How To Pray When You Don’t Know Where To Start
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Finding time in the day to pray can be difficult and then, when you do find time, thinking of the words to say in prayer can feel like a struggle too.
I understand. In this busy season of motherhood and teaching full time, I was left with very little time in my day to pray. Once I figured out a routine that worked for me, I often second-guessed how I should pray or what exactly I should say until I realized Jesus longs for my heart more than anything! Prayer does not have to be complicated. It’s just a matter of talking to Jesus and opening up to Him about how you feel and what you need. I needed this reassurance along with a simple prayer method, which is what I’m sharing with you here!
I have to admit, before I started following a daily routine of intentional time with Jesus I really struggled to find any time in my day for prayer. I always had this idea that I needed to be in a quiet place, secluded from distraction and alone to talk to God. This couldn’t be further from the truth! In my walk with the Lord, I have been learning that He wants us to live in constant awareness of His presence. This means that we can pray at anytime, anywhere and about anything. He wants to hear from us. I find myself praying in line at the store, in the waiting room at the doctor’s office and anywhere else I find myself needing to lean on Him.
In addition to praying throughout the day, I have set aside time each morning to intentionally pray. I follow a simple method during my daily intentional time with God. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the P.R.A.Y. prayer method and explore how it can help you pray with confidence and deepen your faith.
So if you’re looking for a way to open up your heart to Jesus in prayer consistently, then you’re in the right place!
The P.R.A.Y. Method- Praise, Repent, Ask, Yield
1. Praise- “Heavenly Father, thank you for _____.”
As you start, meditate on the goodness of God and thank Him for His faithfulness in your life. What can you thank God for? What are you most grateful for today? I use a prayer journal to jot down 3 things I am grateful for each day along with specific prayer requests. Check out the prayer journal I use here! There is also I section in this prayer journal to write down answered prayers which helps to serve as an ongoing reminder of God’s faithfulness.
“In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Messiah Yeshua.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
2. Repentance- “Father, I am sorry ______.”
Reflect, be honest and set your eyes on God’s love and mercy. It can be difficult for us to get into communion with the Lord and pray with confidence when we feel any degree of condemnation or sinfulness. The act of repentance lifts this burden knowing that we are forgiven when we repent and turn away from our sin. Lay all of your sins at the foot of the cross and ask Him to forgive you. Pray with confidence and know that the blood of Jesus covers your sins and makes you white as snow.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
3. Ask- “Please ____.”
What do you need God’s help with? Now is the time to tell God what your needs are. Pray for your loved ones, friends, neighbors and all who are in need of prayer. Pour your heart out to God. He is there to listen. There is nothing too big or too small for God.
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7
4. Yield- “Your will. Your way. Your time. Your glory, Lord.”
Slow down, listen and posture your heart to follow God’s will. Spend some time listening and open your heart to receive whatever God has for you. Take time to hear with confidence knowing that God will speak to you and guide you.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
The P.R.A.Y. Method should give you a good framework and a compass to guide you toward praying with confidence! As you set a goal to make prayer a constant in your life you will start to recall how God answers your prayers time and time again which will make praying with confidence easier and easier. By incorporating Praise, Repentance, Asking and Yielding into your prayer practice, you’ll be amazed at how your conversations with God become more authentic, intimate, and life-changing! Remember that Jesus wants, more than anything, a relationship with you. Even if you don’t know where to start or which words to say, turn to Him and be vulnerable and expectant to meet with Him. He’s always with you…
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