“I want to pray, but I don’t know what to say. My mind goes blank, or I feel awkward.”
If that’s ever been your thought, take a deep breath—because you’re not the only one who has felt that way. Navigating life, faith, and focus with ADHD, I know how discouraging it can be when your heart wants to connect with God, but the words just won’t come.
I’ve had those moments where I stood in front of others to pray, and my mind completely shut down. And in my quiet time? I’ve sat in silence, overwhelmed by so many racing thoughts that I couldn’t organize a single sentence. I’ve even tried stringing together familiar spiritual phrases and religious lingo, only to feel like I was just going through the motions.
But I made a decision: I wouldn’t give up on prayer.
I didn’t always know what to say, but I believed the connection was worth fighting for.
When You Feel Stuck, God Still Hears You
Let’s take the pressure off. One of the most comforting verses I’ve found is Romans 8:26 (NLT):
“And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.”
That truth gives me peace. It reminds me that even when my prayers are messy, incomplete, or wordless—the Holy Spirit steps in. He’s already speaking on my behalf.
Jesus also made it clear that prayer doesn’t need to be fancy or long-winded to be meaningful. In Matthew 6:7-8 (NLT), He said:
“When you pray, don’t babble on and on… They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again… your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!”
In other words, God isn’t grading your prayer style. He’s simply glad you came to Him.
What Can You Do When the Words Won’t Come?
Here are three gentle ways to help you connect when your mind goes blank or prayer feels awkward:
- Try Written Prayers
When I didn’t know where to start, I leaned on the wisdom of others. My grandmother—one of the most powerful prayer warriors I’ve ever known—gifted me “Prayers That Avail Much” by Word Ministries, Inc. That little book helped me take my first steps.
Since then, other favorites have become part of my toolbox: “Prayers That Rout Demons” by Apostle John Eckhardt and “Prayers That Bring Change” by Apostle Kimberly Daniels. These aren’t a replacement for your voice—they’re a jumpstart when you need one.
- Pray the Word
Scripture is full of language you can pray. If a verse speaks to your situation, speak it back to God.
Take Romans 8:26 again. You could pray:
“Holy Spirit, I don’t know what to pray today. But I trust that You’re helping me and interceding on my behalf. Thank You for being near.”
It doesn’t have to be long or poetic. Let scripture guide your heart when your own words are hard to find.
- Write It Down
When my brain feels scattered, journaling helps me slow down. I’ll grab a notebook and just start writing to God like I’m writing a letter to a close friend.
You can start simple:
“Lord, my thoughts are all over the place right now. I want to talk to You, but I’m struggling. Please help me settle my mind.”
This honest approach creates space for peace. It’s not about saying the “right” thing—it’s about saying something from the heart.
Real Talk: It’s Not About Being Perfect
Prayer isn’t a performance. It’s a relationship. Some days your prayers might feel powerful and clear. Other days, they’ll be short and uncertain. Both are real. Both are valuable.
If you deal with ADHD like I do, you might need tools that help you stay present and engaged. That’s okay. The key is to build a rhythm that honors how God wired you.
Need Help Starting a Prayer Habit That Sticks?
That’s exactly why I created:
🧠🙏 The ADHD-Friendly Prayer Routine: A 5-Minute Daily Guide for Staying Consistent
This free resource is designed to help you show up—even when you feel distracted, overwhelmed, or unsure what to say.
👉 Click here to download your free guide and take the first step toward a prayer life that feels simple, peaceful, and sustainable.
Activating and Building Keys:
- Set a timer and pray for 5 minutes using a verse like Romans 8:26.
- Pick one of your favorite scriptures and write it as a prayer in your journal.
- Keep a prayer book near your bed and read one aloud each morning.
- Speak from your heart—no filters, no pressure, just honesty.
Let’s Chat!
- What’s your biggest challenge when trying to pray consistently?
- Have you ever felt unsure of what to say in prayer? What did you do?
- What helps you calm your mind before or during prayer?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! Let’s build a safe and strong community of support. I look forward to hearing from you!
Coach Kenya Joy💛