In any relationship, it can be a little hard at first to know what to say. Praying is no different! It might start off a bit rocky, but the more you talk to God, the more natural it will feel. Pretty soon praying will become a regular part of your life. 

No matter what situation you're in, God wants to hear from us. He wants to lead and guide us, give us wisdom, provide for us, and protect us. Though he doesn't always answer in the way we would like, he does always answer.

Here are a few prayers for when you’re at a loss for words. So go ahead, and start the conversation!

When you want to commit your life to God for the first time:

Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally. Thank you for dying on the cross for me. I open the door of my life and receive you as my Savior and Lord. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of my life. Make me the kind of person you want me to be. Amen.

When you want him to be the center of your life:

Dear Jesus, I want you in the center of my life and I commit to serve and obey you through your power — anytime, anywhere, at any cost, to do anything. Amen.

If you just prayed one of these prayers, we'd love for you to talk to us.

When you renew your commitment to God:

Father, into your hands I commit my spirit. For my life is yours, not mine. You will know every shade of my suffering; you will care for me with your perfect Fatherhood. (George MacDonald)

When you first wake up:

Dear Lord, I give you my hands to do your work, my feet to go your way, my eyes to see as you see, my tongue to speak your words, my mind that you may think in me, my spirit that you may pray in me. Above all, I give you my heart so that you may love through me. Amen.

When you are scared:

Father God, I am feeling fearful today. Life seems uncertain and out of control. I know that the Bible says, “Perfect love casts out fear.” You alone are perfect love; would you please remove this fear I feel and replace it with confidence in you? I trust that you will take care of me — moment by moment, day by day. In Jesus’ name, amen.

When you want to be in God’s will:

Lord Jesus, keep me in your will. Don’t let me go mad by poking about outside it. (Corrie Ten Boom)

When you need wisdom and direction:

Father God, there are so many decisions to make, and I don’t know what to do. You said if we lack wisdom, all we need to do ask. So I humbly ask that you would pour wisdom into my mind today, and may the right choices be clear as I discern your will. Thank You!

When you are sick:

Father, I am feeling lousy today. I ache all over and feel very weak. You said that your grace is sufficient for me. Please strengthen me and give me joy, no matter how I feel physically. Amen.

For your children and/or grandchildren:

Lord, I am so glad that you know each of our children and grandchildren by name. I forget about that, sometimes. Thank you for sending your angels to surround each one of them and for protecting them today. Father, please turn their minds and hearts toward you. Help them to want to please you in everything they think, say, and do. Thank you!

When you are moving:

Lord, I have such mixed feelings about moving. There are so many memories here in this house, but I know it’s time to go. Thank you that despite all the changes going on in my life right now, you never change. You are and always will be a constant in my life. Help me to remember that when I am packing and unpacking. Amen.

When you want to be reflecting Christ:

Lord, make my life a window for your light to shine through, and a mirror to reflect your love to all I meet. Amen.

When you’re in conflict:

Dear God, when your son Jesus died and rose from the dead, he broke down walls of hostility. Father, you know the conflict I am having right now. I don’t know how to resolve it. Thank you that you are my Savior. Please save and restore this relationship. Amen.

For others:

Watch, O Lord, with those who wake, or watch, or weep tonight, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend your sick ones, O Lord Christ. Rest Yyur weary ones. Bless your dying ones. Soothe your suffering ones. Pity your afflicted ones. Shield your joyous ones. And all for your love’s sake. Amen. (Prayed by Father Timothy Kavanagh)

For thanksgiving:

For health and strength and daily food, we praise your name, O God. Amen.

When you need more faith:

Teach me to treat all that comes to me with peace of soul and with firm conviction that your will governs all. Amen. (Prayed by Elisabeth Elliot)

When your marriage seems to be falling apart:

Dear God, our marriage is really shaky right now. I really don’t want it to break up. Show me ways I could show (name) I love and care for her/him. You are merciful. Please show your mercy by helping us love each other more in your strength. Thank you! Amen.

For protection:

Father God, I need your protection. My family needs protection. Help me to love and respect you more. Amen.

For being an instrument for God:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. (Prayed by St. Francis of Assisi)


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Photo Credit: Valentina Aleksandrovna