Have you ever sat down to pray and just... blanked?
I know I have.
There are times when I really want to connect with God but just can't find the words. My mind wanders, I get distracted by my overactive mind, or I simply don't know where to begin.
If you've felt this way too, you're not alone.
Prayer isn't always flowing words and profound insights, whilst I wish it was, it just isn't.
Sometimes it's awkward silences and uncertainty.
But that's okay!
Prayer is less about perfect words and more about showing up with an open heart.
Why We Get Stuck in Prayer
Before diving into tips, let's understand why we sometimes struggle:
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Overwhelm: Life gets busy and our minds are full, thinking about anything and everything
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Perfectionism: Thinking our prayers need to sound "perfect"
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Distraction: Our thoughts wander so easily (especially these days!)
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Doubt: Wondering if prayer even makes a difference and if there's any point to it
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Exhaustion: Being too tired to form coherent thoughts
Practical Tips for When Prayer Feels Hard
1. Start with Silence
Sometimes the best way to begin is by not speaking at all. Take a few minutes to sit quietly, breathe deeply, and center yourself.
Prayer isn't just about talking, it's also about listening and being present.
Try this: Set a timer for 3 minutes. Just breathe and focus on being in God's presence. Don't worry about saying anything.
2. Use Ready-Made Prayers
There's no rule saying prayers must be original! Throughout history, believers have leaned on written prayers when their own words feel inadequate.
Try praying the Lord's Prayer slowly, pausing after each line to reflect on its meaning. Or find prayer books with prayers written by others that resonate with you. Even exploring Instagram or Pinterest for prayers that others have written, there's some really amazing ones out there to inspire you.
3. Talk Like You're Talking to a Friend
Prayer doesn't need fancy language. Imagine you're sitting with a trusted friend and just talk naturally.
"God, I'm really stressed about this meeting tomorrow. I don't feel prepared, and I'm worried I'll mess up."
Simple, honest, and straight from the heart.
4. Use the ACTS Method
This simple framework gives structure when you're feeling lost:
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Adoration: Tell God what you appreciate about Him
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Confession: Share where you've fallen short
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Thanksgiving: Express gratitude for specific things
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Supplication: Ask for help with needs (not just for you, but for others too)
5. Pray Scripture Back to God
When your words fail, borrow God's! Take a verse that speaks to you and turn it into a personal prayer.
For example, with Psalm 23:1 ("The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want"), you might pray: "Lord, you are my shepherd. Help me trust that you'll provide what I need today."
6. Try Walking Prayer
Movement can free your mind.
Take a walk around your neighborhood and pray about what you see, the people in houses you pass, the beauty in nature, the concerns in your community, it's amazing how things start to flow to you when you're out there paying attention to what's around you.
7. Set a Prayer Alarm
Sometimes we need reminders.
Set alarms on your phone for 2-3 specific times during the day. When it goes off, pause for a brief moment of connection, even just 30 seconds is better than nothing.
8. Create a Prayer Space
Designate a specific corner, chair, or spot that's just for prayer. Over time, entering that space will signal to your brain that it's time to connect with God.
Try making it comfortable, serene and quiet. It might quickly become your favorite time of day!
9. Use Tangible Reminders
Some people benefit from physical objects that help focus prayer:
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A small stone to hold (cast your burdens)
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A candle to light (representing God's presence)
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Prayer beads to touch as you move through different prayer points
10. Write Letters to God
Sometimes writing feels easier than speaking. Try writing letters to God about what's on your heart. Again, you don't need to use formal language, just write as you would to someone who loves you deeply.
You might find that once you start writing, it just starts pouring out of you naturally. I know that's the case for me.
11. Use the Five-Finger Prayer
This simple method uses your hand as a guide:
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Thumb (closest to you): Pray for those closest to you
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Index finger (pointer): Pray for those who teach or guide you
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Middle finger (tallest): Pray for leaders and those in authority
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Ring finger (weakest): Pray for those who are weak, struggling, or ill
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Pinky finger (smallest): Pray for yourself and your own needs
12. Try the "One Word" Prayer
When you're really stuck, choose just one word to focus on. It might be "peace," "help," "thanks," or "sorry." Repeat it gently, letting it become your prayer.
30 Prayer Journal Prompts
A prayer journal can be a wonderful tool when you don't know what to say.
And, if you don't have one, download our FREE prayer journal for beginners to get started, you'll find some really useful prompts and verses to help you in there too!
Here are 30 prompts to get you started:
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What am I most grateful for today?
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Where did I notice God's presence yesterday?
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What worries can I hand over right now?
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Who needs my prayer support today?
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What Scripture verse is speaking to my current situation?
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What three things am I thankful for about myself?
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Where do I need guidance in my life right now?
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What relationship in my life needs healing?
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How have I seen prayers answered recently?
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What's the hardest thing I'm facing today?
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What brings me joy, and how can I thank God for it?
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What am I afraid of right now?
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Where have I missed the mark today? (Confession)
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What do I need courage for?
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Who has blessed my life recently that I can thank God for?
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What part of God's character do I need to remember today?
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What situation feels impossible that I need to trust God with?
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How can I be a blessing to someone today?
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What dream or hope can I entrust to God?
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Where do I need patience right now?
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What decision am I facing that I need wisdom for?
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How can I show love to someone who's difficult to love?
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What habit would I like God's help in changing?
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What am I learning in this season of life?
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How is God stretching me or growing me lately?
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What am I holding onto that I need to release?
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Where have I seen beauty today?
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Who has hurt me that I need to forgive?
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What part of my character would I like God to develop?
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What's something I'm avoiding talking to God about?
When Prayer Still Feels Hard
Remember that prayer isn't about perfection.
Some days, your prayer might just be, "God, I'm here. That's all I've got today." And that's enough.
God doesn't grade prayers based on eloquence or length!
Some of the most powerful prayers in the Bible are surprisingly short: "Lord, save me!" (Peter when sinking); "Help my unbelief!" (a desperate father); "Remember me" (the thief on the cross).
So don't overthink it, just start, and you might be surprised at how easy it becomes when you take the pressure off.
A Word of Encouragement
If you're reading this, I know you already have what it takes to pray, you have a heart that wants to connect with God.
Prayer isn't a skill to master; it's a relationship to develop.
And, like any relationship, it has comfortable silences, awkward moments, deep connections, and everything in between!
On the days when prayer comes easily, be thankful.
On the days when it's a struggle, be gentle with yourself.
God meets you in both places.
The fact that you care enough to work on your prayer life shows that your heart is in the right place.
So, keep showing up. Keep trying.
A simple, honest "hello" to God is better than an eloquent prayer never said.
You don't need to have it all figured out.
Just begin where you are, with what you have. God will meet you there.
What small step could you take today to connect, even briefly?
Maybe it's trying one of these tips or spending five minutes with a journal prompt.
Whatever it is, remember that prayer isn't about perfection, it's about presence.
Your presence with God, and God's presence with you.
And, if you need something to help get you started, download our printable prayer journal, it's completely free, as my gift to you, I really hope it helps you to start your prayer journey.