I don't know how to pray. What do I say?

Prayer is talking with God, and you can use ordinary words. You do not need special vocabulary or long sentences. God is your Father, and you come to him through Jesus with the Holy Spirit’s help.

If you are not sure where to begin, use the pattern Jesus gave his disciples (Matthew 6:9-13). Pray through it slowly and put each part in your own words: honor God, ask for his will to be done, ask for what you need today, confess your sins and forgive others, and ask him to keep you from evil.

Be honest. Thank him for something specific. Tell him what you are worried about, confused by, or grieving. The Psalms are full of people doing exactly that.

Even when you do not know what to say, the Spirit helps you (Romans 8:26-27). A short, honest prayer is still real prayer.