Calming Those Public Prayer Jitters

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.…Brethren, pray for us.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18,25 NKJV)

Do you have a fear of praying out loud in a group? It’s a common trigger for high anxiety.

I still remember cringe-worthy prayers during my church youth group days. Before each Sunday night snack supper, a youth would be asked at the last minute to say the blessing. One poor soul must have been really hungry because he started his prayer with “Dear food….” Another couldn’t remember “Amen” and ended his blessing with “Good-bye.”

Being called to pray in public strikes terror into the hearts of those with stage fright. I get it. I, too, once had a phobia of public speaking and would occasionally get “sewing machine leg” when talking to a crowd. Now, I only have regrets when I talk too long!

How can you avoid a brain-meltdown when you dread praying out loud? Here are a few tips that have worked for me:

• Remember you’re talking with God. Address Him as you would in silent prayer—as your sovereign Lord, faithful Friend, blessed Savior, holy Father. Call out to Him with a word of adoration. 
• Keep it short. This isn’t a sermon. Everyone waiting on dinner loves a short blessing. Make your point quickly.
• Stick to the purpose. Thank God for the fellowship of the meal, an activity, a particular need, or whatever has brought your group together. If you’re blessing a meal, simply thank God for His provision of food and those who prepared it, and ask Him to nourish everyone in serving Jesus.
• Speak loudly if you’re in large groups. Keep your eyes closed, but keep your chin up. Make sure everyone hears your “Amen.”
• Be bold and pray in Jesus’ name. This can be a tough call in a secular environment or in a country where Christians are persecuted. But if everyone already knows you’re a Christian and you’ve been asked to say a prayer, what’s the surprise if you end your words in His name? There is huge power in it, if your request is according to His will.

You don’t have to say “flowery prayers” to be heard by God. In fact, a rambling prayer is a sign of seeking attention. Just before Jesus taught his disciples how to pray, He said as much: “And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words” (Matthew 6:7 NKJV). Pray sincerely and concisely.

If you’re in a restaurant, think of diners at other tables around you, watching you stop to bless your meal. My family and I often hold hands when we bow heads to ask for God’s grace. These public prayers are soft-spoken, not intended to be obnoxious. You never know the impact your blessing may have on onlookers.

Jesus frequently told His loved ones not to be afraid. Getting asked to pray out loud is a wonderful privilege, a time you can honor God with those around you. Ask Him to give you the right words to say. Then seize the opportunity and run with it—with out-loud joy! 

(Note: If you have time to prepare in advance for a blessing, check out these great options published by Southern Living magazine–print them to read them out loud! https://www.southernliving.com/culture/dinner-prayers)

Holy God, teach me how to pray in effective ways with others. Help me push all fear aside and honor You with meaningful words. As I pray, let me remember that I am speaking to You—and will have Your perfect peace when I pray in adoration of Your power and grace. Make me bold to pray, with trust You will hear my imperfect prayers in love for Your Son…even as I pray now, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Nancy C. Williams is a Christian wife/mom with a writing career spanning more than 40 years in business and journalism. Williams is the author of the novel To Love a Falcon and the devotional book A Crocus in the Desert: Devotions, Stories, and Prayers for Women Experiencing Infertility. Her blogs are featured on Crossmap.com and AriseDaily. To follow Nancy’s posts and news, go to her home page at NancyCWilliams.com and subscribe at the bottom. 

© Copyright 2025 Nancy C. Williams (text and photography). Unless otherwise noted, Scripture verses are taken from the New King James Version®, Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. #prayer #publicprayer #blessing #blessingforameal