All Nations Community Church · Leeds
A starting point when prayer is unfamiliar or words are difficult to find.
Genesis places the beginning of calling on God’s name within a family story marked by both loss and new life. We can also begin amid mixed experiences, rather than waiting for everything to make sense. Prayer starts with turning towards God. You can bring a need, a thank-you or a question, even before you know how to say much more.
Read and reflect on Scripture
Read slowly and consider each passage in its biblical setting. The full Bible passages are included here to help you stay with the guide.
Genesis 4:25–26
World English Bible British Edition
25 Adam knew his wife again. She gave birth to a son, and named him Seth, saying, “for God has given me another child instead of Abel, for Cain killed him.”
26 A son was also born to Seth, and he named him Enosh. At that time men began to call on the LORD’s name.
Read these verses as part of the wider account of Cain, Abel and Seth. They describe people beginning to call on the LORD’s name.
Begin with the words you have
Think of a conversation you have been postponing because you do not know the perfect opening. The longer you wait, the more complicated it can seem. With prayer, one truthful sentence can open the conversation. Say what you are thankful for, what troubles you and what you want to understand. You can pray quietly on a bus, at home or during a break. Christians approach the Father through Jesus; if that is new to you, our existing prayer study explains his teaching. Build familiarity by returning, rather than by measuring the length or eloquence of your prayers.
Four prayer starters
Use these prayers as a starting point, then add words of your own.
Perception
What am I noticing?
God, I am beginning to seek you. Help me recognise what is true as I learn about you.
Process
How am I understanding it?
Father, give me a teachable mind and patience with the questions I do not yet understand.
Purpose
What matters before God?
Lord, teach me to value your love and to care for the people already in my life.
Path
What is my next faithful step?
God, help me start with a few sincere words today and return to the conversation tomorrow. Amen.
Put it into practice today
- Put your phone aside for two minutes and read Genesis 4:25–26 slowly.
- Complete these sentences: God, thank you for…; I need help with…; I would like to understand…
- Pray for one person by name, with respect for what you do and do not know about their circumstances.
- Choose one small act of care that fits the prayer you have just offered.
- Return at the same daily cue, and use the seven-day Learning to Pray study if you would like more guidance.
Questions for reflection or a small group
- What is the simplest honest sentence I could pray today?
- What do I assume a good prayer must sound like?
- What would help me learn more about Jesus?
Discuss the Bible and the questions at your own pace. Sharing personal experiences is optional.
Continue with related ANCC guides
We can pray with you
You can ask for prayer or speak with someone about faith and the questions you are carrying.