Prayer is the foundation of our relationship with God, but let’s be honest—some days, it feels harder than others. We get distracted, busy, or just don’t know what to say. But prayer doesn’t have to feel like a struggle. The key is consistency, and by cultivating small, intentional habits, we can make daily prayer more natural, meaningful, and life-giving.  

If you’ve been longing for a stronger prayer life but aren’t sure where to start, here are 10 simple habits to help you build a daily rhythm of prayer.  

1. Start and End Your Day with Prayer

Before you reach for your phone in the morning or drift off to sleep at night, pause to acknowledge God’s presence. A simple “Jesus, I give You this day” when you wake up and “Jesus, I surrender everything to you” before bed can transform your mindset. Bookending your day with prayer keeps your heart rooted in Him.  

2. Set a Consistent Prayer Time

Just like any important relationship, prayer thrives on intentional time together. Just like we schedule our most important meetings and appointments, our relationship with Jesus deserves to be a priority. Choose a specific time each day for prayer—whether it’s in the morning before the world wakes up, during lunch, or right before bed. Consistency helps make prayer a natural part of your daily routine.  

3. Create a Sacred Prayer Space 

Having a designated place to pray can help you enter into prayer more easily. Set up a small space in your home with a crucifix, catholic art, candles, a Bible, or a journal—anything that helps you feel more connected to God and elevates your soul to Heaven. Need some inspiration on how to set up a prayer corner? I got you!

Check out this blog and watch this Instagram reel I posted on how to set up your very own prayer corner!

4. Keep It Simple  

Prayer doesn’t have to be elaborate or complicated. Some of the most powerful prayers are the simplest and most honest prayers. Journaling what’s on your heart, meditating on the daily gospel reading, praying a novena–the goal isn’t to impress God with our words but to invite him into our life and accept his invitation to share in His.  

5. Pray with Scripture  

God speaks to us through His Word, and one of the best ways to deepen your prayer life is by praying with Scripture. Choose a verse each day, read it slowly, and ask God what He wants to reveal to you through it. The Psalms and Gospels are some of my favorite places to start!

If you really want to dive deep check out The Gospel Habit. It is a 30 Day Scripture Challenge I designed to help you develop a consistent and meaningful habit of prayer and relationship with Jesus. This resource guides you through daily scripture readings, offering inspiration, wisdom, and encouragement for your spiritual journey.

6. Offer Your Day as a Prayer

Prayer doesn’t have to be limited to a set time—it can be woven into every moment of your day. Offer your work, conversations, joys, and struggles to God as a prayer. When washing dishes, say a Hail Mary for your family. When driving, pray for the people around you. If you see someone in need, ask God to protect and provide for them. Any moment can be an offering.  

7. Journal Your Prayers  

If you struggle to focus while praying, try writing your prayers in a journal. Pour out your heart to God, write down what you’re grateful for, and reflect on how He’s moving in your life. Looking back on old prayers can be a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness. Here is my favorite prayer journal that is available in both blank and lined pages!

8. Use Prayer Prompts or Devotionals

On days when you don’t know what to pray, a guided devotional or prayer prompt can help. The Liturgy of the Hours, the Rosary, or even a simple prayer book can provide structure and keep your heart focused on God.  

9. Pray the Rosary

The Rosary is one of the most powerful ways to grow closer to Jesus through His mother. When we pray the Rosary, we are meditating on the life of Christ—His birth, ministry, suffering, death, and resurrection—through the eyes of His mother. Mary’s mission is always to bring us closer to Jesus, to lead us to Him in love and trust.In every apparition, Mary has urged us to pray the Rosary, knowing that it is a weapon against sin, a source of grace, and a path to peace. Inviting Our Lady into your prayer life will deepen your relationship with Christ in ways you never expected.

I used to struggle with the rosary, I always knew it was a good prayer but was never drawn to it and hardly prayed it. That is until I received the most beautiful handmade rosary from my boyfriend at the time and now husband. And let me tell you guys, it made all the difference! So much so that I started designing rosaries and selling beautiful rosaries so that everyone can have the same experience as me and fall in love with the rosary. I might be a little biased haha but I think West Coast Catholic has THE most beautiful and durable rosaries on the market, I promise you that.

10. Ask the Holy Spirit to Help You Pray  

Prayer is not something we do alone—the Holy Spirit intercedes for us when we don’t have the words (Romans 8:26). Before you start praying, ask the Holy Spirit to guide your heart and open you to God’s voice. He will lead you in prayer, even when you don’t know what to say.  

*Remember This:  Building a strong prayer life doesn’t happen overnight, but small, consistent habits will help you grow in intimacy with God. If prayer feels hard, don’t be discouraged—just keep showing up. He is always waiting for you.