40 Bible Verses About Prayer
By reading the Bible verses about prayer, we get an idea of its importance. These Bible verses show us that prayer is an important and necessary routine. God removes troubles for those who pray to Him. God hears and accepts the prayers of His faithful believers. God says that if a person prays from the heart and with sincerity, He will certainly answer them. Praying strengthens man’s relationship with God. We can learn about the importance of prayer from the lives of various personalities. These people’s lives teach us the importance of prayer and how we should incorporate the practice into our daily lives. The following are some figures; like Abraham, Moses, Hannah, David, Peter, Paul, Jesus, Daniel, Elijah, Job, and Jonah.
Significance of Prayer
Verse#1
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
2 Chronicles 7:14
Explanation
God promises that if people will repent and leave the path of sins and return to God and call on God’s name and humbly pray to God, then God will hear their cry from heaven and will fulfill their prayers. God promises in this verse that if the people do this, then I will prosper and restore their country.
Verse#2
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
Psalm 145:18
Explanation
In this verse, David claims that God is near to those who pray and call on Him. But there is a condition. Only God accepts and stays close to a person who calls and prays to Him from the bottom of his heart with sincerity.
Verse#3
‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
Jeremiah 33:3
Explanation
In this Bible verse, God promises that if people call on Him, He will answer. God will explain things that man is unaware of. It represents that man lacks the intelligence to understand things. If somebody prays to God, he receives wisdom and understanding.
Verse#4
The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
Proverbs 15:29
Explanation
According to Solomon, those who refuse God and are evil are not close to God, but rather far away from him. God is near to the faithful, hearing and answering their requests.
Verse#5
Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
Daniel 6:10
Explanation
This verse describes the action of Daniel when he realized that a trial was written in his destiny, he thought of praying to God continuously. He went into a room with a window that opened onto Jerusalem. He went there and knelt down three times a day to recite continuous prayers and praises to God. So that God will support him in difficult times and listen to his cry.
Verse#6
“This, then, is how you should pray: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Matthew 6:9-13
Explanation
This bible verse explains how to pray, and it says that we should humbly pray to God, saying that all the kingdom belongs to God, as well as the world and the skies. We should beg God for our everyday needs, such as bread, and the forgiveness for our sins. We should pray to God to save us from hardships, problems and also from Satan.
Verse#7
Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Luke 18:1
Explanation
This verse tells us that Jesus told a story to teach the people and the conclusion is that we should always pray to God and pray constantly. If we constantly pray to God with good intentions, He will hear and accept our prayers.
Verse#8
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Philippians 4:6
Explanation
Paul advises and encourages in this verse. Paul says that we don’t need to worry if we ever have hard times. We should only pray to God and cry to Him to remove our problems. Along with prayer, we should praise and thank God and call upon God in every situation.
Verse#9
Pray continually.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Explanation
Paul instructs us in this verse to pray regularly.
Verse#10
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Romans 12:12
Explanation
In this Bible verse, Paul says that we should always look for good from God, rejoice in that hope, and have faith that God will certainly answer our requests. All we need to do is have faith in God and be content; there is nothing to worry about. Paul also advises us to have patience and hope in God instead of stressing when we face hardships. We should never stop praying to God.
Power And Strength of Prayer
Verse#11
Then Moses cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the water, and the water became fit to drink. There the Lord issued a ruling and instruction for them and put them to the test.
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
Exodus 15:25
Explanation
In this Bible verse, Moses prays to God, and God hears and helps him. God showed him a stick, and the water become drinkable when he dipped the stick into it. This demonstrates that God listens and accepts our prayers when we pray.
Verse#12
I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him.
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
1 Samuel 1:27
Explanation
According to this bible verse, Hannah, who was childless, begged God for a son. God heard her request and granted her a son. Hannah thanked God for accepting her prayers and giving her a son.
Verse#13
Go back and tell Hezekiah, the ruler of my people, This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the Lord.
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
2 Kings 20:5
Explanation
This Bible verse tells us that when we pray to God, He hears our prayers. It is mentioned in this verse that God says that He has seen the tears of His servant and He has also seen his hopelessness. Therefore, He will very soon wipe these tears and restore health.
Verse#14
I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
Psalm 34:4
Explanation
In this bible verse, David says that he was very worried and in trouble. When he prayed to God, He answered his prayer. A relationship with God removed all David’s fears and saved him from difficulties.
Verse#15
From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God. He said: “In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry.”
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
Jonah 2:1-2
Explanation
This verse mentions Jonah. There was a fish that ate Jonah. Jonah was in the fish’s belly at the moment, and it was quite dark. Jonah was frightened there. In this tough moment, he cried out to God and begged Him to save him from it. God heard his request and removed his difficulties. In this verse, Jonah claims that he was close to be dead but God’s mercy saved him.
Verse#16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
James 5:16
Explanation
In this verse, James says that we should confess our sins and ask God to forgive us. If He forgives our sins, we will find peace. This verse states that those who obey God’s commands and follow the straight path, when they pray, their prayer is very effective and has great power. God accepts the prayers of His righteous servants very quickly.
Verse#17
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Mark 11:24
Explanation
Jesus states in this verse that we should have confidence in our hearts that God will hear and answer our requests. When we pray with faith, our requests will be accepted and we will receive what we desire.
Verse#18
And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
John 14:13-14
Explanation
Jesus encourages us in this biblical verse to pray to God in Jesus’ name. Jesus guarantees that if we pray to God in Jesus’ name, our prayers will be surely answered.
Verse#19
So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Acts 12:5-7
Explanation
This verse describes Peter‘s imprisonment and how the church prayed passionately for him. They were consistently praying for Peter. God listened and accepted their requests. God sent an angel to help Peter. Through a miracle, the angel freed Peter from prison.
Verse#20
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Matthew 21:22
Explanation
We learn to pray with trust from Jesus in this verse of the Bible. If our faith is strong, God will hear our prayers and fulfil our wishes.
Prayer And 20 Biblical Personalities
Abraham
Abraham prayed to God for the people and saved them from destruction. Abraham talked with God until God said that if there are wicked and bad people along with good people in one place, then He will not send punishment to that place.
“The men turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the Lord. Then Abraham approached him and said: “Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it? Far be it from you to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?” The Lord said, “If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake.” Then Abraham spoke up again: “Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, though I am nothing but dust and ashes, what if the number of the righteous is five less than fifty? Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five people?” “If I find forty-five there,” he said, “I will not destroy it.” Once again he spoke to him, “What if only forty are found there?” He said, “For the sake of forty, I will not do it.” Then he said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak. What if only thirty can be found there?” He answered, “I will not do it if I find thirty there.” Abraham said, “Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, what if only twenty can be found there?” He said, “For the sake of twenty, I will not destroy it.” Then he said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak just once more. What if only ten can be found there?” He answered, “For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it.” When the Lord had finished speaking with Abraham, he left, and Abraham returned home.” (Genesis 18:22-33)
Moses
After Moses was gone, the Israelites began to worship the golden calf. At which God was very angry. Moses prayed to God for the forgiveness of Israel’s sins and asked God to forgive them and guide them.
But Moses sought the favor of the Lord his God. “Lord,” he said, “why should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand? Why should the Egyptians say, ‘It was with evil intent that he brought them out, to kill them in the mountains and to wipe them off the face of the earth’? Turn from your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on your people. Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac and Israel, to whom you swore by your own self: ‘I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and I will give your descendants all this land I promised them, and it will be their inheritance forever.’” Then the Lord relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened.” (Exodus 32:11-14)
Hannah
Hannah desired to have children and to become a mother but was childless. As a result, she sincerely prayed to God, and in return, God granted her a son. whose name was Samuel.
“In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.” (1 Samuel 1:10-11)
David
When David saw Bathsheba taking a bath, he invited her to his castle. David begged God for forgiveness for his sins because he felt ashamed of this deed.
“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.” (Psalm 51:1-2)
Elijah
There were Baal’s false prophets who claimed to be divine messengers. They were challenged by Elijah to carry their sacrifice to a specific mountain. Likewise, he will carry his sacrifice to the specific mountain, where they will both offer prayers to God. He will be the true prophet if God burns the sacrifice in response to his supplication. They accepted this challenge. God sent fire from the heavens in response to Elijah’s request, burning the sacrifice and everything else. The people realized of Elijah’s truth, and the false prophets’ lies were exposed.
At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: “Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench. When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, “The Lord—he is God! The Lord—he is God!” (1 Kings 18:36-39)
Daniel
Daniel constantly prayed to God three times a day, even though he was going through a very tough time and there were conspiracies all around him.
“Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help.” (Daniel 6:10-11)
Nehemiah
Honoring God and defending the country were two things that Nehemiah was highly worried about. He specifically prayed to God for Jerusalem’s walls.
“When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Then I said: “Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you. We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses. “Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’ “They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.” I was cupbearer to the king. (Nehemiah 1:4-11)
Solomon
Solomon prayed to God to be with the people and show them mercy when he was building the temple.
Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in front of the whole assembly of Israel, spread out his hands toward heaven and said: “Lord, the God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below—you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way.” (1 Kings 8:22-23)
Job
A very difficult time had come upon Job. God had put him in trials and because of this trial, his friends said that surely Job is a very sinful person and because of his sins, difficulties have come upon him. Various allegations were made against Job, but he still prayed for his friends.
“After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.” (Job 42:10)
Jonah
Jonah was terrified because he was within the fish’s belly. He asked God to free him from this situation.
From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God. He said: “In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry.” (Jonah 2:1-2)
Jesus
Jesus has continually encouraged people to remain grateful to God and to keep praising Him. Jesus also prayed to God and said that God may remove the cup of sorrow from him, but God’s will will also be fulfilled. This demonstrates that Jesus desired the end of this suffering while still respecting God’s will.
He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:41-42)
Paul
Paul always prayed for the churches that their love and faith would always remain and that they would continue to convey the message of Christianity to the people.
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.” (Philippians 1:3-4)
Peter
Peter once prayed for Tabitha. She was dead and Peter wanted her to come back to life. He prayed to God to revive him. God heard her prayer and brought the woman back to life.
“Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up.” (Acts 9:40)
Mary
Mary was chosen by God for a great miracle and Jesus was born from her womb. Mary was very happy and she prayed to God and thanked God for the position given to Mary.
And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed,” (Luke 1:46-48)
Hezekiah
Hezekiah prayed to God for a longer life because he desired to live longer. God extended his life by fifteen years.
Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, “Remember, Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. (2 Kings 20:2-3)
Ezra
Ezra asked God to forgive the Israelites’ sins.
And prayed: “I am too ashamed and disgraced, my God, to lift up my face to you, because our sins are higher than our heads and our guilt has reached to the heavens. From the days of our ancestors until now, our guilt has been great. Because of our sins, we and our kings and our priests have been subjected to the sword and captivity, to pillage and humiliation at the hand of foreign kings, as it is today.” (Ezra 9:6-7)
Samuel
Samuel promised to keep the Israelites in his prayers. This demonstrates his deep love for the Israelites.
“As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right.” (1 Samuel 12:23)
Church
The church made a lot of effort and prayed to God for strength so they could spread Christianity.
“After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.” (Acts 4:31)
Thief on Cross
On the cross, the thief was hanged. He prayed to Jesus at that moment, and Jesus responded by saying that he would be granted a place in heaven. This suggests that our prayers are quickly heard.
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:42-43)
Disciples
Jesus advised his followers to pray constantly, saying that they should always approach God in humility in order to receive God’s kindness and blessings.
“This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” (Matthew 6:9-13)
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
These Bible verses talk about the importance of prayer. By reading these Bible verses, we know that prayer is a very important act. By praying, our problems disappear. God advises us to pray but at the same time advises us that the prayers of those who believe in God are accepted. By praying to God with firm faith, God hears and accepts. A person should never be afraid of difficulties, but should pray to God with faith. God loves those who pray to Him. Prayer strengthens our relationship with God and soothes our restless hearts. These Bible verses teach us to pray constantly.