How I Learned to Pray Out Loud

by Trisha Bleau (Smith)

Growing up I never had to pray. I was told to pray over my food and before bed but no one ever really taught me how or listened to me. My prayers wee innocent and juvenile, my food getting a recited blessing I made up based on words my father had recited over every meal. Praying my recited prayer over my food was the only time growing up I ever prayed out loud. There was always someone else there to pray.

It was not until I got into church again in college that prayer was addressed. I was asked to pray and my heart stopped. I couldn’t! I could barely manage to say I couldn’t. At that point I realized that I had no clue how to pray out loud.

The college group at church was great. They did not pressure me to pray but also did not drop the subject. They continued to ask me if I felt ready to pray. I just couldn’t though. My heart wanted me to pray. I wanted to pray with my friends, but I just could not overcome my fear. They knew my heart. I shared my desire to pray but my inability kept me from doing so. They faithfully prayed for my tongue to be loosed and for confidence and boldness.

I began praying out loud at home when I was alone. At first I was hesitant. It was strange to hear my own voice talking to God. But I got used to it and found I truly enjoyed praying out loud. I didn’t lose my train of thought, I didn’t dose off, I talked to God as if He was right there with me.

Eventually I began to attempt praying with others. When we paired up to pray I would try. The first time I prayed out loud the girl I was praying with cried and hugged me. She was so excited that I had finally been able to voice my choppy and unsure prayer. I stutttered all over the place and couldn’t even finish because I got choked up, but it was a start. My friend who had been praying for me faithfully knew how hard it had been for me to take that step of faith and bite down on the fear and pray. She gave me such encouragement.

I continued praying at home on my own and trying to pray at church. And eventually I overcame my fear. I learned that my words were for God not for my friends, that I was interceding on their behalf in agreement with others, not trying to impress people with eloquent words.

I am now able to pray with small groups comfortably. I still get a bit nervous praying in large groups but I can do it. It took me time to overcome my fear but I knew God would help me. I gave it to Him and worked at it and victory was mine!

Anyone can learn to pray out loud. All it takes is a little determination and a willing heart. God is faithful and will help you to overcome

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