There are many types of prayers and many ways to pray.
For example, we have what we consider "intellectual prayers." Intellectual prayers are written prayers; they have specific words that appear in a specific order. Kabbalists are familiar with specific intellectual prayers that, when combined with the right intention, can unlock the gates of the Upper Worlds and allow the prayers to be taken by angels to the Creator.*
There is also what is known as "prayers of the heart." When we pray from the heart, we are saying, “Listen, God, I know I probably don’t deserve it, but I have no other solutions. Please, God, help me… help my child… help my family… Please help because I am lost and I don’t know how to find the Light.”
In the Bible, when Moses’ sister, Miriam, had leprosy and Moses said with all his heart, “El na ra fa na la” (meaning “Heal her now”), those few simple words were the sum total of the prayer—and the end of the illness.
My point?
We may not have the words, nor may we be aware of all of the prayers that exist in this world. But when we are empty inside and we reach out to the Creator, He hears us, no matter what.
*If you want to learn more about kabbalistic prayers, check out Dialing God on iTunes or in paperback.