Learning to Pray Honest Prayers

I waited until everyone was inside before I let the tears come. For days I had been telling myself I was just tired. Just busy. Just overwhelmed. But sitting alone in the driver’s seat, I finally admitted what God already knew: my heart was hurting. I wept and wept.

Sometimes I cry to myself, lamenting the pain. Often I’ll cry to my husband, pouring out my troubles or to my mom asking for advice. In the end, the Person I’m learning to cry to is God. That’s who I cried to on that day I cried in the car. My heart didn’t really even have words, but the tears flowed. All I knew was I was so incredibly sad.

I prayed exactly what I felt.

collage of woman with her head buried in her knees on her bed. Another image of a Bible and cup of coffee on a blue tablecloth. Text reads: Learning to pray honest prayers

And you know who else did this? David, in Psalm 13.

Read Psalm 13 here.

David says, “How long will you forget me, God….forever?” Of course David knew God had not forgotten him, but he still felt that way and asked God that hard question. Only six verses and David moves from questioning God to trusting God. It is not a long prayer, nor is it detailed, but it is an honest prayer.

David was in a place of deep pain. He said the sorrow in his heart was there all day. Friend, do you hold sorrow in your heart today? The details might be hidden from others, but they are not hidden from God. The pain and shame of the sorrow might overwhelm you like a flood, but God is bigger than any storm you face. The grief and hurt might cut so deep you wonder if you will ever feel whole again.

Asian woman stands with folded hands. Text reads: How to pray when you're hurting

God welcomes honest prayers, even when our hearts are hurting.

Maybe especially when our hearts are hurting, God welcomes our prayers of honesty! In fact, I believe that honest prayers are an act of faith. David let himself say exactly what his heart was feeling, and we can do that too. Our feelings might not line up with what we know to be true, but we can express them to God just the same.

God already knows what is in our hearts. Praying to God honestly increases our intimacy with God. Think back to a time when a spouse or a friend was completely honest with you. They shared their struggles with you because you were a trustworthy person. Did that honesty lead to you pushing away from them or pulling towards them?

If you love that person, honesty can pull us closer together. God loves us infinitely and He is 100% trustworthy. When we are honest with God, we are actually drawing here to God, not away. It is not a lack of faith to feel or pray honest prayers – it is a deeper intimacy with Him.

Something I’ve learned over the years: Faith and sorrow can exist together.

Maybe today someone will ask, “How are you?” You may smile and say, “I’m doing okay.” But before the day is over, I hope you’ll answer that question honestly before the One who already knows. God isn’t asking for polished prayers. He’s inviting you to bring Him your real heart.

3 Truths to Remember When Your Heart Hurts

1. God welcomes honest prayers.

You don’t have to clean up your emotions before coming to Him. He already knows your heart and invites you to bring it to Him.

2. God is not offended by your questions.

The Psalms are filled with faithful people asking difficult questions. God would rather hear your honest heart than your silent suffering.

3. God can handle your deepest sorrow.

Nothing you confess to Him is too heavy, too messy, or too overwhelming for His love.

Honest Prayer Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect

Sometimes honest prayer sounds like:

“Lord, I don’t understand.”
“I’m afraid.”
“I’m disappointed.”
“Please help me.”
“How long?”
“I don’t know what to pray.”

God isn’t grading your prayers. He is inviting your heart.

Weekly Practice:
Pray one completely honest prayer this week. Find ten quiet minutes. Open to Psalm 13. Read it slowly. Then answer these three questions in your journal.

What am I honestly feeling today?
What do I need to tell God?
What truth about God can I hold onto today?

Infographic to save spiritual truths for hard days

This post is part of the Fall 2026 Blog Series…

Every Day with God: Meeting with Jesus in Every Season of Life

Abiding isn’t just a summer lesson—it’s a lifelong way of walking with Jesus. Whether life is joyful or difficult, busy or quiet, we can meet with God every single day through His Word.

“One thing have I asked of the Lord…that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.” — Psalm 27:4

*Click here to read more posts.