How to pray ? Part 1

A while ago, I did a survey on the topic of prayer among teenagers and young adults from all over France. It was a short survey with only two questions, but I found the answers really interesting.

I want to share it with you, and if you’d like, you can answer these two questions in the comments.

Here they are:

“Why do you pray?”

“What are the obstacles you face when it comes to prayer?”

I found the responses very insightful, and I truly believe they reflect the struggles we all face at different times in our lives.

Here are the main answers people gave about the obstacles they encounter when they want to pray:

“What’s the point of praying if God already knows everything?”

“My problems don’t matter to God.”

“It’s useless. I’ve prayed before, but God didn’t answer, so why try again?”

“I can’t find the time to pray.”

“I don’t always feel like praying.”

“I feel unworthy.”

Does any of that sound familiar? Do you ever feel that way?

Let’s keep going.

I think the first thing to understand is that God isn’t inviting us to join a religion with all its rules. If you were born into a Christian family or raised in another faith, you’ve probably heard all your life that you have to pray. We can certainly respect that command and see it as a necessary spiritual discipline—and that’s true! But I deeply believe—and the Bible says it too—that God’s greatest desire is to build a relationship of intimacy and friendship with us. That relationship grows as we talk to Him.

When I pray, I’m not earning points. I don’t pray to be a “good Christian” or to deserve a reward. That’s what the Pharisees—the religious leaders in Jesus’ time—did, and He was very harsh with them because He knew everything they did was for appearances and human recognition.

Prayer is simply talking to God—telling Him what’s going on in your life, whether it’s good or bad. You don’t have to pretend to be someone else. You don’t have to start every prayer by tearing yourself down. God knows you. He knows what you’re going through, and He’s happy when you come to Him and seek His help.

I’ve heard so many Christians—even those who’ve been committed for years—start their prayers by criticizing themselves and reminding God how bad and unworthy they are.

God loves us. He loves us just as we are, and He loves when we come to Him even when we’re not “at our best.” If there’s something He wants to change in you, He’ll let you know—but it will always be to help and free you, never to crush you under guilt.

So, how can you pray?

A great way to start is by declaring who God is. When you begin by speaking out loud who God is and what He can do, your faith will grow, and you won’t be focused on yourself, your failures, or your own thoughts.

If you’re not sure what to say about God, you can use the book of Psalms in the Bible and read the verses out loud. You’ll grow in faith, get to know God better, and discover what He promises.

Prayer is also about trusting Him—bringing Him all your worries and failures and asking for His help. You can trust Him and stay at peace even when your circumstances seem against you.

Here’s a verse I want to share with you from Philippians in the Bible:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcend all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

When you pray, something happens—even if you don’t see it and even if the answer seems delayed.

I want to encourage you to keep going! Sometimes we stop praying too soon because we’re discouraged. But God is always at work for us, and sometimes there are battles that take time before the victory comes.

Also, sometimes God allows waiting to shape us and strengthen our faith. There are prayers He answers right away, and others where He seems to take His time—but that also trains us in patience. Otherwise, we risk becoming spoiled children who demand instant answers and grow bitter when God seems silent.

I’ll write more on this topic of prayer in an upcoming post, but for now, I invite you to reflect on what you’ve read and seek that relationship with God. And if you’d like, share your answers to the survey questions in the comments—honestly and without pretending. Your words might encourage someone else who’s struggling in their prayer life!