When You're Too Tired to Know What to Pray: Start With Luke 11

Some days you want to pray, but your mind won't hold much.

When words are hard to find, Luke 11 gives you a place to begin.

Jesus Shows His Disciples How to Pray

One of Jesus' disciples asked Him:

"Lord, teach us to pray..."

— Luke 11:1

Jesus answered:

"When you pray, say: 'Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.'"

— Luke 11:2–4

In this passage, He shows them how to speak to God as their Father, honor Him for who He is, ask for what matters to Him to be done, bring Him what they need today, seek forgiveness and forgive others, and ask for help when they are tempted.

There's no need to cover everything at once.

When your mind is tired, start with the part of Jesus' prayer that matches what you need right now.

Pray About What Is in Front of You

Jesus begins with the Father’s name and kingdom. “Hallowed be your name” means asking that God’s name be honored as holy. “Your kingdom come” asks for God’s will and rule in our lives now and looks forward to Christ’s kingdom being fully established when He returns.

You can pray:

Father, help me honor You in what I say and do today. Teach me to follow Your ways as I look forward to Your kingdom coming in its fullness.

If you are worried about something you need today, you can pray:

Father, please give me what I need for today.

If you know you have done something wrong, admit it to God and ask His forgiveness.

If someone has hurt you and you are struggling to forgive, ask God to help you begin.

If you know you are likely to face a temptation, ask for His help before you get there.

And if your thoughts are too scattered to know where to start, begin with God:

Father, I'm here. Help me turn my attention to You.

Prayer is talking with God. It does not have to be long or polished.

Return to the Same Prayer When You Need It

You may pray about something in the morning and find it filling your thoughts again a few hours later.

You do not need to come up with new words. Return to the same prayer Jesus has already given you.

If the need returns, bring it to God again. If your mind wanders, begin again.

Keep talking with Him about what is in front of you throughout the day.

A Prayer for a Tired Mind

Heavenly Father,

Thank You that Jesus taught His disciples how to pray.

When our minds are tired and we don't know what to say, help us begin with the words He gave us.

Help us bring You what we need today, ask for forgiveness when we are wrong, forgive others, and turn to You for help when we are tempted.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

There is a Scripture for That.