How to Pray:

A Guide for the Hurting, the Searching, and the Desperate

Prayer is not just a religious habit. it is a lifeline. For those who are hurting, confused, overwhelmed, or longing for something more. Prayer is the doorway into the presence of God. This guide, built from Scripture and practical insight, will walk you through how to pray, even when you don’t know where to start.

Point 1: How to Pray When You Don’t Know What to Say 

Start with honesty:

You don’t need fancy words. Just speak honestly to God, like you would to a close friend. He already knows your thoughts—He just wants your heart.

Use the Lord’s Prayer as a framework

In Matthew 6:9–13, Jesus gives us a model. You can use each phrase as a prompt:

-  Our Father in heaven – Acknowledge who God is.

-  Your kingdom come – Submit to His will.

-  Give us today our daily bread – Ask for your needs.

-  Forgive us our sins – Confess and receive grace.

-  Deliver us from evil – Ask for protection and strength.

BTW: Groans count too!

Romans 8:26 tells us that when we don’t have words, the Holy Spirit helps us pray. Your tears, sighs, or silence are prayers too.

Point 2: How to Pray When You’re Hurting

 Pour it all out:

God invites you to bring your pain. Read Psalm 62:8 – Pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.

Pray the Psalms
The Psalms are full of raw, emotional prayers. They’re a great place to start when your heart feels heavy. Try Psalm 34, Psalm 13, or Psalm 42.

Expect comfort, not just answers

God may not change your circumstances right away, but He will meet you with peace. Philippians 4:6–7 promises peace that surpasses understanding.

Point 3: How to Pray With Faith 

Trust His character:

Hebrews 11:6 says, Anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.

Remind yourself of what He’s done

Keep a record of answered prayers. Remembering His past faithfulness fuels your present faith.

Declare Scripture

Pray the promises of God out loud. Say things like Lord, You said You’d never leave me (Hebrews 13:5) or You are close to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18).

Point 4: How to Pray When You’re Waiting 

Be still:

Waiting doesn’t mean nothing is happening. Psalm 46:10 says, Be still and know that I am God.

Stay in conversation

Don’t stop praying just because you don’t see change. Keep the dialogue open. Persistent prayer (Luke 18:1–8) isn’t about nagging—it’s about trusting.

Worship while you wait (Pro tip!)

Sing, speak gratitude, and declare His goodness even when answers delay. Worship shifts your perspective.

Point 5: How to Pray for Others 

Stand in the gap:

Ezekiel 22:30 speaks of someone standing in the gap. Intercession is powerful. Pray for your friends, family, community, and nation.

Ask for insight
The Holy Spirit can guide you in how to pray specifically for others (Romans 8:26, 1 Corinthians 2:10).

Partner with others
Jesus said where two or three gather in His name, He is present (Matthew 18:20). Join prayer groups or ask a friend to pray with you.

Final Encouragement: Don’t Give Up on Prayer 

Prayer is a journey, not a formula.

You may stumble, you may doubt. But don’t give up. God hears. God sees. God responds.

When you don't know what else to do—pray.

When you're too broken to move—pray.

When you feel alone—pray.

He is closer than you think.

"The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth." – Psalm 145:18

A Personal Word from Pastor Lance 

Hey friend,

If you’re reading this and going through something heavy, I want you to know you’re not alone. Life gets hard. Hearts get heavy. But you are seen. And more importantly— you are deeply loved by God.

If you need someone to pray with you or for you, we’ve made it really simple. Just text the word “PRAY” to **406-770-7399. You’ll instantly get a link to share your prayer request.

Fill it out—big or small—and know that our pastors and leaders from our church will be praying for you by name.

You don’t have to walk through this alone. With love and hope,

Pastor Lance