How to Pray When You Don't Know How

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Romans 8:26-28

It’s something every Christian will experience at some point— perhaps there is a major decision or event in your life and you just don’t know how to pray about it. Or perhaps you know a friend is having a difficult time and you would like to pray for them, but you don’t know enough about the situation to know what to say in your prayers. It can be very frustrating when you want to pray but don’t have enough information to be specific in your prayers.

Fortunately, God gives us several avenues for prayer when we are at a loss for words.

  1. Ask the Holy Spirit to intercede on your behalf.

  2. Pause and listen to what the Holy Spirit leads you to pray for— even if it makes no sense to you at the time.

  3. Pray the things you DO know how to pray

    1. Pray for others

    2. Pray for your rivals and enemies

    3. Pray for all people, even people you dislike and disagree with

  4. Pray the Psalms

  5. Pray the prayers that others have prayed— use a resource and find a prayer that speaks to you.

  6. Pray the prayer that Jesus prayed for us. In John 17 you’ll find a prayer that Jesus gives on behalf of his disciples and all believers. Glorify Jesus using His own words.

  7. Do all of the above continuously! Be open to the things that God brings to your mind for prayer, and if you don’t feel resolved yet, just keep praying.

If all else fails, sing. If you face a situation you don’t know how to pray to God about, singing hymns and praises will bring insight and peace of mind.

sermonAspen Parkdavid willets, romans, romans 8, prayer