When I was a new believer it felt like others knew more about prayer than I did. Their words sounded beautiful, while I didn’t even know where to begin. Some said, “Pray like this.” Others gave me a formula that went something like this  — praise, petition, promise. . .

Now, years later, I see it different. 

Prayer is simply a conversation with God, right where you are.

“I need you,” is a complete prayer. “Jesus,” whispered in a hospital emergency room is a complete prayer. Showing up to talk to God, as you shut down everything that distracts you, and sitting in the quiet because there are no words, is a complete prayer.

If you feel like you don’t know how to pray, I want you to know something. God longs to communicate with you, and it’s not about how many words you say, or whether it’s eloquent or not. It’s simply knowing that he is near, and showing up to talk — words or no words. Some of my prayers are whispered through the day, or in the middle of the night.

God, do you see that? That’s beautiful.

Father, I’m sad. 

Abba Father, I don’t know what to do. 

Jesus, be with her.

I don’t know what to ask, but I know you hear me. 

Sometimes I intentionally walk into a space of prayer. I long for his presence. I know that I need to shut down all the noise to simply soak in his presence. There are times that leads to deep conversations with God, and at other times tears simply run down my cheeks because that moment is sacred.

If I could share one thing with you about prayer, it’s this:

You don’t have to have the right words to have a deep breath of prayer. 

He already knows what you need. He sees your heart, your wrestling, your questions, your love for him, your uncertainties, whatever those may be. When any of us believe that we aren’t “good” at prayer, we might shy away from it, when it’s exactly what we need. I’d love to invite you to do the opposite. Run toward prayer — throughout your day, in that awkward or painful moment, in that joyous time, in the small, big, and ordinary of your life.

God doesn’t ask us to be good at prayer.

He longs for us to gravitate toward him, because he’s near.

So, here’s your living free invitation: Just start talking to him, right where you are. Express those thoughts, hard, unsure, grieving, or joyous. Invite him into to your everyday life. Begin today. You might be surprised where it leads you — away from worry about how to pray, to connecting with God right where you are. 

Hey friends, I have a resource for you that I think you’ll love.

• The first is my new book, Prayer Starters: Talking with God about Hard Times.

I’ve been in an incredibly hard season for almost three years. It’s an unwanted season and I’ve shared bits and pieces with you.

When we are in that hard season, we may want to talk to God about all.the.things. and yet words simply won’t come. Prayer Starters is not a book about how to pray, but a book that helps you creatively connect with God through prayer.

If you are a creative, you’ll love it. It’s part prayer journal. Part power of the Word. Part encouragement. Part interactive moments where you and God take it deeper. You can carry it with you, use it to start your day, or reach for it in the middle of the night when you need it most. It has a flat spine so you can write all throughout it.

It’s for you or for that friend who is that hard season.

This book is currently available for pre-order. It’s the most vulnerable time for a book (and an author), and it’s my pleasure to share it with you, and my prayer that it will encourage you like crazy.

Pre-order Prayer Starters today.