I’m Scared to Pray Out Loud
Many of us have always prayed quietly in our hearts. Then we realize that it’s important for our young ones to learn how to pray and to teach them the confidence to do so. Getting comfortable praying out loud can be such a powerful way to evangelize, not just within our house but we will slowly become more and more comfortable praying in front of our parents and siblings, our extended family, our friends, our coworkers, etc.
The Power of Praying Out Loud
- Satan loses his grip on you
- Set the standard for your family
- Encourages others to do the same
- Ideas spoken out loud can confirm and change your heart
Common fears of praying out loud
What do I say?
- Write down a list of things you’d like to pray for and reference it.
- Trust in God and see what comes to you. You’d be surprised how the holy spirit works through you.
- Make a list of quick prayers that are your go-to’s!
- “Jesus, have mercy on me a sinner.”
- “Come Holy Spirit.”
- “Let me see your light in all things.”
- “Lord, I surrender to you.”
- “Thank you, Jesus”
What if I stumble on my words?
- Before praying, ask God to speak through you.
- Keep it short.
- It does not need to be fancy!
- Practice alone to get more comfortable.
What are people thinking about me?
- Remember that we live to give glory to God, not for the approval of man.
- You’re more than likely changing people’s hearts for the better when you pray in front of them. You’re also giving them the courage to do it on their own. Keep those people in mind.
- ‘Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.” – Matthew 5:11-12
How to get started
- Start by praying at meals with your family
- Say small prayers of gratitude throughout the day
- Pray over your children and husband during times of trial
- In Matthew 6:9-13 we are guided to the Lord’s prayer when we are unsure what to say while praying. This prayer pretty much covers it all!
Praying out loud was very foreign to me until I turned about 20 years old. Up until then, I recited prayers I memorized as a child. Those prayers are wonderful and I still recite them daily, but my husband introduced me to a new way of prayer. He introduced me to saying exactly what is on my heart — just talking to God like a friend. Suddenly the pressure was off a bit, and I had confirmation that what was truly on my heart was presented to our Lord.
If you haven’t already, I encourage you to unapologetically pray with your loved ones. Praying out loud in front of others takes courage and the help of our holy spirit, but what a gift it is to invite others to participate in a beautiful relationship with our Lord.
“Lord, use us as your tool. Grant that we can show our daughters how to pray openly and comfortably in front of others. Help us keep in mind that our reward will be great in Heaven.”
