Honestly, some of the most raw and beautiful moments I’ve had with God started with a simple prayer no script, just me being real. It’s not just a ritual or a set of memorized words. It’s a heart-to-heart with our Creator. But sometimes, we don’t know where to begin. You may have wondered, “Am I doing this right?” or “What does the Bible actually say about how to pray?”
You’re not alone in asking. Thankfully, the Bible gives us clear, loving guidance.
Take a breath. We’ll walk through this together, gently—no pressure, just peace.
Jesus Himself Taught Us How to Pray
If you’re looking for a direct answer to “Where in the Bible does it say how to pray?” the clearest teaching comes straight from Jesus in Matthew 6:5–13.
Here, Jesus tells His followers:
“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites…” (Matthew 6:5, NIV)
He starts by explaining how not to pray. He warns us not to make it a show. Prayer isn’t for impressing people. It’s for connecting with God.
Then in verses 9–13, Jesus gives us what we now call The Lord’s Prayer:
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…”
This isn’t just a prayer to repeat (though you certainly can). It’s a pattern, a loving guide. Let’s break it down:
🕊️ The Lord’s Prayer as a Model:
“Our Father in heaven” – Start by remembering who you’re talking to. God is your Father. Loving. Present.
“Hallowed be your name” – Show reverence. Honor His holiness.
“Your kingdom come, your will be done…” – Surrender your plans. Trust His purpose.
“Give us today our daily bread”—a reminder that God’s okay with us asking for help, even if it’s just making it through this one day
“Forgive us our debts…” – Be honest. Ask forgiveness. Be willing to forgive others.
“Lead us not into temptation…” – Invite God to guide and protect you.
This prayer isn’t about perfect words. It’s about a humble heart.
What the Bible Says About Why We Should Pray
You might ask, “Does the Bible say you should pray?” Yes, again and again.
Here’s a gentle reminder from 1 Thessalonians 5:17:
“Pray without ceasing.”
This doesn’t mean you have to whisper prayers nonstop, but to stay open to God, aware of Him, throughout your day.
And Philippians 4:6 encourages us:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Ever felt weighed down and didn’t know who to talk to? Prayer’s that quiet space where your fears can finally exhale.
Praying Like Jesus: His Personal Example
Not only did Jesus teach prayer, He lived it.
Mark 1:35 – Jesus rose early to pray alone.
Luke 5:16 – He often withdrew to quiet places.
John 17 – He prayed for His disciples and all future believers.
Matthew 26:39 – In the Garden of Gethsemane, He cried out to the Father before facing the cross.
If even Jesus paused to pray during His hardest days—and His happiest ones—what does that say about how deeply we need that too.
How to Pray According to the Bible (Even When You’re Not Sure How)
The Bible understands our hearts, even when we don’t have the right words.
Romans 8:26 says:
“We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”
So if you ever sit there unsure what to say, that’s okay. Sometimes a sigh, a tear, or a quiet “Help me, Lord” is enough.
You don’t need a polished prayer life to show up. God’s not grading you He just wants you to come..
Over the years, I’ve noticed five gentle themes that show up again and again when the Bible talks about prayer…
If we gather what Scripture teaches from Genesis to Revelation, here’s what we learn:
1. Come Humbly
God isn’t moved by prideful, showy words. He listens to the humble heart.
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted.” – Psalm 34:18
2. Speak Honestly
Don’t pretend with God. He already knows.
“Pour out your hearts to him.” – Psalm 62:8
3. Pray Continually
Prayer isn’t just for bedtime or meals. It can be part of every moment.
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” – Colossians 4:2
4. Ask Boldly
Jesus told us to ask, seek, and knock. God loves bold, childlike faith.
“Ask and it will be given to you…” – Matthew 7:7
5. Listen Quietly
Prayer isn’t a one-way street. Pause and let God speak through His Word and Spirit.
What Happens When We Don’t Pray?
Life gets noisy. Distracted. Dry.
When prayer fades, we often:
Feel overwhelmed
Make rushed decisions
Miss God’s guidance
Try to carry burdens alone
The Bible isn’t silent about this. James 4:2 says:
“You do not have because you do not ask God.”
That’s not a guilt trip, it’s a loving reminder. God wants to be invited in.
Misunderstandings About Prayer, and What the Bible Really Says
Let’s clear up a few common myths:
❌ “Myth: “You’ve got to sound holy.”
✅ Reality: God hears you better when you stop trying to impress Him..
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” – James 4:6
❌ “If I don’t feel spiritual, I shouldn’t pray.”
✅ Truth: That’s exactly when you should.
“Call to me and I will answer you…” – Jeremiah 33:3
❌ “Prayer is only for emergencies.”
✅ Truth: Prayer is meant for every part of life.
“In everything, by prayer…” – Philippians 4:6
Encouragement for You: It’s Not About Being “Good at Prayer”
Let me share something from years of ministry: Many people struggle with prayer.
I remember a man who once told me he prayed by just sitting with his coffee and saying, “God, I don’t have the words.” And that was enough.
Here’s what I always say:
👉 If you can speak, whisper, cry, or sit in silence, you can pray.
👉 Even a rushed breath in the car or a whispered word at night counts. It all counts.
👉 If your prayer is clumsy or quiet or tired, it’s still beautiful to God.
Why? Because it’s from you.
A Closing Thought: You’re Invited
Prayer isn’t a burden. It’s a blessing.
The God who made the stars waits patiently for your voice. He doesn’t demand perfection. He invites presence.
If you’re ever stuck wondering how to pray, just start talking. God’s not grading vocabulary. He’s listening for your heart.
You don’t need the right words, just a willing heart.
You don’t need to know it all, just to show up.
You don’t need to shout, He already hears you.
And if you forget everything else, hold on to this:
“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven…’” – Matthew 6:9
