Bible Verses About Prayer
In this post, we will take a comprehensive look at bible verses about prayer.
Encouragement To Pray To God
The bible verses below encourage us to pray to God while his mercy is available to us. God provides people who pray with joy and his house is focused on prayer for all people.
6 Seek The LORD while he may be found. Call on him while he is near. 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts. Let him return to The LORD, and he will have mercy on him, to our God, for he will freely pardon. (Isaiah 55:6–7)
7 I will bring these to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all peoples. (Isaiah 56:7)
What Is Prayer?
Here below are some bible verses about the nature of prayer.
Prayer Is Calling On God's Name
Prayer in the bible was first mentioned in Genesis 4:25-26, sometimes after the creation and fall of Adam and Eve, when men started to call on the Lord's name.
25 Adam knew his wife again. She gave birth to a son, and named him Seth, saying, "for God has given me another child instead of Abel, for Cain killed him." 26 A son was also born to Seth, and he named him Enosh. At that time men began to call on The LORD’s name. (Genesis 4:25- 26)
In Genesis 12, the "calling on the Lord's name" was also mentioned. God called Abram (later named Abraham) to leave his land and relatives to go to another place that God wants to show him to. Along the way, God appeared to Abram again and told him that the land will be given to his offspring. At that place, Abram built an altar and called on the Lord's name.
7 The LORD appeared to Abram and said, "I will give this land to your offspring." He built an altar there to The LORD, who had appeared to him. 8 He left from there to go to the mountain on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to The LORD and called on The LORD’s name. (Genesis 12:7-8)
The following are more bible verses about people calling on the Lord's name during prayer. As can be seen, when you pray to God, you can call upon God's name.
4 to the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first. There Abram called on The LORD’s name (Genesis 13:4)
33 Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called on the name of The LORD, the Everlasting God (Genesis 21:33)
55 I called on your name, O LORD, out of the lowest dungeon. 56 You heard my voice: “Don’t hide your ear from my sighing, and my cry.” 57 You came near in the day that I called on you. You said, “Don’t be afraid.” (Lamentations 3:55–57)
9 I will bring the third part into the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will test them like gold is tested. They will call on my name, and I will hear them. I will say, ‘It is my people;’ and they will say, ‘The LORD is my God.’ (Zechariah 13:9)
1 O LORD, I have called on you. Come to me quickly! Listen to my voice when I call to you (Psalm 141:1)
7 In the day of my trouble I will call on you, for you will answer me. (Psalm 86:7)
Prayer Is Crying To God
Prayer also can come in the form of us crying to God about our suffering or pain as shown in the following bible verses.
I remember a time when I cried to God regarding a particularly hopeless and painful situation and he later answered my prayer in a mighty way, more awesome than what I could ever imagine and which can only come about by the hand of God. God is definitely a God who listens to the cries of people.
23 In the course of those many days, the king of Egypt died, and the children of Israel sighed because of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up to God because of the bondage. 24 God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. 25 God saw the children of Israel, and God understood. (Exodus 2:23–25)
14 When Judah looked back, behold, the battle was before and behind them; and they cried to The LORD, and the priests sounded with the trumpets. 15 Then the men of Judah gave a shout. As the men of Judah shouted, God struck Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah. 16The children of Israel fled before Judah, and God delivered them into their hand. (2 Chronicles 13:14–16)
17 He also wrote letters insulting The LORD, the God of Israel, and speaking against him, saying, “As the gods of the nations of the lands, which have not delivered their people out of my hand, so shall the God of Hezekiah not deliver his people out of my hand.” 18 They called out with a loud voice in the Jews’ language to the people of Jerusalem who were on the wall, to frighten them and to trouble them, that they might take the city. 19 They spoke of the God of Jerusalem as of the gods of the peoples of the earth, which are the work of men’s hands. 20 Hezekiah the king and Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, prayed because of this, and cried to heaven. (2 Chronicles 32:17–20)
4 Then Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani of the Levites stood up on the stairs, and cried with a loud voice to The LORD their God. (Nehemiah 9:4)
1 My cry goes to God! Indeed, I cry to God for help, and for him to listen to me. (Psalm 77:1)
20 It will be for a sign and for a witness to The LORD of Heavenly Armies in the land of Egypt; for they will cry to The LORD because of oppressors, and he will send them a savior and a defender, and he will deliver them. (Isaiah 19:20)
19 For the people will dwell in Zion at Jerusalem. You will weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the voice of your cry. When he hears you, he will answer you. (Isaiah 30:19)
13 But to you, O LORD, I have cried. In the morning, my prayer comes before you. (Psalm 88:13)
1 I cry with my voice to The LORD. With my voice, I ask The LORD for mercy. (Psalm 142:1)
5 I cried to you, O LORD. I said, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” (Psalm 142:5)
Prayer Is Worship Of God
The first two bible verses here showed Abraham's servant bowing down to God in worship after God answered his prayers to find a wife for Isaac. When we praise God while praying, we are worshipping God with our thoughts, hearts and words.
26 The man bowed his head, and worshiped The LORD. (Genesis 24:26)
52 When Abraham’s servant heard their words, he bowed himself down to the earth to The LORD. (Genesis 24:52)
3 Tell God, “How awesome are your deeds! Through the greatness of your power, your enemies submit themselves to you. 4 All the earth will worship you, and will sing to you; they will sing to your name.” (Psalm 66:3–4)
Prayer Is Speaking Your Mind To God
We can tell God what is exactly on our mind, even bringing our questions and doubts about Him directly to Him.
In the following bible verses, we see the example of Moses, Job and Jeremiah speaking their minds to the Lord. Jeremiah even asked God if He was deceiving him!
22 Moses returned to The LORD, and said, “Lord, why have you brought trouble on this people? Why is it that you have sent me? 23 For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought trouble on this people. You have not rescued your people at all!” (Exodus 5:22–23)
12 Moses spoke before The LORD, saying, “Behold, the children of Israel haven’t listened to me. How then shall Pharaoh listen to me, when I have uncircumcised lips?” (Exodus 6:12)
30 Moses said before The LORD, “Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh listen to me?” (Exodus 6:30)
11 Moses said to The LORD, “Why have you treated your servant so badly? Why haven’t I found favor in your sight, that you lay the burden of all this people on me? 12 Have I conceived all this people? Have I brought them out, that you should tell me, ‘Carry them in your bosom, as a nurse carries a nursing infant, to the land which you swore to their fathers?’ 13 Where could I get meat to give all these people? For they weep before me, saying, ‘Give us meat, that we may eat.’ 14 I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me. 15 If you treat me this way, please kill me right now, if I have found favor in your sight; and don’t let me see my wretchedness.” (Numbers 11:11–15)
1 “Isn’t a man forced to labor on earth? Aren’t his days like the days of a hired hand? 2 As a servant who earnestly desires the shadow, as a hireling who looks for his wages, 3 so I am made to possess months of misery, wearisome nights are appointed to me. 4 When I lie down, I say, ‘When will I arise, and the night be gone?’ I toss and turn until the dawning of the day. 5 My flesh is clothed with worms and clods of dust. My skin closes up, and breaks out afresh. 6 My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle, and are spent without hope. 7 Oh remember that my life is a breath. My eye will no more see good. 8 The eye of him who sees me will see me no more. Your eyes will be on me, but I will not be. 9 As the cloud is consumed and vanishes away, so he who goes down to Sheol will come up no more 10 He will return no more to his house, neither will his place know him any more. 11 “Therefore I will not keep silent. I will speak in the anguish of my spirit. I will complain in the bitterness of my soul. 12 Am I a sea, or a sea monster, that you put a guard over me? 13 When I say, ‘My bed will comfort me. My couch will ease my complaint,’ 14 Then you scare me with dreams and terrify me through visions, 15 so that my soul chooses strangling, death rather than my bones. 16 I loathe my life. I don’t want to live forever. Leave me alone, for my days are but a breath. 17 What is man, that you should magnify him, that you should set your mind on him, 18 that you should visit him every morning, and test him every moment? 19 How long will you not look away from me, nor leave me alone until I swallow down my spittle? 20 If I have sinned, what do I do to you, you watcher of men? Why have you set me as a mark for you, so that I am a burden to myself? 21 Why do you not pardon my disobedience, and take away my iniquity? For now will I lie down in the dust. You will seek me diligently, but I will not be.” (Job 7:1–21)
1 My soul is weary of my life. I will give free course to my complaint. I will speak in the bitterness of my soul. 2 I will tell God, ‘Do not condemn me. Show me why you contend with me. 3 Is it good to you that you should oppress, that you should despise the work of your hands, and smile on the counsel of the wicked? 4 Do you have eyes of flesh? Or do you see as man sees? 5 Are your days as the days of mortals, or your years as man’s years, 6 that you inquire after my iniquity, and search after my sin? 7 Although you know that I am not wicked, there is no one who can deliver out of your hand. 8 Your hands have framed me and fashioned me altogether, yet you destroy me. 9 Remember, I beg you, that you have fashioned me as clay. Will you bring me into dust again? 10 Haven’t you poured me out like milk, and curdled me like cheese? 11 You have clothed me with skin and flesh, and knit me together with bones and sinews. 12 You have granted me life and loving kindness. Your visitation has preserved my spirit. 13 Yet you hid these things in your heart. I know that this is with you: 14 if I sin, then you mark me. You will not acquit me from my iniquity. 15 If I am wicked, woe to me. vIf I am righteous, I still will not lift up my head, being filled with disgrace, and conscious of my affliction. 16 If my head is held high, you hunt me like a lion. Again you show yourself powerful to me. 17 You renew your witnesses against me, and increase your indignation on me. Changes and warfare are with me. 18 “ ‘Why, then, have you brought me out of the womb? I wish I had given up the spirit, and no eye had seen me. 19 I should have been as though I had not been. I should have been carried from the womb to the grave. 20 Aren’t my days few? Stop! Leave me alone, that I may find a little comfort, 21 before I go where I will not return from, to the land of darkness and of the shadow of death; 22 the land dark as midnight, of the shadow of death, without any order, where the light is as midnight. (Job 10:1–22)
18 Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable, which refuses to be healed? Will you indeed be to me as a deceitful brook, like waters that fail? (Jeremiah 15:18)
12 “You shall eat it as barley cakes, and you shall bake it in their sight with dung that comes out of man.” 13 The LORD said, “Even thus will the children of Israel eat their bread unclean, among the nations where I will drive them.” 14 Then I said, “Ah Lord O GOD! Behold, my soul has not been polluted; for from my youth up even until now I have not eaten of that which dies of itself, or is torn of animals. No abominable meat has come into my mouth!” 15 Then he said to me, “Behold, I have given you cow’s dung for man’s dung, and you shall prepare your bread on it.” (Ezekiel 4:12-15)
1 But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry. 2 He prayed to The LORD, and said, “Please, O LORD, wasn’t this what I said when I was still in my own country? Therefore I hurried to flee to Tarshish, for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, and you relent of doing harm. 3 Therefore now, O LORD, take, I beg you, my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.” (Jonah 4:1–3)
12 Aren’t you from everlasting, O LORD my God, my Holy One? We will not die. O LORD, you have appointed them for judgment. You, Rock, have established him to punish. 13 You who have purer eyes than to see evil, and who cannot look on perversity, why do you tolerate those who deal treacherously and keep silent when the wicked swallows up the man who is more righteous than he, 14 and make men like the fish of the sea, like the creeping things that have no ruler over them? 15 He takes up all of them with the hook. He catches them in his net and gathers them in his dragnet. Therefore he rejoices and is glad. 16 Therefore he sacrifices to his net and burns incense to his dragnet, because by them his life is luxurious and his food is good. 17 Will he therefore continually empty his net, and kill the nations without mercy? (Habakkuk 1:12–17)
9 I will ask God, my rock, “Why have you forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?” 10 As with a sword in my bones, my adversaries reproach me, while they continually ask me, “Where is your God?” (Psalm 42:9–10)
14 O LORD, why do you reject my soul? Why do you hide your face from me? 15 I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up. While I suffer your terrors, I am distracted. 16 Your fierce wrath has gone over me. Your terrors have cut me off. 17 They came around me like water all day long. They completely engulfed me. 18 You have put lover and friend far from me, and my friends into darkness. (Psalm 88:14–18)
Prayer Is Talking To God
As seen from the following bible verses below, prayer is like having a conversation with God.
8 Trust in him at all times, you people. Pour out your heart before him. God is a refuge for us. (Psalm 62:8)
18 Then David the king went in and sat before The LORD; and he said, “Who am I, O Lord GOD , and what is my house, that you have brought me this far? 19 This was yet a small thing in your eyes, O Lord GOD , but you have spoken also of your servant’s house for a great while to come; and this among men,O Lord GOD! 20 What more can David say to you? For you know your servant, O Lord GOD. 21 For your word’s sake, and according to your own heart, you have worked all this greatness, to make your servant know it. 22 Therefore you are great, O Lord GOD. For there is no one like you, neither is there any God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears. 23 What one nation in the earth is like your people, even like Israel, whom God went to redeem to himself for a people, and to make himself a name, and to do great things for you, and awesome things for your land, before your people, whom you redeemed to yourself out of Egypt, from the nations and their gods? 24 You established for yourself your people Israel to be your people forever; and you, O LORD, became their God. 25 Now, O Lord GOD, the word that you have spoken concerning your servant, and concerning his house, confirm it forever, and do as you have spoken. 26 Let your name be magnified forever, saying, ‘The LORD of Heavenly Armies is God over Israel; and the house of your servant David will be established before you.’ 27 For you, The LORD of Heavenly Armies, the God of Israel, have revealed to your servant, saying, ‘I will build you a house.’ Therefore your servant has found in his heart to pray this prayer to you. 28 Now, O Lord GOD, you are God, and your words are truth, and you have promised this good thing to your servant. 29 Now therefore, let it please you to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever before you; for you, O Lord GOD, have spoken it. Let the house of your servant be blessed forever with your blessing.” (2 Samuel 7:18–29)
Prayer Can Be In The Form Of Singing To God
The bible verses below tell us that we can also sing to God as a form of prayer.
1 Then Moses and the children of Israel sang this song to The LORD, and said, “I will sing to The LORD, for he has triumphed gloriously. He has thrown the horse and his rider into the sea. (Exodus 15:1)
7 Then on that day David first ordained giving of thanks to The LORD by the hand of Asaph and his brothers. 8 Oh give thanks to The LORD. Call on his name. Make what he has done known among the peoples. 9 Sing to him. Sing praises to him. Tell of all his marvelous works. 10 Glory in his holy name. Let the heart of those who seek The LORD rejoice. 11 Seek The LORD and his strength. Seek his face forever more. 12 Remember his marvelous works that he has done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth, 13 you offspring of Israel his servant, you children of Jacob, his chosen ones. 14 He is The LORD our God. His judgments are in all the earth. 15 Remember his covenant forever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations, 16 the covenant which he made with Abraham, his oath to Isaac. 17 He confirmed it to Jacob for a statute, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant, 18 saying, “I will give you the land of Canaan, The lot of your inheritance,” 19 when you were but a few men in number, yes, very few, and foreigners in it. 20 They went about from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another people. 21 He allowed no man to do them wrong. Yes, he reproved kings for their sakes, 22 “Don’t touch my anointed ones! Do my prophets no harm!” 23 Sing to The LORD, all the earth! Display his salvation from day to day. 24 Declare his glory among the nations, and his marvelous works among all the peoples. 25 For great is The LORD, and greatly to be praised. He also is to be feared above all gods. 26 For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but The LORD made the heavens. 27 Honor and majesty are before him. Strength and gladness are in his place. 28 Ascribe to Thee lORD, you families of the peoples, ascribe to The LORD glory and strength! 29 Ascribe to The LORD the glory due to his name. Bring an offering, and come before him. Worship The LORD in holy array. 30 Tremble before him, all the earth. The world also is established that it can’t be moved. 31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice! Let them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!” 32 Let the sea roar, and its fullness! Let the field exult, and all that is in it! 33 Then the trees of the forest will sing for joy before The LORD, for he comes to judge the earth. 34 Oh give thanks to The LORD, for he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever. 35 Say, “Save us, God of our salvation! Gather us together and deliver us from the nations, to give thanks to your holy name, to triumph in your praise.” 36 Blessed be The LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting even to everlasting. All the people said, “Amen,” and praised The LORD. (1 Chronicles 16:7–36)
1 I will sing of loving kindness and justice. To you, O LORD, I will sing praises. (Psalm 101:1)
33 I will sing to The LORD as long as I live. I will sing praise to my God while I have any being. (Psalm 104:33)
13 Sing to The LORD! Praise The LORD, for he has delivered the soul of the needy from the hand of evildoers. (Jeremiah 20:13)
8 The LORD will command his loving kindness in the daytime. In the night his song shall be with me: a prayer to the God of my life. (Psalm 42:8)
Prayer Is Giving Praises To God
Similar to singing worship songs to God, the bible verses below are examples of praises to God and reflecting back to God how you have observed him work. They can be short or long.
46 The LORD lives! Blessed be my rock. Exalted be the God of my salvation, (Psalm 18:46)
1 I will bless The LORD at all times. His praise will always be in my mouth. (Psalm 34:1)
3 Because your loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise you. (Psalm 63:3)
35 You are awesome, God, in your sanctuaries. The God of Israel gives strength and power to his people. Praise be to God! (Psalm 68:35)
5 The heavens will praise your wonders, O LORD, your faithfulness also in the assembly of the holy ones. 6 For who in the skies can be compared to The LORD? Who among the sons of the heavenly beings is like The LORD, 7 a very awesome God in the council of the holy ones, to be feared above all those who are around him? 8 O LORD, God of Heavenly Armies, who is a mighty one, like you? God, your faithfulness is around you. 9 You rule the pride of the sea. When its waves rise up, you calm them. (Psalm 89:5–9)
1 Bless The LORD, my soul. O LORD, my God, you are very great. You are clothed with honor and majesty. (Psalm 104:1)
1 I will exalt you, my God, the King. I will praise your name forever and ever. 2 Every day I will praise you. I will extol your name forever and ever. (Psalm 145:1–2)
1 Hannah prayed, and said, “My heart exults in The LORD! My horn is exalted in The LORD. My mouth is enlarged over my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation. 2 There is no one as holy as The LORD, for there is no one besides you, nor is there any rock like our God. 3 Don’t keep talking so exceedingly proudly. Don’t let arrogance come out of your mouth, for The LORD is a God of knowledge. By him actions are weighed. 4 The bows of the mighty men are broken. Those who stumbled are armed with strength. 5Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread. Those who were hungry are satisfied. Yes, the barren has borne seven. She who has many children languishes. 6 The LORD kills and makes alive. He brings down to Sheol and brings up. 7 The LORD makes poor and makes rich. He brings low, he also lifts up. 8 He raises up the poor out of the dust. He lifts up the needy from the dunghill to make them sit with princes and inherit the throne of glory. For the pillars of the earth are The LORD’s. He has set the world on them. 9 He will keep the feet of his holy ones, but the wicked will be put to silence in darkness; for no man will prevail by strength. 10 Those who strive with The LORD shall be broken to pieces. He will thunder against them in the sky. The LORD will judge the ends of the earth. He will give strength to his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed." (1 Samuel 2:1–10)
22 Solomon stood before The LORD’s altar in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands toward heaven; 23 and he said, “O LORD, the God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven above, or on earth beneath; who keeps covenant and loving kindness with your servants who walk before you with all their heart; 24 who has kept with your servant David my father that which you promised him. Yes, you spoke with your mouth, and have fulfilled it with your hand, as it is today. Now therefore, may The LORD, the God of Israel, keep with your servant David my father that which you have promised him, saying, ‘There shall not fail from you a man in my sight to sit on the throne of Israel, if only your children take heed to their way, to walk before me as you have walked before me.’ 26 Now therefore, God of Israel, please let your word be verified, which you spoke to your servant David my father. 27 But will God in very deed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens can’t contain you; how much less this house that I have built! 28 Yet have respect for the prayer of your servant and for his supplication, O LORD my God, to listen to the cry and to the prayer which your servant prays before you today; 29 that your eyes may be open toward this house night and day, even toward the place of which you have said, ‘My name shall be there;’ to listen to the prayer which your servant prays toward this place. 30 Listen to the supplication of your servant, and of your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. Yes, hear in heaven, your dwelling place; and when you hear, forgive. 31 If a man sins against his neighbor, and an oath is laid on him to cause him to swear, and he comes and swears before your altar in this house, 32 then hear in heaven, and act, and judge your servants, condemning the wicked, to bring his way on his own head, and justifying the righteous, to give him according to his righteousness. 33 When your people Israel are struck down before the enemy because they have sinned against you, if they turn again to you and confess your name, and pray and make supplication to you in this house, 34 then hear in heaven, and forgive the sin of your people Israel, and bring them again to the land which you gave to their fathers. 35 When the sky is shut up and there is no rain because they have sinned against you, if they pray toward this place and confess your name, and turn from their sin when you afflict them, 36 then hear in heaven, and forgive the sin of your servants, and of your people Israel, when you teach them the good way in which they should walk; and send rain on your land which you have given to your people for an inheritance. 37 If there is famine in the land, if there is pestilence, if there is blight, mildew, locust or caterpillar; if their enemy besieges them in the land of their cities, whatever plague, whatever sickness there is, 38 whatever prayer and supplication is made by any man, or by all your people Israel, who shall each know the plague of his own heart, and spread out his hands toward this house, 39 then hear in heaven, your dwelling place, and forgive, and act, and give to every man according to all his ways, whose heart you know (for you, even you only, know the hearts of all the children of men); 40 that they may fear you all the days that they live in the land which you gave to our fathers. 41 Moreover, concerning the foreigner, who is not of your people Israel, when he comes out of a far country for your name’s sake 42 (for they shall hear of your great name and of your mighty hand and of your outstretched arm), when he comes and prays toward this house, 43 hear in heaven, your dwelling place, and do according to all that the foreigner calls to you for; that all the peoples of the earth may know your name, to fear you, as do your people Israel, and that they may know that this house which I have built is called by your name. 44 If your people go out to battle against their enemy, by whatever way you shall send them, and they pray to The LORD toward the city which you have chosen, and toward the house which I have built for your name, 45 then hear in heaven their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause. 46 If they sin against you (for there is no man who doesn’t sin), and you are angry with them and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captive to the land of the enemy, far off or near; 47 yet if they repent in the land where they are carried captive, and turn again, and make supplication to you in the land of those who carried them captive, saying, ‘We have sinned and have done perversely; we have dealt wickedly,’ 48 if they return to you with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their enemies who carried them captive, and pray to you toward their land which you gave to their fathers, the city which you have chosen and the house which I have built for your name, 49 then hear their prayer and their supplication in heaven, your dwelling place, and maintain their cause; 50 and forgive your people who have sinned against you, and all their transgressions in which they have transgressed against you; and give them compassion before those who carried them captive, that they may have compassion on them 51 (for they are your people and your inheritance, which you brought out of Egypt, from the middle of the iron furnace); 52 that your eyes may be open to the supplication of your servant and to the supplication of your people Israel, to listen to them whenever they cry to you. 53 For you separated them from among all the peoples of the earth to be your inheritance, as you spoke by Moses your servant, when you brought our fathers out of Egypt, O Lord GOD.” (1 Kings 8:22–53)F1
10 Therefore David blessed The LORD before all the assembly; and David said, “You are blessed, The LORD, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. 11 Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty! For all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all. 12 Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all! In your hand is power and might! It is in your hand to make great, and to give strength to all! 13 Now therefore, our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name. 14 But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly as this? For all things come from you, and we have given you of your own. 15 For we are strangers before you and foreigners, as all our fathers were. Our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is no remaining. 16 The LORD our God, all this store that we have prepared to build you a house for your holy name comes from your hand, and is all your own. 17 I know also, my God, that you try the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart I have willingly offered all these things. Now I have seen with joy your people, who are present here, offer willingly to you. 18 The LORD, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this desire forever in the thoughts of the heart of your people, and prepare their heart for you; 19 and give to Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep your commandments, your testimonies, and your statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for which I have made provision.” (1 Chronicles 29:10–19)
3 Praise The LORD, for The LORD is good. Sing praises to his name, for that is pleasant. (Psalm 135:3)
1 A prayer of Habakkuk, the prophet, set to victorious music. 2 O LORD, I have heard of your fame. I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD. Renew your work in the middle of the years. In the middle of the years make it known. In wrath, you remember mercy. 3 God came from Teman, the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah. His glory covered the heavens, and his praise filled the earth. 4 His splendor is like the sunrise. Rays shine from his hand, where his power is hidden. 5 Plague went before him, and pestilence followed his feet. 6 He stood, and shook the earth. He looked, and made the nations tremble. The ancient mountains were crumbled. The age-old hills collapsed. His ways are eternal. 7 I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction. The dwellings of the land of Midian trembled. 8 Was The LORD displeased with the rivers? Was your anger against the rivers, or your wrath against the sea, that you rode on your horses, on your chariots of salvation? 9 You uncovered your bow. You called for your sworn arrows. Selah. You split the earth with rivers. 10 The mountains saw you, and were afraid. The storm of waters passed by. The deep roared and lifted up its hands on high. 11 The sun and moon stood still in the sky at the light of your arrows as they went, at the shining of your glittering spear. 12 You marched through the land in wrath. You threshed the nations in anger. 13 You went out for the salvation of your people, for the salvation of your anointed. You crushed the head of the land of wickedness. You stripped them head to foot. Selah. 14 You pierced the heads of his warriors with their own spears. They came as a whirlwind to scatter me, gloating as if to devour the wretched in secret. 15 You trampled the sea with your horses, churning mighty waters. (Habakkuk 3:1–15)
Prayer Is Acknowledging God's Character To Him
The bible verses here show that we can acknowledge God's works and his character when we pray to Him.
12 Also to you, Lord, belongs loving kindness, for you reward every man according to his work. (Psalm 62:12)
9 We have thought about your loving kindness, God, in the middle of your temple. 10 As is your name, God, so is your praise to the ends of the earth. Your right hand is full of righteousness. (Psalm 48:9–10)
14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne. Loving kindness and truth go before your face. (Psalm 89:14)
1 It is a good thing to give thanks to The LORD, to sing praises to your name, Most High, 2 to proclaim your loving kindness in the morning, and your faithfulness every night, 3 with the ten-stringed lute, with the harp, and with the melody of the lyre. (Psalm 92:1–3)
8 You answered them, O LORD our God. You are a God who forgave them, although you took vengeance for their doings. (Psalm 99:8)
89 O LORD, your word is settled in heaven forever. 90 Your faithfulness is to all generations. You have established the earth, and it remains. 91 Your laws remain to this day, for all things serve you. (Psalm 119:89–91)
137 You are righteous, O LORD. Your judgments are upright. (Psalm 119:137)
13 Your name, O LORD, endures forever; your renown, O LORD, throughout all generations. (Psalm 135:13)
8 The LORD will fulfill that which concerns me. Your loving kindness, O LORD, endures forever. Don’t forsake the works of your own hands. (Psalm 138:8)
7 They will utter the memory of your great goodness, and will sing of your righteousness. (Psalm 145:7)
2 You who hear prayer, all men will come to you. (Psalm 65:2)
Prayer Is Remembering God's Work In Your Life
When we pray, we can tell God what our memories of how he had worked in our lives, and also how he had been faithful to others.
The following bible verses share how different people told God in their prayers about what they remembered God did in the past.
11 I will remember Your deeds; for I will remember your wonders of old. 12 I will also meditate on all your work, and consider your doings. 13 Your way, God, is in the sanctuary. What god is great like God? 14 You are the God who does wonders. You have made your strength known among the peoples. 15 You have redeemed your people with your arm, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah. 16 The waters saw you, God. The waters saw you, and they writhed. The depths also convulsed. 17 The clouds poured out water. The skies resounded with thunder. Your arrows also flashed around. 18 The voice of your thunder was in the whirlwind. The lightnings lit up the world. The earth trembled and shook. 19 Your way was through the sea, your paths through the great waters. Your footsteps were not known. 20 You led your people like a flock, by the hand of Moses and Aaron. (Psalm 77:11–20)
24 O LORD, how many are your works! In wisdom, you have made them all. The earth is full of your riches. 25 There is the sea, great and wide, in which are innumerable living things, both small and large animals. 26 There the ships go, and leviathan, whom you formed to play there. 27 These all wait for you, that you may give them their food in due season. 28 You give to them; they gather. You open your hand; they are satisfied with good. 29 You hide your face; they are troubled. You take away their breath; they die and return to the dust. 30 You send out your Spirit and they are created. You renew the face of the ground. (Psalm 104:24–30)
16 O LORD, truly I am your servant. I am your servant, the son of your servant girl. You have freed me from my chains. (Psalm 116:16)
4 One generation will commend your works to another, and will declare your mighty acts. 5 I will meditate on the glorious majesty of your honor, on your wondrous works. 6 Men will speak of the might of your awesome acts. I will declare your greatness. (Psalm 145:4–6)
10 All your works will give thanks to you, O LORD. Your saints will extol you. 11 They will speak of the glory of your kingdom, and talk about your power, 12 to make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, the glory of the majesty of his kingdom. (Psalm 145:10–12)
17 “Ah Lord O GOD! Behold, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for you. 18 You show loving kindness to thousands, and repay the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them. The great, the mighty God, O LORD of Heavenly Armies is your name: 19 great in counsel, and mighty in work; whose eyes are open to all the ways of the children of men, to give everyone according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings; 20 who performed signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, even to this day, both in Israel and among other men; and made yourself a name, as it is today; 21 and brought your people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs, with wonders, with a strong hand, with an outstretched arm, and with great terror; 22 and gave them this land, which you swore to their fathers to give them, a land flowing with milk and honey. 23 They came in and possessed it, but they didn’t obey your voice and didn’t walk in your law. They have done nothing of all that you commanded them to do. Therefore you have caused all this evil to come upon them. (Jeremiah 32:17–23)
Prayer Is Spiritual Warfare
There are bible verses supporting the fact that when we pray, we are helping fight a spiritual warfare.
The prince of the kingdom of Persia as mentioned in Daniel 10:13 is an evil being and who blocked Gabriel (God's angel) from coming to Daniel and caused the angel to delay going to Daniel. But the angel Gabriel received help from another angel, Michael, to get out from that area to go to Daniel.
These are forces that are not visible to our eyes, but they are very present and they can affect a lot of things in this world.
16 I heard a man’s voice between the banks of the Ulai, which called and said, “Gabriel, make this man understand the vision.” (Daniel 8:16)
10 Behold, a hand touched me, which set me on my knees and on the palms of my hands. 11 He said to me, “Daniel, you greatly beloved man, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have been sent to you, now.” When he had spoken this word to me, I stood trembling. 12 Then he said to me, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel; for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard. I have come for your words’ sake. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; but, behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me because I remained there with the kings of Persia. 14 Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision is yet for many days.” (Daniel 10:10–14)
20 Then he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? Now I will return to fight with the prince of Persia. When I go out, behold, the prince of Greece will come. 21 But I will tell you that which is inscribed in the writing of truth. There is no one who holds with me against these but Michael your prince. (Daniel 10:20-21)
1 You were made alive when you were dead in transgressions and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the children of disobedience. (Ephesians 2:1–2)
12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12)
13 When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man stood in front of him with his sword drawn in his hand. Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our enemies?” 14 He said, “No; but I have come now as commander of The LORD’s army.” Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and worshiped, and asked him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” 15 The prince of The LORD’s army said to Joshua, “Take off your sandals, for the place on which you stand is holy.” Joshua did so. (Joshua 5:13–15)
1 At that time Michael will stand up, the great prince who stands for the children of your people; and there will be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time. At that time your people will be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book. (Daniel 12:1)
9 But Michael, the archangel, when contending with the devil and arguing about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him an abusive condemnation, but said, “May the Lord rebuke you!” (Jude 9)
7 There was war in the sky. Michael and his angels made war on the dragon. The dragon and his angels made war. (Revelation 12:7)
3 Another angel came and stood over the altar, having a golden censer. Much incense was given to him, that he should add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne. 4 The smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand. 5 The angel took the censer, and he filled it with the fire of the altar, then threw it on the earth. Thunders, sounds, lightnings, and an earthquake followed. (Revelation 8:3–5)
How Should We Pray?
This section explores the bible verses about how to pray.
Though prayer is very simple and you can just talk to God about anything, this section is a collection of bible verses that are related to how to pray.
Patience In Prayer
After praying to God, we need to have patience to wait upon God's answer. The bible verse below encourages us to stand watch to see what God will say to us.
1 I will stand at my watch and set myself on the ramparts, and will look out to see what he will say to me, and what I will answer concerning my complaint. (Habakkuk 2:1)
Do Good And Stop Wicked Deeds When Praying
The bible verses below from the Old Testament taught people how to pray, while following God's commandments in their lives- to do good and get rid of wicked deeds, then God will answer and bless their prayers.
12 When you have finished tithing all the tithe of your increase in the third year, which is the year of tithing, then you shall give it to the Levite, to the foreigner, to the fatherless, and to the widow, that they may eat within your gates and be filled. 13 You shall say before The LORD your God, “I have put away the holy things out of my house, and also have given them to the Levite, to the foreigner, to the fatherless, and to the widow, according to all your commandment which you have commanded me. I have not transgressed any of your commandments, neither have I forgotten them. 14 I have not eaten of it in my mourning, neither have I removed any of it while I was unclean, nor given of it for the dead. I have listened to The LORD my God’s voice. I have done according to all that you have commanded me. 15 Look down from your holy habitation, from heaven, and bless your people Israel, and the ground which you have given us, as you swore to our fathers, a land flowing with milk and honey. (Deuteronomy 26:12–15)
1 “Cry aloud! Don’t spare! Lift up your voice like a trumpet! Declare to my people their disobedience, and to the house of Jacob their sins. 2 Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways. As a nation that did righteousness, and didn’t forsake the ordinance of their God, they ask of me righteous judgments. They delight to draw near to God. 3 ‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and you don’t see? Why have we afflicted our soul, and you don’t notice?’ “Behold, in the day of your fast you find pleasure, and oppress all your laborers. 4 Behold, you fast for strife and contention, and to strike with the fist of wickedness. You don’t fast today so as to make your voice to be heard on high. 5 Is this the fast that I have chosen? A day for a man to humble his soul? Is it to bow down his head like a reed, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under himself? Will you call this a fast, and an acceptable day to The LORD? 6 “Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to release the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? 7 Isn’t it to distribute your bread to the hungry, and that you bring the poor who are cast out to your house? When you see the naked, that you cover him; and that you not hide yourself from your own flesh? 8 Then your light will break out as the morning, and your healing will appear quickly; then your righteousness shall go before you, and The LORD’s glory will be your rear guard. 9 Then you will call, and The LORD will answer. You will cry for help, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’ “If you take away from among you the yoke, finger pointing, and speaking wickedly; 10 and if you pour out your soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light will rise in darkness, and your obscurity will be as the noonday; 11 and The LORD will guide you continually, satisfy your soul in dry places, and make your bones strong. You will be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters don’t fail. 12 Those who will be of you will build the old waste places. You will raise up the foundations of many generations. You will be called Repairer of the Breach, Restorer of Paths with Dwellings. 13 “If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on my holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight, and the holy of The LORD honorable, and honor it, not doing your own ways, nor finding your own pleasure, nor speaking your own words, 14 then you will delight yourself in The LORD, and I will make you to ride on the high places of the earth, and I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father;” for The LORD’s mouth has spoken it. (Isaiah 58:1–14)
2 Let my prayer be set before you like incense; the lifting up of my hands like the evening sacrifice. 3 Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth. Keep the door of my lips. 4 Don’t incline my heart to any evil thing, to practice deeds of wickedness with men who work iniquity. Don’t let me eat of their delicacies. 5 Let the righteous strike me, it is kindness; let him reprove me, it is like oil on the head; don’t let my head refuse it; Yet my prayer is always against evil deeds. (Psalm 141:2–5)
Jesus' Teachings On Prayer
We will next look at the bible verses on what Jesus taught about prayer.
Jesus taught us that when we pray, it is not to gain attention from people on how godly we are, but rather to do it sincerely in secret to God.
Jesus taught us that when praying we do not need to keep repeating excessively thinking that the more we repeat that more God will hear it.
Jesus also taught us a model prayer in Matthew 6:9-13, and he encouraged us to forgive others when they did something to hurt us, so that we can be forgiven of our sins by God too.
Jesus also encouraged children to be prayed for and for children to pray to Him.
Jesus encouraged us to be watchful and to pray against temptations.
Jesus taught us to have faith in God and to believe when we pray.
Jesus told us that some kind of situations require fasting and prayer.
Jesus encouraged us to always pray and not give up.
Jesus taught us not to despise others, not to be self-righteous when we pray, and to always be humble.
5 When you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Most certainly, I tell you, they have received their reward. 6 But you, when you pray, enter into your inner room, and having shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. 7 In praying, don’t use vain repetitions as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their much speaking. 8 Therefore don’t be like them, for your Father knows what things you need before you ask him. 9 Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. 10 Let your Kingdom come. Let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. 13 Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.’ 14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you don’t forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:5–15)
2 He said to them, “When you pray, say, ‘Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. 3 Give us day by day our daily bread. 4 Forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’ ” (Luke 11:2–4)
38 In his teaching he said to them, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk in long robes, and to get greetings in the marketplaces, 39 and to get the best seats in the synagogues and the best places at feasts, 40 those who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.” (Mark 12:38–40)
45 In the hearing of all the people, he said to his disciples, 46 “Beware of those scribes who like to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts; 47 who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.” (Luke 20:45–47)
13 Then little children were brought to him that he should lay his hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But Jesus said, “Allow the little children, and don’t forbid them to come to me; for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to ones like these.” 15 He laid his hands on them, and departed from there. (Matthew 19:13–15)
40 He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What, couldn’t you watch with me for one hour? 41 Watch and pray, that you don’t enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:40–41)
36 Therefore be watchful all the time, praying that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:36)
23 Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out with tears, “I believe. Help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:23–24)
40 Jesus said to her, “Didn’t I tell you that if you believed, you would see God’s glory?” (John 11:40)
22 Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. 23 For most certainly I tell you, whoever may tell this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and doesn’t doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is happening, he shall have whatever he says. 24 Therefore I tell you, all things whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you have received them, and you shall have them. 25 Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father, who is in heaven, may also forgive you your transgressions. 26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your transgressions.” (Mark 11:22–26)
26 After crying out and convulsing him greatly, it came out of him. The boy became like one dead, so much that most of them said, “He is dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and raised him up; and he arose. 28 When he had come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we cast it out?” 29 He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but by prayer and fasting.” (Mark 9:26–29)
1 He also spoke a parable to them that they must always pray and not give up, 2 saying, “There was a judge in a certain city who didn’t fear God and didn’t respect man. 3 A widow was in that city, and she often came to him, saying, ‘Defend me from my adversary!’ 4 He wouldn’t for a while; but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, 5 yet because this widow bothers me, I will defend her, or else she will wear me out by her continual coming.’ ” 6 The Lord said, “Listen to what the unrighteous judge says. 7 Won’t God avenge his chosen ones who are crying out to him day and night, and yet he exercises patience with them? 8 I tell you that he will avenge them quickly. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:1–8)
9 He also spoke this parable to certain people who were convinced of their own righteousness, and who despised all others: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray; one was a Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed by himself like this: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of men: extortionists, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week. I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far away, wouldn’t even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:9–14)
26 In that day you will ask in my name; and I don’t say to you that I will pray to the Father for you, 27 for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me, and have believed that I came from God. 28 I came from the Father and have come into the world. Again, I leave the world and go to the Father.” (John 16:26–28)
Perseverance In Prayer
Daniel was distinguished above the leaders in the kingdom of King Darius and those leaders were wanting to get rid of him. They could not find any fault with him except in his faith in God. These leaders then got the king to sign an agreement that any man who pray to any god or man except the king for 30 days would have to be cast into the den of lions.
Even after King Darius signed the agreement, Daniel continued to pray to God, just like before. Daniel persevered in praying even when he was threatened with death against praying.
Even when we do not get an answer or see the results of our prayer, the other bible verses here encourage us to not give up but to keep praying.
10 When Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house (now his windows were open in his room toward Jerusalem) and he kneeled on his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did before. (Daniel 6:10)
10 In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate to one another; in honor prefer one another, 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, 12 rejoicing in hope, enduring in troubles, continuing steadfastly in prayer, (Romans 12:10–12)
2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching in it with thanksgiving, 3 praying together for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds, 4 that I may reveal it as I ought to speak. (Colossians 4:2–4)
Persistence In Praying Night And Day
Anna is a prophetess who prayed night and day in the temple daily and who was very close to God in her spirit. Being able to hear clearly from God, she knows that Jesus who was still an infant then that He is the Messiah (Savior of all mankind). She confirmed what Simeon knew from the Holy Spirit that Jesus is the Messiah.
When we persist in prayer day and night, we can experience God's Spirit revealing things to us.
36 There was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity, 37 and she had been a widow for about eighty-four years), who didn’t depart from the temple, worshiping with fastings and petitions night and day. 38 Coming up at that very hour, she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of him to all those who were looking for redemption in Jerusalem. (Luke 2:36-38)
17 Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Pray At All Times In The Spirit
The Holy Spirit is with us to help us to pray, and the Holy Spirit also prays on our behalf when we don't know how to pray.
Thus we can pray in the Spirit at all times, as the bible verses below encourage us to.
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the Good News of peace, 16 above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints. (Ephesians 6:10–18)
20 But you, beloved, keep building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit. (Jude 20)
26 In the same way, the Spirit also helps our weaknesses, for we don’t know how to pray as we ought. But the Spirit himself makes intercession for us with groanings which can’t be uttered. 27 He who searches the hearts knows what is on the Spirit’s mind, because he makes intercession for the saints according to God. (Romans 8:26–27)
Pray With Thanksgiving
The bible verse below teaches that that when we pray, we are encouraged to give thanksgiving along with the requests. This is a good practice for us not just because the bible teaches that but also that we will learn to have a thankful heart to God in all situations.
6 In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6–7)
Pray Without Anger And Doubt
The bible verse below encourage us to pray without anger and doubt. If we have anger and doubt when praying, our hearts will not be in the Spirit and our prayer will lack faith.
8 I desire therefore that the men in every place pray, lifting up holy hands without anger and doubting. (1 Timothy 2:8)
Pray With Boldness
This bible verse below showed me that God truly desire a real relationship with us, because God desires us to draw close to him with boldness, not fear to receive mercy and help from him. If you have someone you love, you would not want that person to be afraid to talk to you.
14 Having then a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let’s hold tightly to our confession. 15 For we don’t have a high priest who can’t be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who has been in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin. 16 Let’s therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace for help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14–16)
Pray With Faith
When we pray, the bible verses below teaches us that we can come to God in faith with our prayers.
19 Having therefore, brothers, boldness to enter into the holy place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the way which he dedicated for us, a new and living way, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh, 21 and having a great priest over God’s house, 22 let’s draw near with a true heart in fullness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and having our body washed with pure water, 23 let’s hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering; for he who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:19–23)
6 Without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing to him, for he who comes to God must believe that he exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)
14 Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the assembly, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; 15 and the prayer of faith will heal him who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. (James 5:14–15)
Pray With Confession Of Sins To One Another
When we have sinned, the bible verse below encourage us to confess our sins to one another and pray for each other so that we can be healed from the sin.
16 Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective. (James 5:16)
Pray During Suffering
When we are suffering, we should pray about it!
13 Is any among you suffering? Let him pray. Is any cheerful? Let him sing praises. (James 5:13)
Praying For Others
The bible also teaches us to pray for others' needs, and also for the leaders, the government, all men, and the country.
14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit; 16 for as yet he had fallen on none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of Christ Jesus. 17 Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. (Acts 8:14–17)
24 Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that none of the things which you have spoken happen to me.” (Acts 8:24)
1 Brothers, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God is for Israel, that they may be saved. (Romans 10:1)
19 Pray for me, that utterance may be given to me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the Good News, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. (Ephesians 6:19–20)
2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching in it with thanksgiving, 3 praying together for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds, 4 that I may reveal it as I ought to speak. (Colossians 4:2–4)
2 We always give thanks to God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers, 3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith and labor of love and perseverance of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father. (1 Thessalonians 1:2–3)
11 To this end we also pray always for you that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire of goodness and work of faith with power, 12 that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thessalonians 1:11–12)
1 I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in high places, that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence. (1 Timothy 2:1–2)
4 I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, 5 hearing of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, 6 that the fellowship of your faith may become effective in the knowledge of every good thing which is in us in Christ Jesus. (Philemon 4–6)
Deal With Temptations To Not Pray
Temptations that will hinder us to pray will surely come, we have to learn to deal with those temptations. When we have fought those temptations and still prayed anyway, we would have won a spiritual battle that is keeping us from praying.
16 As we were going to prayer, a certain girl having a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much gain by fortune telling. 17 Following Paul and us, she cried out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us a way of salvation!” 18 She was doing this for many days. But Paul, becoming greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!” It came out that very hour. (Acts 16:16–18)
Other New Testament Teachings On Prayer
Here are some other teachings on prayer, such as: honoring your marriage partner; remembering the needs of your marriage partner; being clear minded when praying; having boldness when praying due to living a life that pleases God with a clear conscience to God; and how prayer purifies.
7 You husbands, in the same way, live with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor to the woman as to the weaker vessel, as also being joint heirs of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered. (1 Peter 3:7)
5 Don’t deprive one another, unless it is by consent for a season, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer, and may be together again, that Satan doesn’t tempt you because of your lack of self-control. (1 Corinthians 7:5)
7 But the end of all things is near. Therefore be of sound mind, self-controlled, and sober in prayer. (1 Peter 4:7)
21 Beloved, if our hearts don’t condemn us, we have boldness toward God; 22 so whatever we ask, we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do the things that are pleasing in his sight. (1 John 3:21–22)
1 But the Spirit says expressly that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 through the hypocrisy of men who speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron, 3 forbidding marriage and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving. 5 For it is sanctified through the word of God and prayer. (1 Timothy 4:1–5)
Will God Always Answer My Prayers?
God Knows About Your Prayers
God, who is all knowing, He knows our prayers. Thus, when we pray, we can take comfort that God knows and He hears our prayers.
4 He, fastening his eyes on him and being frightened, said, “What is it, Lord?” He said to him, “Your prayers and your gifts to the needy have gone up for a memorial before God. (Acts 10:4)
God Delights In Hearing The Prayer Of The Upright
According to the bible verses below, God will hear and be delighted by the prayer for those who live in the way that pleases him, but God will be far from the wicked.
8 The sacrifice made by the wicked is an abomination to The LORD, but the prayer of the upright is his delight. (Proverbs 15:8)
29 The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous. (Proverbs 15:29)
God Answers Prayers
There are many instances in the bible that God answers prayer, over here, I just share one bible verse that God responds to the prayers of those in need.
17 He has responded to the prayer of the destitute, and has not despised their prayer. (Psalm 102:17)
God's Miracles From Answered Prayers
Here below are some miracles that God did for his people, some were very specific and unusual requests that biblical characters have asked of God, and God according to his grace, allowed and answered those prayers.
God can still answer prayers today in miraculous ways!
12 Then Joshua spoke to The LORD in the day when The LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel. He said in the sight of Israel, “Sun, stand still on Gibeon! You, moon, stop in the valley of Aijalon!” 13 The sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the nation had avenged themselves of their enemies. Isn’t this written in the book of Jashar? The sun stayed in the middle of the sky, and didn’t hurry to go down about a whole day. 14 There was no day like that before it or after it, that The LORD listened to the voice of a man; for The LORD fought for Israel. (Joshua 10:12–14)
15 Gideon said to God, “If you will save Israel by my hand, as you have spoken, 37 behold, I will put a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew on the fleece only, and it is dry on all the ground, then I’ll know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you have spoken.” 38 It was so; for he rose up early on the next day, and pressed the fleece together, and wrung the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water. 39 Gideon said to God, “Don’t let your anger be kindled against me, and I will speak but this once. Please let me make a trial just this once with the fleece. Let it now be dry only on the fleece, and on all the ground let there be dew.” 40 God did so that night; for it was dry on the fleece only, and there was dew on all the ground. (Judges 6:36–40)
18 He was very thirsty, and called on The LORD and said, “You have given this great deliverance by the hand of your servant; and now shall I die of thirst, and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised?” 19 But God split the hollow place that is in Lehi, and water came out of it. When he had drunk, his spirit came again, and he revived. Therefore its name was called En Hakkore, which is in Lehi, to this day. (Judges 15:18–20- regarding Samson's thirst)
36 At the time of the evening offering, Elijah the prophet came near and said, “O LORD, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word. 37 Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that you, O LORD, are God, and that you have turned their heart back again.” 38 Then The LORD's fire fell and consumed the burnt offering, the wood, the stones, and the dust; and it licked up the water that was in the trench. 39 When all the people saw it, they fell on their faces. They said, “The LORD, he is God! The LORD, he is God!” (1 Kings 18:36–39)
32 When Elisha had come into the house, behold, the child was dead, and lying on his bed. 33 He went in therefore, and shut the door on them both, and prayed to The LORD. 34 He went up and lay on the child, and put his mouth on his mouth, and his eyes on his eyes, and his hands on his hands. He stretched himself on him; and the child’s flesh grew warm. 35 Then he returned, and walked in the house once back and forth, then went up and stretched himself out on him. Then the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes. (2 Kings 4:32–35)
40 Peter sent them all out, and knelt down and prayed. Turning to the body, he said, “Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 He gave her his hand and raised her up. Calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. (Acts 9:40–41- When Tabitha was dead)
4 When he had arrested him, he put him in prison and delivered him to four squads of four soldiers each to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people after the Passover. 5 Peter therefore was kept in the prison, but constant prayer was made by the assembly to God for him. 6 The same night when Herod was about to bring him out, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains. Guards in front of the door kept the prison. 7 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up, saying, “Stand up quickly!” His chains fell off his hands. 8 The angel said to him, “Get dressed and put on your sandals.” He did so. He said to him, “Put on your cloak and follow me.” 9 And he went out and followed him. He didn’t know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he saw a vision. 10 When they were past the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened to them by itself. They went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him. (Acts 12:4–10)
25 But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were loosened. (Acts 16:25–26)
The father of Publius lay sick of fever and dysentery. Paul entered in to him, prayed, and laying his hands on him, healed him. (Acts 28:8)
Biblical Records Of God Revealing Things To People During Prayer
Here are some bible passages of how God revealed things to people when they prayed.
11 The Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judah for one named Saul, a man of Tarsus. For behold, he is praying, 12 and in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and laying his hands on him, that he might receive his sight.” (Acts 9:11–12)
1 Now there was a certain man in Caesarea, Cornelius by name, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, 2 a devout man, and one who feared God with all his house, who gave gifts for the needy generously to the people, and always prayed to God. 3 At about the ninth hour of the day, he clearly saw in a vision an angel of God coming to him and saying to him, “Cornelius!” (Acts 10:1–3)
30 Cornelius said, “Four days ago, I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour, I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer is heard, and your gifts to the needy are remembered in the sight of God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa and summon Simon, who is also called Peter. He is staying in the house of a tanner named Simon, by the seaside. When he comes, he will speak to you.’ 33 Therefore I sent to you at once, and it was good of you to come. Now therefore we are all here present in the sight of God to hear all things that have been commanded you by God.” (Acts 10:30–33)
9 Now on the next day as they were on their journey and got close to the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray at about noon. 10 He became hungry and desired to eat, but while they were preparing, he fell into a trance. 11 He saw heaven opened and a certain container descending to him, like a great sheet let down by four corners on the earth, 12 in which were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild animals, reptiles, and birds of the sky. 13 A voice came to him, “Rise, Peter, kill and eat!” (Acts 10:9–13)
4 But Peter began, and explained to them in order, saying, 5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision: a certain container descending, like it was a great sheet let down from heaven by four corners. It came as far as me. 6 When I had looked intently at it, I considered, and saw the four-footed animals of the earth, wild animals, creeping things, and birds of the sky. 7 I also heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter, kill and eat!’ 8 But I said, ‘Not so, Lord, for nothing unholy or unclean has ever entered into my mouth.’ 9 But a voice answered me the second time out of heaven, ‘What God has cleansed, don’t you call unclean.’ 10 This was done three times, and all were drawn up again into heaven. 11 Behold, immediately three men stood before the house where I was, having been sent from Caesarea to me. 12 The Spirit told me to go with them without discriminating. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered into the man’s house. 13 He told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house and saying to him, ‘Send to Joppa and get Simon, who is called Peter, 14 who will speak to you words by which you will be saved, you and all your house.’ 15 As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, even as on us at the beginning. 16 I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, ‘John indeed baptized in water, but you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit.’ 17 If then God gave to them the same gift as us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, that I could withstand God?” (Acts 11:4–17)
17 “When I had returned to Jerusalem and while I prayed in the temple, I fell into a trance 18 and saw him saying to me, ‘Hurry and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not receive testimony concerning me from you.’ 19 I said, ‘Lord, they themselves know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue those who believed in you. 20 When the blood of Stephen, your witness, was shed, I also was standing by, consenting to his death, and guarding the cloaks of those who killed him.’ 21 “He said to me, ‘Depart, for I will send you out far from here to the Gentiles.’” (Acts 22:17–21- Regarding Paulyoutu)
When God Did Not Answer Prayers
The following bible verses are about times when God did not immediately answer prayers. Most of the times in these bible verses when God did not answer prayer is because of the grievous sins of the people such as murder, wicked deeds, idolatry, child sacrifices and taking advantage or oppressing the poor.
37 Saul asked counsel of God: “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will you deliver them into the hand of Israel?” But he didn’t answer him that day. (1 Samuel 14:37)
1 There was a famine in the days of David for three years, year after year; and David sought the face of The LORD. The LORD said, “It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he put the Gibeonites to death.” (2 Samuel 21:1)
13 Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor, he will also cry out, but shall not be heard. (Proverbs 21:13)
9 He who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination. (Proverbs 28:9)
15 When you spread out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you. Yes, when you make many prayers, I will not hear. Your hands are full of blood. (Isaiah 1:15)
1 Behold, The LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it can’t save; nor his ear dull, that it can’t hear. 2 But your iniquities have separated you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. 3 For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity. Your lips have spoken lies. Your tongue mutters wickedness. (Isaiah 59:1–3)
16 Therefore don’t pray for this people. Don’t lift up a cry or prayer for them or make intercession to me; for I will not hear you. 17 Don’t you see what they do in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem? (Jeremiah 7:16–17)
9 The LORD said to me, “A conspiracy is found among the men of Judah, and among the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 10 They have turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, who refused to hear my words. They have gone after other gods to serve them. The house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my covenant which I made with their fathers. 11 Therefore The LORD says, ‘Behold, I will bring evil on them which they will not be able to escape; and they will cry to me, but I will not listen to them. 12 Then the cities of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem will go and cry to the gods to which they offer incense, but they will not save them at all in the time of their trouble. 13 For according to the number of your cities are your gods, Judah; and according to the number of the streets of Jerusalem you have set up altars to the shameful thing, even altars to burn incense to Baal.’ 14 “Therefore don’t pray for this people. Don’t lift up cry or prayer for them; for I will not hear them in the time that they cry to me because of their trouble." (Jeremiah 11:9–14)
11 The LORD said to me, “Don’t pray for this people for their good. 12 When they fast, I will not hear their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and meal offering, I will not accept them; but I will consume them by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence.” (Jeremiah 14:11–12)
8 Yes, when I cry, and call for help, he shuts out my prayer. (Lamentations 3:8)
44 You have covered yourself with a cloud, so that no prayer can pass through. (Lamentations 3:44)
30 Therefore tell the house of Israel, ‘The Lord God says: “Do you pollute yourselves in the way of your fathers? Do you play the prostitute after their abominations? 31 When you offer your gifts, when you make your sons pass through the fire, do you pollute yourselves with all your idols to this day? Should I be inquired of by you, house of Israel? As I live, says the Lord God, I will not be inquired of by you! (Ezekiel 20:30–31)
2 O LORD, how long will I cry, and you will not hear? I cry out to you “Violence!” and will you not save? 3 Why do you show me iniquity, and look at perversity? For destruction and violence are before me. There is strife, and contention rises up. 4 Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails; for the wicked surround the righteous; therefore justice comes out perverted. (Habakkuk 1:2-4)
8 The LORD’s word came to Zechariah, saying, 9 “Thus has The LORD of Heavenly Armies spoken, saying, ‘Execute true judgment, and show kindness and compassion every man to his brother. 10 Don’t oppress the widow, the fatherless, the foreigner, nor the poor; and let none of you devise evil against his brother in your heart.’ 11 But they refused to listen, and turned their backs, and stopped their ears, that they might not hear. 12 Yes, they made their hearts as hard as flint, lest they might hear the law and the words which The LORD of Armies had sent by his Spirit by the former prophets. Therefore great wrath came from The LORD of Heavenly Armies. 13 It has come to pass that, as he called and they refused to listen, so they will call and I will not listen,” said The LORD of Heavenly Armies; 14 “but I will scatter them with a whirlwind among all the nations which they have not known. Thus the land was desolate after them, so that no man passed through nor returned; for they made the pleasant land desolate.” (Zechariah 7:8–14)
When God Answered Prayer After Atonement Was Made
The bible verses in 2 Samuel 21:1 above spoke of God allowing a famine to occur for 3 years because of King Saul's massacre of the Gibeonites, which was not yet atoned for at that time.
The Gibeonites had a covenant with the Israelites for peace (Joshua 9:3-17) but Saul had killed them later on.
Thus, when David went to the Gibeonites to ask what can be done to atone for those murdered Gibeonites, they asked for 7 descendants of Saul to be hanged to make up for atonement. David allowed that and afterwards God answered prayer to stop the famine for the land again.
14 They buried the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son in the country of Benjamin in Zela, in the tomb of Kish his father; and they performed all that the king commanded. After that, God answered prayer for the land. (2 Samuel 21:14)
Different Prayers From The Bible
Here below are a collection of various prayers for different situations in the bible.
Jesus' Prayers
25 At that time, Jesus answered, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you hid these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to infants. (Matthew 11:25)
34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Dividing his garments among them, they cast lots. (Luke 23:34)
1 Jesus said these things, then lifting up his eyes to heaven, he said, “Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may also glorify you; 2 even as you gave him authority over all flesh, so he will give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 This is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and him whom you sent, Jesus Christ. 4 I glorified you on the earth. I have accomplished the work which you have given me to do. 5 Now, Father, glorify me with your own self with the glory which I had with you before the world existed. 6 “I revealed your name to the people whom you have given me out of the world. They were yours, and you have given them to me. They have kept your word. 7 Now they have known that all things whatever you have given me are from you, 8 for the words which you have given me I have given to them; and they received them, and knew for sure that I came from you. They have believed that you sent me. 9 I pray for them. I don’t pray for the world, but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All things that are mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them through your name which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are. 12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in your name. I have kept those whom you have given me. None of them is lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I come to you, and I say these things in the world, that they may have my joy made full in themselves. 14 I have given them your word. The world hated them because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I pray not that you would take them from the world, but that you would keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in your truth. Your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, even so I have sent them into the world. 19 For their sakes I sanctify myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. 20 “Not for these only do I pray, but for those also who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that you sent me. 22 The glory which you have given me, I have given to them, that they may be one, even as we are one, 23 I in them, and you in me, that they may be perfected into one, that the world may know that you sent me and loved them, even as you loved me. 24 Father, I desire that they also whom you have given me be with me where I am, that they may see my glory which you have given me, for you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 Righteous Father, the world hasn’t known you, but I knew you; and these knew that you sent me. 26 I made known to them your name, and will make it known; that the love with which you loved me may be in them, and I in them.” (John 17:1–26)
36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go there and pray.” 37 He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and severely troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with me.” 39 He went forward a little, fell on his face, and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me; nevertheless, not what I desire, but what you desire.” (Matthew 26:36–39)
42 Again, a second time he went away and prayed, saying, “My Father, if this cup can’t pass away from me unless I drink it, your desire be done.” (Matthew 26:42)
45 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour.46 About the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lima sabachthani?” That is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:45–46)
50 Jesus cried again with a loud voice, and yielded up his spirit. (Matthew 27:50)
34 At the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is, being interpreted, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34)
37 Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and gave up the spirit. (Mark 15:37)
21 In that same hour, Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit, and said, “I thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for so it was well-pleasing in your sight.” (Luke 10:21)
46 Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” Having said this, he breathed his last. (Luke 23:46)
41 So they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you listened to me. 42 I know that you always listen to me, but because of the multitude standing around I said this, that they may believe that you sent me.” 43 When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:41–43)
How Jesus Prayed
7 He, in the days of his flesh, having offered up prayers and petitions with strong crying and tears to him who was able to save him from death, and having been heard for his godly fear, 8 though he was a Son, yet learned obedience by the things which he suffered. (Hebrews 5:7–8)
41 He took the five loaves and the two fish; and looking up to heaven, he blessed and broke the loaves, and he gave to his disciples to set before them, and he divided the two fish among them all. (Mark 6:41)
7 They also had a few small fish. Having blessed them, he said to serve these also. (Mark 8:7)
16 He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to the sky, he blessed them, broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the multitude. (Luke 9:16)
6 He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground, and he took the seven loaves. Having given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to serve, and they served the multitude. (Mark 8:6)
39 When the centurion, who stood by opposite him, saw that he cried out like this and breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” (Mark 15:39)
21 Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus also had been baptized and was praying. The sky was opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form like a dove on him; and a voice came out of the sky, saying “You are my beloved Son. In you I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:21–22)
28 About eight days after these sayings, he took with him Peter, John, and James, and went up onto the mountain to pray. 29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became white and dazzling. (Luke 9:28–29)
Prayer Asking God To Listen
1 Give ear to my words, O LORD. Consider my meditation. 2 Listen to the voice of my cry, my King and my God, for I pray to you. 3 O LORD, in the morning you will hear my voice. In the morning I will lay my requests before you, and will watch expectantly. (Psalm 5:1–3)
1 Hear, O LORD, my righteous plea. Give ear to my prayer that doesn’t go out of deceitful lips. (Psalm 17:1)
12 Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry. Don’t be silent at my tears. For I am a stranger with you, a foreigner, as all my fathers were. (Psalm 39:12)
2 Hear my prayer, God. Listen to the words of my mouth. (Psalm 54:2)
1 Listen to my prayer, God. Don’t hide yourself from my supplication. (Psalm 55:1)
1 Hear my cry, God. Listen to my prayer. (Psalm 61:1)
19 But most certainly, God has listened. He has heard the voice of my prayer. 30 Blessed be God, who has not turned away my prayer, nor his loving kindness from me. (Psalm 66:19–20)
8 O LORD, God of Heavenly Armies, hear my prayer. Listen, God of Jacob. (Psalm 84:8)
6 Hear, O LORD, my prayer. Listen to the voice of my petitions. (Psalm 86:6)
2 Let my prayer enter into your presence. Turn your ear to my cry. (Psalm 88:2)
1 Hear my prayer, O LORD! Let my cry come to you. (Psalm 102:1)
1 Hear my prayer, O LORD. Listen to my petitions. In your faithfulness and righteousness, relieve me. (Psalm 143:1)
Prayer To Ask God For Forgiveness
8 David said to God, “I have sinned greatly, in that I have done this thing. But now put away, I beg you, the iniquity of your servant, for I have done very foolishly.” (1 Chronicles 21:8)
3 Sins overwhelmed me, but you atoned for our transgressions. (Psalm 65:3)
5 At the evening offering I rose up from my humiliation, even with my garment and my robe torn; and I fell on my knees, and spread out my hands to The LORD my God; 6 and I said, “My God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to you, my God, for our iniquities have increased over our head, and our guiltiness has grown up to the heavens. 7 Since the days of our fathers we have been exceedingly guilty to this day; and for our iniquities we, our kings, and our priests have been delivered into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, to plunder, and to confusion of face, as it is this day. 8 Now for a little moment grace has been shown from The LORD our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a stake in his holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and revive us a little in our bondage. 9 For we are bondservants; yet our God has not forsaken us in our bondage, but has extended loving kindness to us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to revive us, to set up the house of our God, and to repair its ruins, and to give us a wall in Judah and in Jerusalem. 10 Now, our God, what shall we say after this? For we have forsaken your commandments, 11 which you have commanded by your servants the prophets, saying, ‘The land to which you go to possess is an unclean land through the uncleanness of the peoples of the lands, through their abominations, which have filled it from one end to another with their filthiness. 12 Now therefore don’t give your daughters to their sons. Don’t take their daughters to your sons, nor seek their peace or their prosperity forever, that you may be strong and eat the good of the land, and leave it for an inheritance to your children forever.’ 13 After all that has come on us for our evil deeds and for our great guilt, since you, our God, have punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and have given us such a remnant, 14 shall we again break your commandments, and join ourselves with the peoples that do these abominations? Wouldn’t you be angry with us until you had consumed us, so that there would be no remnant, nor any to escape? 15 The LORD, the God of Israel, you are righteous; for we are left a remnant that has escaped, as it is today. Behold, we are before you in our guiltiness; for no one can stand before you because of this.” 10:1 Now while Ezra prayed and made confession, weeping and casting himself down before God’s house, there was gathered together to him out of Israel a very great assembly of men and women and children; for the people wept very bitterly. (Ezra 9:5–10:1)
1 Now in the twenty-fourth day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, with sackcloth, and dirt on them. 2 The offspring of Israel separated themselves from all foreigners and stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers. 3 They stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of The LORD their God a fourth part of the day; and a fourth part they confessed and worshiped The LORD their God. 4 Then Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani of the Levites stood up on the stairs, and cried with a loud voice to The LORD their God. 5 Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said, “Stand up and bless The LORD your God from everlasting to everlasting! Blessed be your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise! 6 You are The LORD, even you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their army, the earth and all things that are on it, the seas and all that is in them, and you preserve them all. The army of heaven worships you. 7 You are The LORD, the God who chose Abram, brought him out of Ur of the Chaldees, gave him the name of Abraham, 8 found his heart faithful before you, and made a covenant with him to give the land of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, the Perizzite, the Jebusite, and the Girgashite, to give it to his offspring, and have performed your words, for you are righteous.
9 “You saw the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and heard their cry by the Red Sea, 10 and showed signs and wonders against Pharaoh, against all his servants, and against all the people of his land, for you knew that they dealt proudly against them, and made a name for yourself, as it is today. 11 You divided the sea before them, so that they went through the middle of the sea on the dry land; and you cast their pursuers into the depths, as a stone into the mighty waters. 12 Moreover, in a pillar of cloud you led them by day; and in a pillar of fire by night, to give them light in the way in which they should go. 13 “You also came down on Mount Sinai, and spoke with them from heaven, and gave them right ordinances and true laws, good statutes and commandments, 14 and made known to them your holy Sabbath, and commanded them commandments, statutes, and a law, by Moses your servant, 15 and gave them bread from the sky for their hunger, and brought water out of the rock for them for their thirst, and commanded them that they should go in to possess the land which you had sworn to give them. 16 “But they and our fathers behaved proudly, hardened their neck, didn’t listen to your commandments, 17 and refused to obey. They weren’t mindful of your wonders that you did among them, but hardened their neck, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage. But you are a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, and didn’t forsake them. 18 Yes, when they had made themselves a molded calf, and said, ‘This is your God who brought you up out of Egypt,’ and had committed awful blasphemies, 19 yet you in your manifold mercies didn’t forsake them in the wilderness. The pillar of cloud didn’t depart from over them by day, to lead them in the way; neither did the pillar of fire by night, to show them light, and the way in which they should go. 20 You gave also your good Spirit to instruct them, and didn’t withhold your manna from their mouth, and gave them water for their thirst. 21 “Yes, forty years you sustained them in the wilderness. They lacked nothing. Their clothes didn’t grow old, and their feet didn’t swell. 22 Moreover you gave them kingdoms and peoples, which you allotted according to their portions. So they possessed the land of Sihon, even the land of the king of Heshbon, and the land of Og king of Bashan. 23 You also multiplied their children as the stars of the sky, and brought them into the land concerning which you said to their fathers that they should go in to possess it. 24 “So the children went in and possessed the land; and you subdued before them the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, and gave them into their hands, with their kings and the peoples of the land, that they might do with them as they pleased. 25 They took fortified cities and a rich land, and possessed houses full of all good things, cisterns dug out, vineyards, olive groves, and fruit trees in abundance. So they ate, were filled, became fat, and delighted themselves in your great goodness. 26 “Nevertheless they were disobedient and rebelled against you, cast your law behind their back, killed your prophets that testified against them to turn them again to you, and they committed awful blasphemies. 27 Therefore you delivered them into the hand of their adversaries, who distressed them. In the time of their trouble, when they cried to you, you heard from heaven; and according to your manifold mercies you gave them saviors who saved them out of the hands of their adversaries. 28 But after they had rest, they did evil again before you; therefore you left them in the hands of their enemies, so that they had the dominion over them; yet when they returned and cried to you, you heard from heaven; and many times you delivered them according to your mercies, 29 and testified against them, that you might bring them again to your law. Yet they were arrogant, and didn’t listen to your commandments, but sinned against your ordinances (which if a man does, he shall live in them), turned their backs, stiffened their neck, and would not hear. 30 Yet many years you put up with them, and testified against them by your Spirit through your prophets. Yet they would not listen. Therefore you gave them into the hand of the peoples of the lands. 31 “Nevertheless in your manifold mercies you didn’t make a full end of them, nor forsake them; for you are a gracious and merciful God. 32 Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who keeps covenant and loving kindness, don’t let all the travail seem little before you that has come on us, on our kings, on our princes, on our priests, on our prophets, on our fathers, and on all your people, since the time of the kings of Assyria to this day. 33 However you are just in all that has come on us; for you have dealt truly, but we have done wickedly. 34 Also our kings, our princes, our priests, and our fathers have not kept your law, nor listened to your commandments and your testimonies with which you testified against them. 35 For they have not served you in their kingdom, and in your great goodness that you gave them, and in the large and rich land which you gave before them. They didn’t turn from their wicked works. 36 “Behold, we are servants today, and as for the land that you gave to our fathers to eat its fruit and its good, behold, we are servants in it. 37 It yields much increase to the kings whom you have set over us because of our sins. Also they have power over our bodies and over our livestock, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress. 38 Yet for all this, we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, our Levites, and our priests, seal it.” (Nehemiah 9:1–38)
Prayer To Ask For God's Mercy
41 Let your loving kindness also come to me, O LORD, your salvation, according to your word. (Psalm 119:41)
58 I sought your favor with my whole heart. Be merciful to me according to your word. (Psalm 119:58)
75 O LORD, I know that your judgments are righteous, that in faithfulness you have afflicted me. 76 Please let your loving kindness be for my comfort, according to your word to your servant. 77 Let your tender mercies come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight. (Psalm 119:75–77)
156 Great are your tender mercies, O LORD. Revive me according to your ordinances. (Psalm 119:156)
16 O LORD, in trouble they have visited you. They poured out a prayer when your chastening was on them. (Isaiah 26:16)
8 But now, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay and you our potter. We all are the work of your hand. 9 Don’t be furious, O LORD. Don’t remember iniquity forever. Look and see, we beg you, we are all your people. 10 Your holy cities have become a wilderness. Zion has become a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation. 11 Our holy and our beautiful house where our fathers praised you is burned with fire. All our pleasant places are laid waste. 12 Will you hold yourself back for these things, O LORD? Will you keep silent and punish us very severely? (Isaiah 64:8–12)
Prayer For The Situation
The following are examples of how people prayed for their situations for God's help in the bible.
The first passage was from Abraham's servant, who was tasked by Abraham to find a wife for Abraham's son, Isaac, and how the servant asked for God's help guidance in the situation.
Moses cried to the Lord regarding the people's complaints about his leadership when they were in the wilderness without water.
Other situations from the bible where people prayed to God included: protection for traveling; when we are upset with other people; when faced with demands that you don't agree with; for advice if we should take a specific action or not; when depressed and having wishes to die; before an important conversation; for rain;
As we can see, we can pray to God about any situation!
12 He said, "The LORD, the God of my master Abraham, please give me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. 13 Behold, I am standing by the spring of water. The daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water. 14 Let it happen, that the young lady to whom I will say, 'Please let down your pitcher, that I may drink,' then she says, 'Drink, and I will also give your camels a drink,' let her be the one you have appointed for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.” (Genesis 24:12-14)
4 Moses cried to The LORD, saying, “What shall I do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me.” (Exodus 17:4)
34 The cloud of The LORD was over them by day, when they set forward from the camp. 35 When the ark went forward, Moses said, “Rise up, O LORD, and let your enemies be scattered! Let those who hate you flee before you!” 36 When it rested, he said, “Return, O LORD, to the ten thousands of the thousands of Israel.” (Numbers 10:34–36)
15 Moses was very angry, and said to The LORD, “Don’t respect their offering. I have not taken one donkey from them, neither have I hurt one of them.” (Numbers 16:15)
6 But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” Samuel prayed to The LORD. (1 Samuel 8:6)
1 David was told, “Behold, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah, and are robbing the threshing floors.” 2 Therefore David inquired of The LORD, saying, “Shall I go and strike these Philistines?” The LORD said to David, “Go strike the Philistines, and save Keilah.” (1 Samuel 23:1-2)
8 David inquired of The LORD, saying, “If I pursue after this troop, will I overtake them?” He answered him, “Pursue, for you will surely overtake them, and will without fail recover all.” (1 Samuel 30:8)
1 After this, David inquired of The LORD, saying, “Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?” The LORD said to him, “Go up.” David said, “Where shall I go up?” He said, “To Hebron.” (2 Samuel 2:1)
19 David inquired of The LORD, saying, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hand?” The LORD said to David, “Go up; for I will certainly deliver the Philistines into your hand.” (2 Samuel 5:19)
22 The Philistines came up yet again and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim. 23 When David inquired of The LORD, he said, “You shall not go up. Circle around behind them, and attack them in front of the mulberry trees. 24 When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then stir yourself up; for then The LORD has gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines.” (2 Samuel 5:22–24)
4 Then the king said to me, “What is your request?” So I prayed to the God of heaven. 5 I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you would send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ tombs, that I may build it.” (Nehemiah 2:4–5)
1 Ask of The LORD rain in the spring time, The LORD who makes storm clouds, and he gives rain showers to everyone for the plants in the field. (Zechariah 10:1)
Prayers of Thanks To God
48 He rescues me from my enemies. Yes, you lift me up above those who rise up against me. You deliver me from the violent man. 49 Therefore I will give thanks to you, O LORD, among the nations, and will sing praises to your name. (Psalm 18:47–49)
(Psalm 52:9) 9 I will give you thanks forever, because you have done it. I will hope in your name, for it is good, in the presence of your saints.
5 My soul shall be satisfied as with the richest food. My mouth shall praise you with joyful lips, 6 when I remember you on my bed, and think about you in the night watches. 7 For you have been my help. I will rejoice in the shadow of your wings. (Psalm 63:5–7)
1 We give thanks to you, God. We give thanks, for your Name is near. Men tell about your wondrous works. (Psalm 75:1)
1 I will give you thanks with my whole heart. Before the gods, I will sing praises to you. 2 I will bow down toward your holy temple, and give thanks to your Name for your loving kindness and for your truth; for you have exalted your Name and your Word above all. (Psalm 138:1–2)
Prayer For Spiritual Eyes To Be Opened
Sometimes our eyes are closed to the spiritual protection from the LORD and when we see only our threats in life, we can feel afraid. Here, Elijah prayed to God to open the eyes of his servant when his servant was afraid when seeing the armies of King Syria surrounding their city.
15 When the servant of the man of God had risen early and gone out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was around the city. His servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” 16 He answered, “Don’t be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 Elisha prayed, and said, “O LORD, please open his eyes, that he may see.” The LORD opened the young man’s eyes, and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire around Elisha. (2 Kings 6:15–17)
Prayer Seeking God's Guidance
23 O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself. It is not in man who walks to direct his steps. 24 O LORD God, correct me, but gently; not in your anger, lest you reduce me to nothing. (Jeremiah 10:23–24)
8 Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies. Make your way straight before my face. (Psalm 5:8)
23 Nevertheless, I am continually with you. You have held my right hand. 24 You will guide me with your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. (Psalm 73:23–24)
8 Cause me to hear your loving kindness in the morning, for I trust in you. Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to you. (Psalm 143:8)
10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness. (Psalm 143:10)
Prayer To Ask God To Teach You His Ways
12 Blessed are you, O LORD. Teach me your statutes. (Psalm 119:12)
18 Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things out of your law. 19 I am a stranger on the earth. Don’t hide your commandments from me. 20 My soul is consumed with longing for your ordinances at all times. (Psalm 119:18–20)
27 Let me understand the teaching of your precepts! Then I will meditate on your wondrous works. (Psalm 119:27)
66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments.
(Psalm 119:66)
68 You are good, and do good. Teach me your statutes. (Psalm 119:68)
73 Your hands have made me and formed me. Give me understanding, that I may learn your commandments. (Psalm 119:73)
108 Accept, I beg you, the willing offerings of my mouth. O LORD, teach me your ordinances. (Psalm 119:108)
135 Make your face shine on your servant. Teach me your statutes. (Psalm 119:135)
Prayer When Feeling Down
4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree. Then he requested for himself that he might die, and said, “It is enough. Now, O Lord GOD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.” (1 Kings 19:4)
6 My God, my soul is in despair within me. Therefore I remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon, from the hill Mizar. (Psalm 42:6)
9 I will ask God, my rock, “Why have you forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?" (Psalm 42:9)
25 My soul is laid low in the dust. Revive me according to your word! (Psalm 119:25)
28 My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. (Psalm 119:28)
19 Remember my affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the bitterness. 20 My soul still remembers them, and is bowed down within me. (Lamentations 3:19–20)
Prayer When Sick
We can pray to God when we are sick. The following bible verses are such examples.
24 In those days Hezekiah was terminally ill, and he prayed to The LORD; and he spoke to him, and gave him a sign. (2 Chronicles 32:24)
Prayer In Times Of Distress
1 Answer me when I call, God of my righteousness. Give me relief from my distress. Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer. (Psalm 4:1)
3 The cords of death surrounded me, the pains of Sheol got a hold of me. I found trouble and sorrow. 4 Then I called on The LORD’s name: “O LORD, I beg you, deliver my soul.” (Psalm 116:3–4)
20 “Look, O LORD; for I am in distress. My heart is troubled. My heart turns over within me, for I have grievously rebelled. Abroad, the sword bereaves. At home, it is like death. 21 “They have heard that I sigh. There is no one to comfort me. All my enemies have heard of my trouble. They are glad that you have done it. You will bring the day that you have proclaimed, and they will be like me. 22 “Let all their wickedness come before you. Do to them as you have done to me for all my transgressions. For my sighs are many, and my heart is faint. (Lamentations 1:20–22)
19 O LORD, I cry to you, for the fire has devoured the pastures of the wilderness, and the flame has burned all the trees of the field. (Joel 1:19)
13 Nevertheless the men rowed hard to get them back to the land; but they could not, for the sea grew more and more stormy against them. 14Therefore they cried to The LORD, and said, “We beg you, O LORD, we beg you, don’t let us die for this man’s life, and don’t lay on us innocent blood; for you, O LORD, have done as it pleased you.” 15 So they took up Jonah and threw him into the sea; and the sea ceased its raging. 16 Then the men feared The LORD exceedingly; and they offered a sacrifice to The LORD and made vows. (Jonah 1:13–16)
2 Don’t hide your face from me in the day of my distress. Turn your ear to me. Answer me quickly in the day when I call. (Psalm 102:2)
2 I pour out my complaint before him. I tell him my troubles. 3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, you knew my route. On the path in which I walk, they have hidden a snare for me. (Psalm 142:2–3)
7 Hurry to answer me, O LORD. My spirit fails. Don’t hide your face from me, so that I don’t become like those who go down into the pit. (Psalm 143:7)
Prayer For God's Help
7 Though I walk in the middle of trouble, you will revive me. You will stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies. Your right hand will save me. (Psalm 138:7)
1 Then Jonah prayed to The LORD, his God, out of the fish’s belly. 2 He said, “I called because of my affliction to The LORD. He answered me. Out of the belly of Sheol I cried. You heard my voice. 3 For you threw me into the depths, in the heart of the seas. The flood was all around me. All your waves and your billows passed over me. 4 I said, ‘I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.’ 5 The waters surrounded me, even to the soul. The deep was around me. The weeds were wrapped around my head. 6 I went down to the bottoms of the mountains. The earth barred me in forever; yet you have brought my life up from the pit, O LORD my God. 7 When my soul fainted within me, I remembered The LORD. My prayer came in to you, into your holy temple. 8 Those who regard vain idols forsake their own mercy. 9 But I will sacrifice to you with the voice of thanksgiving. I will pay that which I have vowed. Salvation belongs to The LORD.” 10 Then The LORD spoke to the fish, and it vomited out Jonah on the dry land. (Jonah 2:1-10)
Prayer For Help In Times Of Crisis
14 Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it. Then Hezekiah went up to The LORD’s house, and spread it before The LORD. 15 Hezekiah prayed before The LORD, and said, “O LORD, the God of Israel, who are enthroned above the cherubim, you are the God, even you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. 16 Incline your ear, O LORD, and hear. Open your eyes, O LORD,, and see. Hear the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to defy the living God. 17 Truly, O LORD, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands, 18 and have cast their gods into the fire; for they were no gods, but the work of men’s hands, wood and stone. Therefore they have destroyed them. 19 Now therefore, O LORD, our God, save us, I beg you, out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you, O LORD, are God alone.” (2 Kings 19:14–19)
2 Then some came who told Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea from Syria. Behold, they are in Hazazon Tamar” (that is, En Gedi). 3 Jehoshaphat was alarmed, and set himself to seek to The LORD. He proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. 4 Judah gathered themselves together to seek help from The LORD. They came out of all the cities of Judah to seek The LORD. 5 Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in The LORD’s house, before the new court; 6 and he said, “The LORD, the God of our fathers, aren’t you God in heaven? Aren’t you ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in your hand, so that no one is able to withstand you. 7 Didn’t you, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel, and give it to the offspring of Abraham your friend forever? 8 They lived in it, and have built you a sanctuary in it for your name, saying, 9 ‘If evil comes on us—the sword, judgment, pestilence, or famine—we will stand before this house, and before you (for your name is in this house), and cry to you in our affliction, and you will hear and save.’ 10 Now, behold, the children of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, whom you would not let Israel invade when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned away from them, and didn’t destroy them; 11 behold, how they reward us, to come to cast us out of your possession, which you have given us to inherit. 12 Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no might against this great company that comes against us. We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” (2 Chronicles 20:2–12)
153 Consider my affliction, and deliver me, for I don’t forget your law. 154 Plead my cause, and redeem me! Revive me according to your promise. (Psalm 119:153–154)
Old Testament Prayer To God When Being Oppressed By Others
Here are some old testament bible verses of people praying to God when oppressed by enemies.
4 “Hear, our God, for we are despised. Turn back their reproach on their own head. Give them up for a plunder in a land of captivity. 5 Don’t cover their iniquity. Don’t let their sin be blotted out from before you; for they have insulted the builders.” (Nehemiah 4:4–5)
14 “Remember, my God, Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and also the prophetess Noadiah and the rest of the prophets that would have put me in fear.” (Nehemiah 6:14)
85 The proud have dug pits for me, contrary to your law. 86 All of your commandments are faithful. They persecute me wrongfully. Help me! (Psalm 119:85–86)
122 Ensure your servant’s well-being. Don’t let the proud oppress me. (Psalm 119:122)
134 Redeem me from the oppression of man, so I will observe your precepts. (Psalm 119:134)
15 O LORD, you know. Remember me, visit me, and avenge me of my persecutors. You are patient, so don’t take me away. Know that for your sake I have suffered reproach. (Jeremiah 15:15)
Prayer When Persecuted
Some of these prayers here are from prophets like Jeremiah, asking God to punish those who persecute those who persecute them. However when Jesus came, he taught us a different way, to bless those who persecute us, and to pray for them, and not to curse them.
19 Give heed to me, O LORD, and listen to the voice of those who contend with me. 20 Should evil be recompensed for good? For they have dug a pit for my soul. Remember how I stood before you to speak good for them, to turn away your wrath from them. 21 Therefore deliver up their children to the famine, and give them over to the power of the sword. Let their wives become childless and widows. Let their men be killed and their young men struck by the sword in battle. 22 Let a cry be heard from their houses when you bring a troop suddenly on them; for they have dug a pit to take me and hidden snares for my feet. 23 Yet, O LORD, you know all their counsel against me to kill me. Don’t forgive their iniquity. Don’t blot out their sin from your sight, Let them be overthrown before you. Deal with them in the time of your anger. (Jeremiah 18:19–23)
7 O LORD, you have persuaded me, and I was persuaded. You are stronger than I, and have prevailed. I have become a laughingstock all day. Everyone mocks me. 8 For as often as I speak, I cry out; I cry, “Violence and destruction!” because The LORD’s word has been made a reproach to me, and a derision, all day. 9 If I say that I will not make mention of him, or speak any more in his name, then there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones. (Jeremiah 20:7)
7 O Lord, you have persuaded me, and I was persuaded. You are stronger than I, and have prevailed. I have become a laughingstock all day. Everyone mocks me. 8 For as often as I speak, I cry out; I cry, “Violence and destruction!” because The Lord's word has been made a reproach to me, and a derision, all day. 9 If I say that I will not make mention of him, or speak any more in his name, then there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones. I am weary with holding it in. I can’t. 10 For I have heard the defaming of many: “Terror on every side! Denounce, and we will denounce him!” say all my familiar friends, those who watch for my fall. “Perhaps he will be persuaded, and we will prevail against him, and we will take our revenge on him.” 11 But The LORD is with me as an awesome mighty one. Therefore my persecutors will stumble, and they won’t prevail. They will be utterly disappointed because they have not dealt wisely, even with an everlasting dishonor which will never be forgotten. 12 But The LORD of Heavenly Armies, who tests the righteous, who sees the heart and the mind, let me see your vengeance on them, for I have revealed my cause to you. (Jeremiah 20:7-12)
24 “Behold, siege ramps have been built against the city to take it. The city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans who fight against it, because of the sword, of the famine, and of the pestilence. What you have spoken has happened. Behold, you see it. 25 You have said to me, Lord O GOD, ‘Buy the field for money, and call witnesses;’ whereas the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans.” (Jeremiah 32:24–25)
58 Lord, you have pleaded the causes of my soul. You have redeemed my life. 59 O LORD, you have seen my wrong. Judge my cause. 60 You have seen all their vengeance and all their plans against me. 61 You have heard their reproach, O LORD, and all their plans against me, 62 the lips of those that rose up against me, and their plots against me all day long. 63 You see their sitting down and their rising up. I am their song. 64 You will pay them back, O LORD, according to the work of their hands. 65 You will give them hardness of heart, your curse to them. 66 You will pursue them in anger, and destroy them from under the heavens of The LORD (Lamentations 3:58-66)
7 But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabians, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem went forward, and that the breaches began to be filled, they were very angry; 8 and they all conspired together to come and fight against Jerusalem, and to cause confusion among us. 9 But we made our prayer to our God, and set a watch against them day and night because of them. (Nehemiah 4:7–9)
2 Attend to me, and answer me. I am restless in my complaint, and moan 3 because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked. For they bring suffering on me. In anger they hold a grudge against me. 4 My heart is severely pained within me. The terrors of death have fallen on me. 5 Fearfulness and trembling have come on me. Horror has overwhelmed me. 6 I said, “Oh that I had wings like a dove! Then I would fly away, and be at rest. 7 Behold, then I would wander far off. I would lodge in the wilderness.” Selah. 8 “I would hurry to a shelter from the stormy wind and storm.” 9 Confuse them, Lord, and confound their language, for I have seen violence and strife in the city. 10 Day and night they prowl around on its walls. Malice and abuse are also within her. 11 Destructive forces are within her. Threats and lies don’t depart from her streets. 12 For it was not an enemy who insulted me, then I could have endured it. Neither was it he who hated me who raised himself up against me, then I would have hidden myself from him. 13 But it was you, a man like me, my companion, and my familiar friend. 14 We took sweet fellowship together. We walked in God’s house with company. 15 Let death come suddenly on them. Let them go down alive into Sheol. For wickedness is among them, in their dwelling. 16 As for me, I will call on God. The LORD will save me. 17 Evening, morning, and at noon, I will cry out in distress. He will hear my voice. 18 He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, although there are many who oppose me. 19 God, who is enthroned forever, will hear and answer them. Selah. They never change and don’t fear God. 20 He raises his hands against his friends. He has violated his covenant. 21 His mouth was smooth as butter, but his heart was war. His words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords. 22 Cast your burden on The LORD and he will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be moved. 23 But you, God, will bring them down into the pit of destruction. Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days, but I will trust in you. (Psalm 55:2–23)
6 Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need. Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me. (Psalm 142:6)
9 Deliver me, O LORD, from my enemies. I flee to you to hide me. (Psalm 143:9)
43 "You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? 47 If you only greet your friends, what more do you do than others? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5:43–48)
Prayer For Peace Of Mind
3 You will keep whoever’s mind is steadfast in perfect peace, because he trusts in you. (Isaiah 26:3)
Prayer For Sustenance
116 Uphold me according to your word, that I may live. Let me not be ashamed of my hope. 117 Hold me up, and I will be safe, and will have respect for your statutes continually. (Psalm 119:116–117)
Praying For Other People
These people in the bible verses below prayed to God to ask for God's mercy for other people.
1 The people were complaining in the ears of The LORD. When The LORD heard it, his anger burned; and The LORD’s fire burned among them, and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp. 2 The people cried to Moses; and Moses prayed to The LORD, and the fire abated. (Numbers 11:1–2)
17 David said to God, “Isn’t it I who commanded the people to be counted? It is even I who have sinned and done very wickedly; but these sheep, what have they done? Please let your hand, O LORD my God, be against me and against my father’s house; but not against your people, that they should be plagued.” (1 Chronicles 21:17)
19 Have you utterly rejected Judah? Has your soul loathed Zion? Why have you struck us, and there is no healing for us? We looked for peace, but no good came; and for a time of healing, and behold, dismay! 20 We acknowledge, O LORD, our wickedness, and the iniquity of our fathers; for we have sinned against you. 21 Do not abhor us, for your name’s sake. Do not disgrace the throne of your glory. Remember, and don’t break your covenant with us. 22 Are there any among the vanities of the nations that can cause rain? Or can the sky give showers? Aren’t you he, O LORD our God? Therefore we will wait for you; for you have made all these things. (Jeremiah 14:19–22)
4 I prayed to The LORD my God, and made confession, and said, “Oh, Lord, the great and dreadful God, who keeps covenant and loving kindness with those who love him and keep his commandments, 5 we have sinned, and have dealt perversely, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even turning aside from your precepts and from your ordinances. 6 We haven’t listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land. 7 “Lord, righteousness belongs to you, but to us confusion of face, as it is today; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to all Israel, who are near and who are far off, through all the countries where you have driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against you. 8 Lord, to us belongs confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against you. 9 To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against him. 10 We haven’t obeyed The LORD our God’s voice, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets. 11 Yes, all Israel have transgressed your law, turning aside, that they should not obey your voice. “Therefore the curse and the oath written in the law of Moses the servant of God has been poured out on us, for we have sinned against him. 12 He has confirmed his words, which he spoke against us and against our judges who judged us, by bringing on us a great evil; for under the whole sky, such has not been done as has been done to Jerusalem. 13 As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil has come on us. Yet we have not entreated the favor of The LORD our God, that we should turn from our iniquities and have discernment in your truth. 14 Therefore The LORD has watched over the evil, and brought it on us; for The LORD our God is righteous in all his works which he does, and we have not obeyed his voice. 15 “Now, Lord our God, who has brought your people out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and have gotten yourself renown, as it is today, we have sinned. We have done wickedly. 16 Lord, according to all your righteousness, please let your anger and your wrath be turned away from your city Jerusalem, your holy mountain; because for our sins and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and your people have become a reproach to all who are around us. 17 “Now therefore, our God, listen to the prayer of your servant and to his petitions, and cause your face to shine on your sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord’s sake. 18 My God, turn your ear and hear. Open your eyes and see our desolations, and the city which is called by your name; for we do not present our petitions before you for our righteousness, but for your great mercies’ sake. 19 Lord, hear. Lord, forgive. Lord, listen and do. Don’t defer, for your own sake, my God, because your city and your people are called by your name.” 20 While I was speaking, praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before The LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God— 21 yes, while I was speaking in prayer—the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening offering. 22 He instructed me and talked with me, and said, “Daniel, I have now come to give you wisdom and understanding. 23 At the beginning of your petitions the commandment went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are greatly beloved. Therefore consider the matter and understand the vision." (Daniel 9:4–23)
Asking God To Remember Our Works For Him
Nehemiah prayed to God several times, asking God to remember what he did for God.
14 Remember me, my God, concerning this, and don’t wipe out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for its observances. (Nehemiah 13:14)
22 I commanded the Levites that they should purify themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the Sabbath day. Remember me for this also, my God, and spare me according to the greatness of your loving kindness. (Nehemiah 13:22)
30 Thus I cleansed them from all foreigners and appointed duties for the priests and for the Levites, everyone in his work; 31 and for the wood offering, at appointed times, and for the first fruits. Remember me, my God, for good. (Nehemiah 13:30–31)
Prayer Of Telling God Your Need For Him
1 God, you are my God. I will earnestly seek you. My soul thirsts for you. My flesh longs for you, in a dry and weary land, where there is no water. (Psalm 63:1)
25 Whom do I have in heaven? There is no one on earth whom I desire besides you. (Psalm 73:25)
8 Yes, in the way of your judgments, O LORD, we have waited for you. Your name and your renown are the desire of our soul. 9 With my soul I have desired you in the night. Yes, with my spirit within me I will seek you earnestly; for when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness. (Isaiah 26:8–9)
6 I spread out my hands to you. My soul thirsts for you, like a parched land. (Psalm 143:6)
Prayer Of Specific Commitment To God
2 I will be careful to live a blameless life. When will you come to me? I will walk within my house with a blameless heart. 3 I will set no vile thing before my eyes. I hate the deeds of faithless men. They will not cling to me. 4 A perverse heart will be far from me. I will have nothing to do with evil. (Psalm 101:2–4)
34 Let my meditation be sweet to him. I will rejoice in The LORD. (Psalm 104:34)
17 I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call on The LORD’s name. 18 I will pay my vows to The LORD, yes, in the presence of all his people, 19 in the courts of The LORD’s house, in the middle of you, Jerusalem. Praise The LORD! (Psalm 116:17–19)
15 I will meditate on your precepts, and consider your ways.16 I will delight myself in your statutes. I will not forget your word.(Psalm 119:15–16)
44 So I will obey your law continually, forever and ever. 45 I will walk in liberty, for I have sought your precepts. 46 I will also speak of your statutes before kings, and will not be disappointed. 47 I will delight myself in your commandments, because I love them. 48 I reach out my hands for your commandments, which I love. I will meditate on your statutes. (Psalm 119:44–48)
Prayers Before Dying
Jesus rose from the dead after being crucified and he is now at the right hand of God our Father. Click on the link here to learn more about : Bible Verses About Trusting God, where you will read more about trusting in Jesus.
59 They stoned Stephen as he called out, saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” 60 He kneeled down and cried with a loud voice, “Lord, don’t hold this sin against them!” When he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:59–60)
46 Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” Having said this, he breathed his last. (Luke 23:46)
Bible version: the public domain World English Bible (WEB) has been used throughout this post. The WEB translation of "Yahweh" has been changed to "the LORD" which is more familiar to most readers.
