Because that’s exactly what He wants to be.
I used to think prayer had to sound holy. Scripted. Full of big words, maybe even poetic. But what I’ve learned is that God isn’t looking for me to be something I’m not. He just wants my heart.
Some of the most meaningful prayers I’ve ever prayed have sounded more like, “Lord, I’m tired and I don’t know what to do. Please help.”
Not that long ago, I stopped trying to say the “right” thing. I was in a Bible study with a group of women going through a Priscilla Shirer study, and she said something that stuck with me: just like we as parents want to hear the little details of our kids’ days, the good, the hard, the in-between, our Father wants to hear from us the same way.
That hit me.
So many of us think our problems are too small for God, or maybe He’s too busy. But we’d never say that to our kids, right? If they came to us with something heavy on their hearts, we wouldn’t brush them off. Why would we believe that God would?
If we start thinking that God doesn’t have time for us, we’re not understanding how big He truly is.
Talking to God Like a Friend
The more I started praying like I was talking to a friend, the closer I felt to Him.
It might start with something simple:
- “God, I messed up today. I said something I shouldn’t have… please forgive me.”
- “I lost it with my kids again. Help me be slower to anger.”
- “Thank you for that morning walk. I felt so much peace.”
- “I’m struggling in my marriage. Please work on my heart—and his.”
Whatever it is, He wants the real. The raw. The unfiltered.
Praying Scripture (Without Making It Complicated)
There’s also power in praying God’s Word back to Him, and it doesn’t have to be complicated.
Start small:
- When you’re anxious: “God, Your Word says not to be anxious for anything. Help me trade this anxiety for peace.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
- When you need wisdom: “You said if we ask for wisdom, You’ll give it generously. I’m asking.” (James 1:5)
- When you feel weak: “Your strength is made perfect in weakness. Be my strength today.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Even if it’s one verse, one promise…it matters.
A Few Things That Help Me Stay Close in Prayer
- Talk out loud. It keeps me focused and makes it feel more like a real conversation.
- Tell Him the little things. “I’m overwhelmed with my schedule.” “I’m nervous about this meeting.” “Please help me show up well today.”
- Imagine He’s beside you. I close my eyes and picture us sitting by a river. He’s next to me, quiet and kind, just listening.
- Leave space to listen. Turn off the noise. Don’t rush. Sometimes He speaks through stillness, not volume.
- Cry. Vent. Repeat. He can handle it. You’re not too much for Him.
If You’ve Been Avoiding Prayer…
Maybe you feel like you have nothing to say. Or that what you do have to say isn’t “good enough.”
Please don’t let that keep you away.
He wants to hear from you – all the time. In every moment. He wants to carry what’s heavy, so you don’t have to.
Friendship with God isn’t reserved for the “super spiritual.”
He’s already beside you.
You just have to talk to Him.