Last night, I had the privilege of serving at a community food giveaway. Near the end of the evening, I was carrying boxes of food to people's cars for them. As I carried one gentleman's box to his car, we struck up a conversation and, immediately, the Holy Spirit prompted me to pray for him.
Sure, I could have prayed a vague and generic prayer, but I wanted to see God meet his need. I placed my hand on his shoulder and asked him what I could pray with him about. Instantly, his eyes welled up in tears as he shared his greatest need.
I prayed a prayer of faith with this man, asking God to specifically work in, through and around his need. It wasn't fancy, it wasn't a prayer full of eloquent words, but it was heartfelt and full of faith. When I finished praying, I gave him a hug and felt the love of God all over the both of us.
If you want to start a conversation that will engage people, ask about their need and then ask if you can pray for them in their need. Watch what God does in them and you.