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How to Start Praying (A Simple Guide for Beginners)
5 min read
Maybe you never learned how to pray. Maybe you prayed as a child and stopped somewhere along the way. Or maybe you pray sometimes but it feels awkward, like talking into an empty room. If so, you’re not behind. Even Jesus’ closest friends asked Him: “Lord, teach us to pray.” (Luke 11:1, WEB).
This guide is for anyone who wants to start, or start again, without pressure.
What prayer actually is
At its simplest, prayer is talking with God and being with Him. Not a performance, not a test, and not a special vocabulary. Jesus said: “But you, when you pray, enter into your inner room, and having shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret.” (Matthew 6:6, WEB). He describes prayer as something personal and quiet, like a conversation with a parent who already knows you.
He adds that God knows “what things you need, before you ask him” (Matthew 6:8, WEB). So prayer isn’t about informing God. It’s about being honest with Him and opening your life to Him.
There are no right words. Your ordinary language is welcome.
A simple shape for your first prayers
If a blank page feels hard, it helps to have a loose shape. Here is one many people find easy to remember:
Thank you. Start with one thing you’re grateful for today. “Thank you for the sunshine this morning.”
Sorry. Name something you’d like to let go of. “I’m sorry I was short with my sister.”
Please. Ask for what you or someone else needs. “Please help my friend who’s ill. Please help me be patient tomorrow.”
That’s it. It can take one minute.
Your first prayer to try today
When and where to pray
There’s no wrong time. A few easy starting points:
- In the morning, before you check your phone.
- On the way somewhere, walking or driving.
- Before a meal, a short thank-you.
- At night, looking back on the day.
Jesus Himself often found a quiet place: “But he withdrew himself into the desert, and prayed.” (Luke 5:16, WEB). Your “desert” might be a chair by the window or the car in a parking lot.
Common worries about praying
“I don’t know the right words.” There are no right words. Your ordinary language is welcome.
“My mind wanders.” It happens to everyone. When you notice it, gently come back. You can even pray about what distracted you.
“I don’t feel anything.” Feelings in prayer come and go. Showing up matters more than what you feel in the moment.
“I’m not sure I believe enough.” You can tell God that too. Honest doubt is a real place to start a conversation.
Frequently asked questions
How do I start praying for the first time?
Find a quiet moment, speak to God as you would to someone who knows and loves you, and keep it short. “Thank you, sorry, please” is an easy shape to begin with.
Do I need to pray out loud?
No. You can pray out loud, in a whisper, in your head or in writing. All of them are prayer.
How long should a prayer be?
As long or as short as you need. Jesus taught that we aren’t heard because of many words (Matthew 6:7). One honest minute is a good start.
What is a good prayer for beginners?
The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9–13) is the prayer Jesus gave His friends when they asked how to pray. Many beginners start there, then add their own words.
If you’d like some words to lean on while you’re starting out, 10 Prayers for Nights You Don’t Know What to Say offers ten short, simple prayers, each with a verse and a quiet reflection.