Many people have come to me with this question, often quietly, almost shyly: “Father, I don’t know how to pray. What should I say to God?” If you have ever felt that way, you are not alone. Prayer can feel intimidating, especially when words seem too small for what we carry inside. This is where the Psalms become a gentle gift to us.
The Psalms are not polished speeches or perfect formulas. They are cries of the human heart lifted toward heaven. In the Book of Psalms, we find people speaking to God exactly as they are—afraid, grateful, angry, repentant, joyful. When we pray the Psalms, we learn that God does not ask us to hide our feelings. He invites us to bring everything into His presence.
What the Psalms teach us first is honesty. Some psalms overflow with praise—“The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.” Others sound like tears on the page: “How long, O Lord?” This tells us something very important: prayer is not about pretending to be strong or holy. It is about trusting God enough to be truthful with Him. Even our confusion and pain can become prayer.
The Psalms also teach us to listen as we speak. When we pray them slowly, we notice how human words begin to open onto divine wisdom. Lament often turns into trust. Fear gradually gives way to hope. This is how prayer shapes us—not by changing God, but by allowing God to gently change our hearts. Over time, the Psalms train our inner voice to echo God’s own promises.
Finally, the Psalms teach us that prayer is communal, not just personal. For centuries, believers have prayed these same words—at home, in monasteries, in churches, even in moments of persecution. When you pray a psalm, you are never praying alone. You are joining a great chorus of faith that stretches across generations, all trusting the same faithful God.
A Closing Reflection
If you ever struggle to find words in prayer, open the Psalms and let them speak for you. Read them slowly. Let their honesty become yours. In time, you may discover that God has been listening all along—and gently teaching your heart how to pray.
— Fr. John Matthew, for Christian Way
