to change directions at the last minute. God knew.
Shanice says
“Do not worry about anything, but pray about everything! Thank God for what you have and let Him know what you need.” Philippians 4:6
Renee Swope says
Yes, this is one I turn into a prayer a lot. Such an great verse to change from instruction to us – into a conversation with Him.
“Lord, help me not to worry about anything, but to pray about everything, thanking you for what I have and letting you know what I need.”
Jasmine Ruigrok says
I love this! And that Jeremiah 29:11 prayer is exactly what I needed to hear right now, thankyou. I often pray through my singing; some songs have words that so perfectly express my heart, and singing is the easiest way to pour it out in a prayerful worship. One of my favourite songs for it at the moment is “Help Me, Thank You” by Jason Gray. A few lyrics being:
‘Some days my cup of blessing fills
Other days I trip and when it spills
I’m not guessing either way
I know just what to pray
Help me, thank You
Whether I’m riding high or feeling low
These are the two best prayers I know
Help me and thank You.’
Renee Swope says
Oh, I love those lyrics. Haven’t heard that song, or at least don’t recognize the words of it. Thank you so much for sharing it here with us!! Praying for you to rest in God’s plans today, as you surrender yours to Him.
Beth says
Thank you for posting this Renee. I’m passing this on to a friend who sometimes feels the frustration of trying to pray along with insecurities. I can always rely on your ministry to meet a need.
Renee Swope says
You are so welcome Beth, and thank you for your encouragement. You are a good friend to share this too. I hope you can send her a link to my prayer printable too. You can find it on my blog at http://reneeswope.com/2017/05/when-you-dont-know-what-to-say-or-pray/
Penny says
Thank-you Renee for your thoughtful post on how to better talk with the Lord.The more often I do, the closer I feel.
(Submissions):’As you awake in the morning, try and realize God stretching His hand towards you.’
I don’t always think to when I pray for someone but I want to start. “When I ask Him, on your behalf, I will always request with joy.”
My son’s favorite prayer to be said at bedtime is: ‘The Lord’s Prayer.’
This always comforts me,’Look to the Lord, and His strength, and seek His face evermore.’
Have a blessed day all,
Penny
Renee Swope says
I love what you shared Penny. Thank you!!
Rebecca L Jones says
That’s why we have the Holy Spirit to help us pray when we don’t know how. You learn to “read ” Him in a sense, and learn His presence. I was just reading about Prayer Breathing, an ancient Christian practice where you breath in and out a psalm for instance. And of course Jesus is there as High Priest, kind of a heavenly post office, He delivers the right words to God, because they go through His sacrifice, they smell sweet.
Annette says
Thank you Renee for the Beautiful prayers! You are blessed with such a talent for writing & prayers! A verse I included in my prayer today is: 3 John 1:4 I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.
Annette says
Please agree with me on the following prayer, (Thank You!):
Father God, please touch the lives of our Leaders in our nation, President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, their entire family, friends and cabinet. Bring Godly men and women into their lives who live by the bible, who walk it, who speak it. Help these men and women to speak and guide them with TRUTH & WISDOM in every decision they make. We know it pleases you, Father to walk in TRUTH.
3 John 1:4 I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.
Help them to DISCERN what is right in your eyes and to follow it until the very end. Encourage and uplift them to be confident in their walk with you. Give them your resurrection strength. Give them courage, bravery & strength to stand firm for You and to endure every trial and challenge. Help them to withdraw when they need to, like Jesus did. Help them to speak the words you want them to speak, like Jesus did. Help them to keep silent when you want them to, like Jesus did. Help them to walk in your ways with every step they take so they may carry their cross for Christ. For those who You Love and who may not believe in You, please soften their hearts to see the Love and Good News of your Son, Jesus, the only path to our salvation. As one of our dear teachers of Your Word suggests, we also want to pray for renewal, restoration, and revival to America! Thank you for hearing us today, Lord, we love you! In Jesus name, Amen.
Susan G. says
Thanks for this today Renee.
For today the National Day of Prayer…”If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” II Chronicles 7:14
And my ultimate favorite from the words of Jesus, “Everything is possible for him who believes.” Mark 9:23
Blessings!
Marsha says
I love to pray singing the Divine Mercy Chaplet…
Eternal father I offer you the body and the blood, soul and divinity of your dearly beloved son, our Lord Jesus Christ in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.
For the sake of his sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on us and on the whole world.
Holy God, holy mighty one, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
Dana says
I’ve been on a quest lately to increase the quality of my prayer time. Thank you for this lovely, timely post. One of my favorite verses to pray over myself in these uncertain times is Deut 31:6, “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”.
Julissa Nieves says
I feel this pressure too and I get so frustrated it’s like im always praying the same prayer. Sometimes I even feel disappointed but one thing I do sometimes is pray God you told me not to worry to give you thanksgiving and you said that your peace that surpasses understanding will guard my heart and mind in Christ. I pray this because most of my days I lack peace so I pray that he may fulfill this promise.
Beth Negrey says
I have so many favorite verses, but none so much as Psalm 46:10. “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” So often these days things just seem to be spinning out of control to the point that the end this world seems past due. And then God speaks these words: “Be still.” He brings us to Him with calm, reassurance, promises, hope. And reminds us that He is God and the one in control. Not all the posturing politicians, the hate-filled factions, the armies and the terrorists throughout the world. No. He “will be exalted among the nations … [and] in the earth.” Nothing any human being can do will stop Him. We serve the most awesome God and Lord, whose Son’s sacrifice enables us to come to Him any time and al the time. We’re just SO blessed!
Nancy Ruegg says
What a comforting, confidence-building truth: “When we pray God’s Word, we pray God’s will.” I also find comfort in Romans 8:26-27 where Paul reminds us the Spirit is interceding for us in ways that mere words cannot express. With you, Renee, I am “grateful for the grace-gift of talking to my Heavenly Father without hesitancy”–even when I don’t know how to pray.
Beth Williams says
Renee,
I haven’t always been a good prayer warrior. After watching War Room I got the ideas of praying scripture and praying for my husband. It is good to know that praying scripture is praying God’s will. There have been times when I didn’t know what to pray. I would simply look up and shout something. Asking why now/me? What must I learn? I have found that praying scripture daily helps me memorize scripture. My formula is to recite scripture then start praying. I have added a prayer that thanks Him for privilege of praying for others, but also asks Him to cleanse my heart of any sin. With sin in your life prayers are hindered.
Lord Jesus, I come to you today and thank you for the privilege of praying for others. I’ve been the recipient of others’ prayers so often, I understand how powerful intercessory prayer can be. I ask you first to cleanse my heart and show me if there is any unconfessed sin in my own life so that my prayers for others will not be hindered. I thank you that through your name, I can come boldly before you and pray with confidence, according to your will and know that you hear me.
Blessings 🙂
Gabbi says
Psalm 46,10 Be still and know that I am God/ I am with You.
Let these words think in.