Sometimes when we pray, the words simply aren’t there.

We want them to be. We have all the things inside of us ready to say, but we come up empty. If that is where you are today, I want you to know that you are not alone.

Years ago I decided to simply show up when I felt that way. I might not have words in that alone time with God, but I would pray a scripture. Sometimes I pulled a line from a devotional that resonated deeply and spoke that out loud. Then I started writing down phrases, bits and pieces of words to start the conversation raw and honestly. 

When I shared some of these on the TogetHER ministry Facebook page, people responded. They told me that they would take those handful of words and it would open the conversation between them and the Lord. I started calling these #prayerstarters. 

Today, I want to share a few #prayerstarters with you, sweet friend. Some are scripture prayer starters. Others are just a handful of raw words. Some are lines from other sources.

If you’ve been avoiding talking to God because you don’t have the words, just show up. Grab one of these #prayerstarters and speak them to him. Let it open the door to what you really want to say, unbridled, unrehearsed, open, and intimate. Print these out. Write them in your journal. If you need to, put them on a sticky note where you can see them throughout your day.

(And at the end of this post, I’ve got a gift for you. A free Ebook of prayers just for you.)

Prayerstarters 

1. A couple of #prayerstarters for when you feel burdened

Jesus, you asked me to come to you when I am tired or burdened, and I’m accepting that invitation. I need rest in my body and in my heart and in my soul. Will you step into . . . (Matthew 28:11)

Heavenly Father, I need you in every part of my life. Not just the good parts, but in the places where I am weighed down with burdens that feel way bigger than me. I don’t have the words to describe how I feel, but you already know what I need and that brings me comfort because . . . (Matthew 6:8)

2. #Prayerstarters for when you feel sad

Lord, my instinct is to hide my sadness because it makes me feel like I am not strong. But when I bring those feelings to you, I become strong because I am no longer alone. I refuse to hide anything from you. Instead, I will share this with you because you care about. . . (Hebrews 4:16)

God, I am welcome to approach you as a daughter. Your arms are open wide. You are safe and your intentions are pure and holy. So I run to you today, like a child, my soul unguarded and open for . . . (Come With Me Devotional, Day 177)

3. #Prayerstarters for when you feel ill-equipped

Pour out your Spirit upon me, Lord. Do a holy work in me and through me that only you can. Help me to release my need to succeed or be seen or please anyone but you. Today I step into faith and obedience and the adventure you have for me because . . . (Acts 2:17)

I am incredibly ordinary, Lord, but it’s not my gifts and talents that change the world. It’s you living in me that matters. Pour out your anointing over my life. Let people see the love of Jesus in me. When I feel ill-equipped, remind me that you have everything I need — and it’s already on the inside of me . . . (Acts 4:13)

Jesus, all you ask of me is this: to love you with my heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love others. It’s not complicated. Thank you for that! Show me one way to love others today in your name as. . . (Come With Me book, page 49)

4. #Prayerstarter when you want to live in hope

Jesus, I’m opening up every part of myself to you — the far-behind-me past; the last five minutes. Even tomorrow! Fill me up with hope and peace that only comes from you. Let me splash out that peace over my closest relationships, especially over those I love who are struggling. Help me to show up and just be present, just as you do for me because. . . (Romans 15:13)

5. #Prayerstarter for when you are bursting to share that good news

Lord, I’m so excited to share the miracles taking place in my life. I know you are aware, but I long to express my gratitude. Help me keep my focus on you in every part of these miracles. Remind me that you are the author of them. Thank you for being a safe place to celebrate every part of . . .

6. #Prayerstarter for when God is calling you out of your comfort zone

Dear God, I am willing to climb out of this safe box I’ve fashioned for myself. I trust that you have a plan for my life. You are taking me deeper, but you will meet me there. Thank you for taking me by the hand as I become a risk-taker. . . (The Mom I Want to Be, page 133)

Father, all you are asking me to do is my part. I don’t have to be like anyone else. Remind me that I’m part of the body of Christ and that my role, whether in the limelight or behind the scenes, leads others close to you. That’s all that matters because . . . (1 Corinthians 12:12)

7. Mini- prayer starters

• Jesus, help me offer a measure of grace, scooped out of the amazing grace you show me every single day . .
• Father, this habit feels like a burden. You came to break bondages and set me free so. . .
• Jesus, I’m struggling to forgive. Today I am giving you this burden so that . . .
• Lord, I feel lonely. Thank you for meeting me in the midst of this season. . . 
• Jesus, I need you because. .

I want you to know that we all have seasons where the words might not come as we want them to, but I also know that God loves you, loves you, loves you. When you show up and simply start the conversation, it’s letting him know that you love him too and that’s beautiful and strong. 

A free gift for you – An Ebook with 13 Come With Me Prayers

I want to offer you this free Ebook: 13 Come With Me Prayers. These are prayers that you can pray as you walk daily with Jesus. I invite you to make these words your own, or add to them, or journal them. You’ll find this free Ebook here: (Click to download free Ebook)

Have you been listening to our podcast, More Than Small Talk with Holley Gerth, Jennifer Watson, and myself?

In today’s episode we talked about the difference between being alone and feeling lonely, and what to do when we feel that way. This episode is honest and vulnerable, but also filled with lots of hope. 

Buy a copy of the Come With Me Devotional and walk daily with Jesus in your quiet time.

I’m happy to autograph it. If you purchase it in the TogetHER shop, I’ll happily autograph it (and pay media mail shipping). All proceeds go back into ministry. ~ Suzie