This question might sound odd to those who already have the habit of prayer: how can someone pray without knowing how to pray? Isn’t that a contradiction? But the truth is that many Catholics, even those who desire a prayerful life, don’t know where to start. And more: some believe prayer is something reserved for the “very spiritual,” for religious people, for saints. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Prayer is the breath of the soul. Without it, spiritual life weakens, cools down, and can even die. That’s why this post is an invitation for everyone: for those who already pray, for those who pray occasionally, and especially for those who haven’t yet made a habit of talking to God.
To Pray Is to Be With God
Prayer isn’t about repeating beautiful words or memorizing formulas. To pray is to come into God’s presence with an open heart. It can be through simple words, silence, tears, or smiles. It’s a dialogue, an encounter.
Jesus taught us: “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen” (Mt 6:6). Before anything else, prayer is that moment of intimacy with the One who knows and loves us.
But… What if I Don’t Know How to Pray?
Here lies one of the biggest misconceptions: thinking we need to “know” how to pray before we start. In truth, we learn to pray by praying. Just as a child learns to speak by being with their parents, we learn to speak to God by living in His presence.
If you’re just beginning, try this:
- Speak to God as you would to a friend.
- Tell Him how you’re feeling.
- Thank Him for the day, ask for help, offer your struggles.
- Sit in silence, allowing Him to speak to your heart too.
“Lord, I don’t know how to pray, but I’m here. I want to be with You.” That already is a true prayer.
The Value of Vocal Prayers
Our Lord gave us the most perfect vocal prayer: the Our Father. In it is everything we need to ask, to thank, and to live. But it’s not just about repeating words. As Saint Teresa of Ávila teaches, we must be aware of whom we are speaking to.
A well-made vocal prayer is the first step toward a deeper life of prayer. Praying the Our Father and the Hail Mary with attention, savoring each word, is like sitting at the Lord’s table and being nourished by His love. When prayed with a present heart, these prayers help us enter into the mystery of divine love and experience—even in simplicity—the sweetness of God’s presence.
But… Pray Every Day?
Yes! Just as the body needs daily nourishment, so does the soul. Prayer is that nourishment. Even when you don’t feel like it, prayer is an act of love and fidelity. Those who love remain. Those who love don’t wait to feel before they give themselves.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church affirms: “Prayer is the living relationship of the children of God with their Father… it is the living relationship with the living and true God” (CCC 2565).
So it’s not optional: whoever wants to grow in friendship with God must cultivate daily prayer.
A Simple Model to Start
If you don’t yet have the habit, here’s a simple model to begin your day with God:
- One Our Father
- One Hail Mary
- A prayer to your Guardian Angel
- One Glory Be
You can end with a spontaneous phrase: “Lord, I give You my day. Walk with me through every step.”
The Secret Is in the Love
More important than the quantity of prayers is the quality of your offering. To pray is to love. Even in difficulties, even when your heart feels cold, if you persevere in prayer, you are growing in faith.
Prayer transforms. Little by little, it makes us more attentive, more patient, stronger, holier.
If you already have a prayer life, this is your reminder to stay close to the Source. If you don’t yet, this is your invitation to begin. Start today—even if you don’t know how. God is waiting.
Is talking to God already part of your daily routine? Share with us in the comments how you live your prayer moments.
Last updated on: May 17, 2025.