The One Thing To Pray When You Don’t Know What To Say
ALICIA BRUXVOORT
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“The LORD is near all who cry out to him, all who cry out to him sincerely.” Psalm 145:18 (NET)
There’s a tap on my bedroom door, the sound of footsteps shuffling across the floor.
I hear her voice before I see the shape of her in the darkness.
“Mom?” The word is both a name and a request.
My heart responds faster than my groggy mind. Propping my elbows on a pillow, I will myself awake and peer through a sleepy haze at the teenager beside my bed.
“I’m here,” I murmur as I toss off a cocoon of covers and follow her out of the room.
We sit on the couch in dim lamplight, her head on my shoulder, my hand holding hers.
Tonight my daughter doesn’t give voice to the anxiety that hijacks her sleep or the spinning thoughts that steal her peace. And as we abide together in the darkness, I recognize our wordless lingering is a picture of what prayer sometimes looks like.
I used to think of prayer only as a conversation wrapped in words, and certainly we see that throughout Scripture. Then a season of grief stifled my voice and hushed my hope. Prayer as I knew it no longer seemed to work.
So, like the aching teen at my bedroom door, I sought the presence of Jesus with a single word.
When I was too doubtful to trust, I spoke His name.
When I was too discouraged to dream, I spoke His name.
When I was too tired to talk, I spoke His name.
When I couldn’t name my needs, I spoke His name.
I shouted it with pounding fists and tear-glazed eyes. Jesus.
I whispered it through ugly sobs and angry sighs. Jesus.
In that season of waning words and wobbly faith, I learned prayer doesn’t always sound like a stream of sentences or a surge of confession. It doesn’t always sound like a din of requests or a hum of intercession.
Sometimes prayer just sounds like an earnest cry.
Thankfully, Scripture tells us, “The LORD is near all who cry out to him, all who cry out to him sincerely” (Psalm 145:18).
It’s significant to note that in the original language of this psalm, the term translated as “cry out” doesn’t imply an aimless bellow or a random complaint. Rather, it pictures an intentional call for help. The particular word the psalmist used in this verse carries the idea of calling someone by name. It means “to summon” or “to invite.”
This psalm serves as a poignant reminder for all of us who are short on words when our list of needs grows long. Even when we’re struggling to tell God what’s on our hearts, we can still seek Him with a humble cry.
And when we turn His name into our candid plea, His tender response will always be: I am here.
Dear Jesus, when I don’t know what to say, teach me to pray — with or without words. Thank You for hearing me and drawing close. Help me to recognize Your presence as You respond to my cries. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
If you’re looking for a way to connect more deeply with Jesus, consider grabbing a copy of Alicia’s digital devotional, Encounter. You can purchase it here.
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For more encouragement as you seek Jesus through prayer, visit Alicia at her website or connect with her on Instagram today.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Proverbs 18:10, “The name of the LORD is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe” (NLT).
James 4:8a, “Come near to God and he will come near to you” (NIV).
When do you find it difficult to pray? How could you draw near to Jesus today with or without words? Share your thoughts in the comments.
© 2025 by Alicia Bruxvoort. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
Originally published Tuesday, 17 June 2025.
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