Copyright © 2026 Women of the ELCA. Reprint permission is granted for use in Women of the ELCA units, clusters/conferences and synodical women’s organizations provided each post is reproduced in its entirety. If you enjoy this resource, Donate Now.
For some of us, praying is second nature, while for others, praying out loud is a bold step. If you’re not used to praying as bold action, you may feel uncertain – or even silly – about trying it. Trying new things is good. Praying with boldness is what we are called to do. It will change the world, and us.
Here is a list of ways you might pray boldly. Try doing a different prayer idea every day for a week, or try one idea a week for 7 weeks.
1. Invite a group of friends to pray with you.
2. Pray for something that you think is impossible. Journal about it and record what happens.
3. Prayer-walk your neighborhood. Pray for the people there.
4. Try praying aloud in a big group setting, like a Bible study group or in church.
5. Try a new prayer posture. If you usually sit when praying, try kneeling, for example.
6. Pray over a meal out – at school, work, or in a restaurant.
7. Share a song, a story, or a joke with God as you pray. Or draw a prayer for God and color it.
This message is excerpted from “I Am She” a 2009 resource of the Women of the ELCA. Today is the Second Sunday in Lent. Today is the Women of the ELCA Bold Women’s Day. Today we commemorate George Herbert, hymnwriter, 1633.