If you’re wondering how to get to know God, prayer is the simplest place to begin. You don’t need fancy words, perfect timing, or a deep knowledge of the Bible. You just need honesty.
Prayer is simply talking to God.
At first, it can feel awkward—maybe even a little uncomfortable. You might wonder if you’re doing it “right” or if God is really listening. But prayer isn’t a performance. It’s a relationship. Just like any friendship, it grows through conversation—through sharing your hopes, your fears, your dreams, and even your doubts.
When we pray, we open the door to connection. And often, something unexpected happens: clarity shows up, peace settles in, or an “aha” moment gently surfaces. Not always immediately—but often enough to remind us we’re not alone.
How to Pray (Without Overthinking It)
Here’s some good news: there is no right or wrong way to pray.
The Bible is full of prayers—some short, some emotional, some joyful, and some desperate. There are even written prayers you can borrow when you don’t know what to say. Many churches teach children creative ways to pray, like the hand prayer where each finger represents something to pray for—family, friends, others, those in need, and leaders.
Those tools can be helpful, but prayer doesn’t have to be complicated.
Most days, I pray the same way I talk to a close friend. Sometimes it starts with, “Hey God… things feel a little crazy right now and I need your help.” Then I just start sharing what’s on my heart.
Some prayers I say out loud. Others stay quietly in my head. Both count. God hears every word—and even the ones we can’t quite form yet. Scripture reminds us that God knows our hearts, even when we don’t know how to express them.
Where to Pray (Hint: Everywhere)
You don’t need a special place to pray.
Yes, some people love quiet mornings with coffee and a journal. Others feel closest to God in nature or during a peaceful walk. But prayer fits into real life too.
I pray while driving my kids to school. I pray while walking the dog. I pray in the middle of stressful days and whispered moments between tasks. Over time, prayer has become woven into my daily life—almost like an ongoing conversation.
It didn’t start that way. But the more comfortable you become talking to God, the more natural it feels. Eventually, prayer stops being something you do and becomes something you live.
A Simple Way to Get Started: TSA Prayer
If you’re unsure where to begin, try this simple three-step approach: TSA — Thank, Share, Ask.
1. Thank
Start with gratitude. Thank God for the big blessings and the small, ordinary joys.
I often thank God for things that might sound silly—like my dog and her goofy smile—or for a small win, like my child having a better day than yesterday.
Gratitude shifts our focus and reminds us of God’s presence in everyday life.
2. Share
Tell God what’s really going on. Share your thoughts, emotions, worries, fears, and joys. Be honest. There’s no need to filter or impress.
Talk to God the way you’d talk to a trusted friend who already knows your heart.
3. Ask
Ask for what you need. Be specific. Ask for guidance, peace, patience, or strength. Pray for others too.
Maybe your child’s teacher needs extra grace this week. Maybe your boss seems overwhelmed. Maybe a government leader or community member needs wisdom. You don’t need all the details—if someone comes to mind, simply lift them up and ask God to help.
Keep Praying (Even When You Don’t See Results Yet)
Prayer isn’t always answered on our timeline—but it’s never ignored.
Jesus reminds us in Matthew 7:7–11:
“Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep seeking, and you will find. Keep knocking, and it will be opened to you… If you know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him?”
Prayer is an invitation to keep showing up. To keep trusting. To keep believing that God is a loving Father who listens and cares deeply.
So if you’re unsure, start small. Whisper a prayer in the car. Say a quick thank you in the middle of your day. Talk to God like a friend.
Just start talking. God is already listening.
Amber Bishop Mornes is the author of The Beginner’s Guide to God and the voice behind Auburn Raven: Balancing Faith, Family & Fun. With a background in psychology, human resources, and ministry, she writes to encourage faith-filled families through honest reflections on parenting, marriage, and everyday life.
Her passion is introducing people to God’s love and biblically equipping parents and teachers so children can grow in faith. Her journey, tips and lessons can be found on her blog www.AuburnRaven.com. You can connect with her on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook.
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