FAITH IN EVERYDAY LIFE
The best way to talk to God is the way you’d talk to someone you trust: honestly, in your own words, without formulas. There is no right format and no minimum length. If you don’t know how to start, these seven openings will help.
Do I need special words to pray?
No. Prayer isn’t a test you have to pass – it’s a relationship. God doesn’t need polished sentences to understand what’s going on inside you. One honest sentence counts for more than a long speech you don’t mean.
The Bible explicitly invites you to call on God:
Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
Jeremiah 33:3 (KJV)
In the book of Jeremiah this comes in the middle of a dark time, while the prophet is being held captive. So the invitation doesn’t start only once everything is fine.
7 honest ways to start praying
You don’t have to try all seven. Pick the one that fits you today.
1. “I don’t know how.”
That isn’t a bad start – it’s one of the oldest. Even the disciples, who were with Jesus every day, asked exactly this:
And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
Luke 11:1 (KJV)
So you can start just like that: “God, I don’t know how this works. Teach me.”
2. “Here I am.”
Sometimes it’s enough just to show up. Sit down, take a few slow breaths and simply say: “Here I am.” You don’t have to achieve anything more.
3. “Right now it’s like this …”
Tell God what’s really going on, not the edited version. Tired, angry, in love, overwhelmed, bored: all of it is allowed. Prayer begins where you stop pretending.
4. “Why …?”
Questions are prayer. Many psalms are largely questions and laments. If you don’t understand something, tell God directly instead of acting as if everything were clear.
5. “I’m thinking of …”
Name one person and tell God what you wish for them. Praying for others takes the pressure off you and makes your prayer concrete.
6. Two minutes of silence
Talking also means listening. Set a timer for two minutes and say nothing. If thoughts come, let them pass. If you run out of words, that isn’t failure:
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Romans 8:26 (KJV)
7. “Thank you for …”
End with three concrete things from today. Not “thanks for everything”, but: the coffee this morning, a message from a friend, the fact that you made it through the day. Gratitude turns your eyes to what is already there.
When and where can I talk to God?
Anywhere. A few ways that help many people:
- While walking: the way to class, to work or around the block at night is a good place for a quiet conversation.
- In writing: write God a few lines in a notebook or a notes app. It helps when your thoughts keep jumping.
- Briefly in between: one sentence before an exam or a conversation is just as much prayer as half an hour in the evening.
- With fixed anchors: one moment after waking up and one before sleep help you keep going.
A reminder you can wear
Sometimes something visible helps you remember that the line is open. On the back of the Open Source Live Signal T-Shirt you’ll find the Source Signal and LIVE with the line “my signal reaches you. Always.” It isn’t a Bible quote – it’s our way of putting the invitation of Jeremiah 33:3 into everyday words. The shirt is made of 180 g/m² organic cotton in Vintage White, with GOTS, Fair Wear and OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100.
If you prefer something softer and warmer: the Open Source Signal Hoodie in White Sand carries the GOD Signal on the front and back, in 330 g/m² heavyweight sweat with a fluffy inside.
And if you want to start right away: in the Talk to God experience you simply start writing, like a child with its father, or tap a suggestion such as “I’m afraid”.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pray out loud?
No. You can pray out loud, quietly, in your head or in writing. What matters is that you mean it.
What if I don’t feel anything?
Many people know that feeling, including people who have believed for a long time. Prayer doesn’t depend on a feeling. Keep going, even when it sometimes feels empty.
How long should a prayer be?
As long as it works for you. One sentence is a prayer. Two honest minutes every day beat one dutiful hour a month.
If you want to start now, open the Talk to God experience and write your first sentence.
