Beginning a conversation with God can feel intimidating, but prayer is simply speaking to our Heavenly Father from the heart. These 25 prayers demonstrate different ways to start your prayer life, each accompanied by a relevant Bible verse.
Powerful How To Start A Prayer
Whether you’re new to prayer or looking to refresh your spiritual practice, these simple starters will help you confidently approach God’s throne of grace.
1. How to Start a Prayer with Praise
Heavenly Father, I come before You with awe and worship. You are majestic in power, perfect in love, and glorious in holiness. I exalt Your name above all names. Thank You for being my Creator, Redeemer, and Friend. My heart overflows with gratitude for who You are.
Psalm 100:4
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” I enter Your presence with praise today. Amen.
2. How to Start a Prayer with Gratitude
Lord, I begin by thanking You for Your countless blessings. Thank You for life, breath, and salvation. Thank You for daily provisions, loving relationships, and undeserved grace. Open my eyes to see Your goodness all around me.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I choose gratitude today. Amen.
3. How to Start a Prayer with Repentance
Merciful God, I confess my sins before You. Cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Forgive my wrong thoughts, words, and actions. Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me.
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Thank You for Your forgiveness. Amen.
4. How to Start a Prayer with Scripture
Father, Your Word says You are near to all who call on You in truth. I claim this promise today. As I open my heart to You, draw near to me and speak to me through Your living Word.
Psalm 145:18
“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” I call on You now. Amen.
5. How to Start a Prayer for Guidance
Lord, I need Your wisdom today. Direct my steps and order my path. Illuminate Your will for my decisions. Help me discern right from wrong as I seek to follow You wholeheartedly.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart…and he will make your paths straight.” Guide me today. Amen.
6. How to Start a Prayer for Others
Father, I lift up [name] to You today. Meet their deepest needs according to Your riches in glory. Comfort, heal, provide, and draw them closer to You. Use me as an instrument of Your love in their life.
James 5:16
“Pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” I intercede in faith. Amen.
7. How to Start a Morning Prayer
Lord, as I begin this new day, I surrender it to You. Order my steps and bless my going out and coming in. Fill me with Your Spirit and use me for Your glory today.
Psalm 5:3
“In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” I wait on You now. Amen.
8. How to Start an Evening Prayer
Father, as day turns to night, I reflect on Your faithfulness today. Forgive my shortcomings. Thank You for Your protection. Guard my sleep and renew my strength for tomorrow.
Psalm 4:8
“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Grant me peaceful rest. Amen.
9. How to Start a Prayer in Times of Trouble
God, my refuge and strength, I come to You in my distress. Be my ever-present help in this trouble. Deliver me according to Your perfect will and timing.
Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Be my refuge now. Amen.
10. How to Start a Prayer of Surrender
Lord Jesus, I surrender all to You today. Take my life, my plans, my dreams – make them Yours. Not my will, but Yours be done in every area of my life.
Luke 22:42
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” I surrender to You. Amen.
11. How to Start a Silent Prayer
Heavenly Father, I come before You in quietness. Speak to my heart as I still my thoughts before You. Help me listen more than I speak, knowing You hear even my unspoken needs.
Psalm 62:5
“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.” I rest silently in You. Amen.
12. How to Start a Prayer for Healing
Great Physician, I come asking for Your healing touch. Whether for body, mind, or spirit, I believe in Your power to make whole. Restore me according to Your perfect wisdom.
Jeremiah 17:14
“Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.” I trust in Your healing. Amen.
13. How to Start a Prayer for Protection
Almighty God, I seek Your divine protection today. Cover me with Your wings and station Your angels around me. Guard me from all physical, emotional, and spiritual harm.
Psalm 91:11
“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” Protect me today. Amen.
14. How to Start a Prayer for Wisdom
Father of Lights, pour out Your wisdom upon me. Give me understanding beyond my years and experience. Help me make choices that honor You and bless others.
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.” I ask for Your wisdom. Amen.
15. How to Start a Prayer for Peace
Prince of Peace, calm my anxious heart. Still the storms within me. Help me cast all my cares on You and receive Your peace that surpasses understanding.
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything…the peace of God will guard your hearts.” Guard my heart with peace. Amen.
16. How to Start a Prayer of Commitment
Lord, I commit this day to You. Take my thoughts, words, and actions – use them for Your purposes. Help me walk in obedience and bear fruit for Your kingdom.
Proverbs 16:3
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” I commit all to You. Amen.
17. How to Start a Prayer for Forgiveness
Merciful Father, I confess my sins before You. Wash me clean through Jesus’ sacrifice. Create in me a pure heart and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Cleanse me today. Amen.
18. How to Start a Prayer for Strength
Lord, when I feel weak, be my strength. When I’m weary, renew my power. Help me remember that Your grace is sufficient and Your power is made perfect in weakness.
Isaiah 40:31
“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” Renew me today. Amen.
19. How to Start a Prayer for Provision
Jehovah Jireh, I look to You as my provider. Supply all my needs according to Your riches in glory. Teach me to trust You completely for every physical and spiritual need.
Philippians 4:19
“My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” I trust Your provision. Amen.
20. How to Start a Prayer for Others’ Salvation
Father, I lift up [name] who doesn’t yet know You. Send Your Spirit to draw them. Open their eyes to see Christ’s love. Use me to reflect Your light in their life.
2 Peter 3:9
“The Lord…is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” Draw them to You. Amen.
21. How to Start a Prayer for Your Nation
Sovereign Lord, I pray for my nation today. Heal our divisions. Raise up righteous leaders. Bring revival that transforms our land. Make us a people who honor You.
2 Chronicles 7:14
“If my people…will humble themselves and pray…then I will hear from heaven.” Hear our prayer for revival. Amen.
22. How to Start a Prayer for the Church
Lord Jesus, bless Your Church worldwide. Unite us in love and purpose. Protect us from false teaching. Fill us with power to be Your witnesses. Let Your light shine through us.
Matthew 16:18
“I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” Build Your church, Lord. Amen.
23. How to Start a Prayer of Thanksgiving
Gracious God, thank You for [specific blessing]. Open my eyes to see all Your goodness in my life. Teach me to give thanks in all circumstances, knowing You work all things for good.
Psalm 107:1
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Thank You for Your enduring love. Amen.
24. How to Start a Prayer for Direction
Shepherd of my soul, guide me clearly today. Show me which path to take. Open the right doors and close the wrong ones. Help me discern Your voice above all others.
Psalm 32:8
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” Instruct me today. Amen.
25. How to Start a Prayer with Jesus’ Example
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive our sins as we forgive others. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
Matthew 6:9-13
The Lord’s Prayer. Teach me to pray as Jesus taught. Amen.
Conclusion
Starting a prayer doesn’t require perfect words – just an open heart. Whether you begin with praise, thanksgiving, confession, or petition, God welcomes your conversation.
As you practice these 25 ways to start praying, may your prayer life deepen and your relationship with God grow richer each day. Remember, the simplest prayer whispered in faith moves heaven’s heart.