Many people ask me this very question, sometimes with a touch of worry in their voice: “Father, am I praying the right way?” It’s a tender question, because it comes from the heart’s desire to speak to God sincerely. The truth is, there is no single formula or ritual we must follow to begin. Prayer begins not with perfect words, but with an open heart.
When Jesus’ disciples asked Him, “Lord, teach us to pray,” He didn’t give them a complex set of rules. He gave them the Our Father—a simple, trusting conversation with the Father who loves us (Luke 11:1–4). That moment reminds us that prayer is first about relationship. Before we speak, we remember Who we are speaking to: the living God who already knows our needs and longs to be near.
A beautiful way to begin prayer is with a moment of stillness—perhaps making the Sign of the Cross, or simply whispering, “Lord, I’m here.” In that silence, we turn our hearts toward His presence. Sometimes words will come easily; other times, they may not. Both are prayer. Even a sigh or a few words of gratitude can be a doorway into communion with Him.
The Church offers many ways to begin prayer: reading a Psalm, lighting a candle, or repeating a short prayer such as “Jesus, I trust in You.” But what truly matters is not how you start, but that you start—with sincerity. God is not measuring our technique; He is listening for the sound of our heart.
When we begin in humility and trust, even the simplest prayer becomes sacred. Over time, we may find our “way” of starting—perhaps kneeling quietly, opening Scripture, or simply resting in His love. Whatever draws your heart to God is a good beginning.
May every prayer begin with love, not fear—knowing that the Father waits not for perfect words, but for His child to speak.
— Fr. John Matthew, for Christian Way
