Draw a random verse about prayer and see how people in the Bible talked to God.
How the Bible Shows Prayer
Biblical prayer comes in many forms. Abraham bargains for a city, Hannah weeps silently at the sanctuary, Nehemiah says a quick prayer in front of a king, and Jesus withdraws to lonely places before dawn. There is no single required style. People pray in praise, in complaint, in confession, and on behalf of others.
What to Look For
The Psalms are the best collection of prayers in Scripture, and many of them are blunt about fear, anger and doubt. Habakkuk and Job ask hard questions, and God answers both rather than silencing them. The Gospels add teaching from Jesus: pray privately, avoid empty repetition, keep asking, and forgive those who have wronged you. The letters then tell believers to pray at all times, for one another, and for rulers, and they describe the Holy Spirit helping when words fail.
Another thing to notice is how often prayer sits beside action. Nehemiah prayed and posted guards, and the early church prayed while Peter was in prison. Prayer in the Bible is rarely a substitute for responsibility, but it is the place where people bring it to God first.
Posture and place vary as well. People pray kneeling, lying face down, standing, in bed, in a fish, at a well and in the temple. The common thread is not a technique but a person turning toward God who hears.
Ways to Use These Verses
- Turn a verse into your own prayer by restating it in your words.
- Read the note to learn who is praying and what situation they face.
- Use a short prayer, like those of Moses or Jonah, when you have little time.
- Draw several verses and notice the different tones of prayer.
You can also try the Bible verse randomizer, the random encouraging Bible verse page, or the Bible books index to read the whole Psalm or story where a prayer appears.
Verses in This Collection
- Genesis 18:23-24 – And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked? Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?
Abraham boldly asks whether God would destroy Sodom if fifty righteous people lived there, an early example of intercession for others. - Genesis 18:32 – And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten’s sake.
Having bargained down from fifty, Abraham makes a final request, and God agrees to spare the city for ten righteous people. - Genesis 24:12-14 – And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham. Behold, I stand here by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water: And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master.
Abraham's servant prays for a specific sign at a well to identify the right wife for Isaac, asking God to show kindness. - Genesis 32:9-11 – And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the LORD which saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee: I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands. Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me, and the mother with the children.
Afraid of meeting his brother Esau, Jacob prays, reminds God of his promises and asks to be delivered. - Genesis 32:26 – And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.
Wrestling through the night, Jacob refuses to let go of the divine opponent until he is blessed. - Exodus 32:11-13 – And Moses besought the LORD his God, and said, LORD , why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand? : Heb. the face of the LORD Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people. Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it for ever.
After the golden calf, Moses pleads with God for Israel, reminding him of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. - Numbers 12:13 – And Moses cried unto the LORD , saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee.
When Miriam is struck with leprosy, Moses cries out one short sentence asking God to heal her. - Deuteronomy 4:7 – For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for ?
Moses points out that no other nation has a god as near as the LORD is to Israel when they call on him. - Judges 16:28 – And Samson called unto the LORD , and said, O Lord GOD , remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.
Blinded and captive, Samson prays for strength one last time, and God answers as he pulls down the Philistine temple. - 1 Samuel 1:10-11 – And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD , and wept sore. And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.
Hannah, childless and distressed, prays in tears at the sanctuary and vows to give a son to the LORD if he answers. - 1 Samuel 1:27 – For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him:
After Samuel is born, Hannah says that she prayed for this child and the LORD gave her what she asked. - 1 Samuel 12:23 – Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:
Samuel tells Israel he will not stop praying for them, since doing so would be sin, and he will keep teaching them. - 2 Samuel 7:18 – Then went king David in, and sat before the LORD , and he said, Who am I, O Lord GOD ? and what is my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?
After God promises him a lasting dynasty, King David sits before the LORD and responds with humble amazement. - 1 Kings 3:6-9 – And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?
At the start of his reign, Solomon thanks God for his father David and asks for an understanding heart to govern. - 1 Kings 8:28-30 – Yet have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to hearken unto the cry and to the prayer, which thy servant prayeth before thee to day: That thine eyes may be open toward this house night and day, even toward the place of which thou hast said, My name shall be there: that thou mayest hearken unto the prayer which thy servant shall make toward this place. And hearken thou to the supplication of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, when they shall pray toward this place: and hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place: and when thou hearest, forgive.
At the temple dedication, Solomon asks God to hear prayers made toward it and to forgive when he hears. - 1 Kings 18:36-37 – And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word. Hear me, O LORD , hear me, that this people may know that thou art the LORD God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again.
Before fire falls on Mount Carmel, Elijah prays a brief, direct prayer asking God to show himself and turn the people's hearts. - 2 Kings 19:14-15 – And Hezekiah received the letter of the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up into the house of the LORD , and spread it before the LORD . And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD , and said, O LORD God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth.
Hezekiah spreads a threatening Assyrian letter out before God in the temple and prays, acknowledging God as sole ruler of all kingdoms. - 2 Kings 20:2-5 – Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the LORD , saying, I beseech thee, O LORD , remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore. And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him, saying, Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD , the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD .
Told he will die, Hezekiah prays and weeps, and God sends word that he has heard and will heal him. - 1 Chronicles 4:10 – And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.
In a genealogy, a man named Jabez prays for blessing and protection, and the text says God granted his request. - 2 Chronicles 7:14 – If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
God tells Solomon that if his people humble themselves, pray and turn from wrongdoing, he will hear, forgive and heal their land. - 2 Chronicles 20:12 – O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.
Facing a huge enemy army, King Jehoshaphat admits Judah's helplessness and says their eyes are on God. - Ezra 8:23 – So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.
Before a dangerous journey without an armed escort, Ezra and his companions fast and ask God for protection, and he answers. - Nehemiah 1:4 – And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,
Hearing that Jerusalem's walls are broken, Nehemiah sits down, weeps for days, fasts and prays to the God of heaven. - Nehemiah 2:4-5 – Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven. And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers’ sepulchres, that I may build it.
When the king asks what he wants, Nehemiah silently prays to God, then makes his request to be sent to rebuild Jerusalem. - Nehemiah 4:9 – Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them.
When enemies threaten the wall builders, Nehemiah combines prayer with practical action by posting guards day and night. - Psalm 4:1 – Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.
David asks God to hear him, recalling that God has given him room in past distress. - Psalm 5:3 – My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD ; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
David says he prays each morning and then waits expectantly, making prayer a way of beginning the day. - Psalm 17:6 – I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech.
David says he calls on God because he expects to be heard, and asks him to listen. - Psalm 34:4 – I sought the LORD , and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
David says that when he sought the LORD, he was answered and set free from all his fears. - Psalm 34:15 – The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.
David says God watches over the righteous and listens closely when they cry out. - Psalm 34:17 – The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
David says that when the righteous cry out, the LORD hears them and rescues them from all their troubles. - Psalm 55:17 – Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.
David says he prays evening, morning and noon, and trusts that God will hear his voice. - Psalm 55:22 – Cast thy burden upon the LORD , and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
David tells the reader to hand over their burdens to God, who will support them and keep the righteous steady. - Psalm 61:1-2 – Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
David prays from the ends of the earth with an overwhelmed heart, asking God to lead him to a higher rock. - Psalm 66:18-20 – If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.
The psalmist says unconfessed sin in the heart would block God's hearing, but God has in fact heard and not withdrawn his mercy. - Psalm 86:5-7 – For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. Give ear, O LORD , unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications. In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.
David describes God as good, forgiving and generous to all who call, and promises to call him in trouble. - Psalm 116:1-2 – I love the LORD , because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.
The psalmist says he loves the LORD because God heard him, so he will call on him for as long as he lives. - Psalm 121:1-2 – I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD , which made heaven and earth.
A pilgrim looking to the hills on the way to Jerusalem says his help comes from the LORD who made heaven and earth. - Psalm 139:23-24 – Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
David invites God to examine his heart and thoughts, and to guide him in the way everlasting. - Psalm 141:2-3 – Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. Set a watch, O LORD , before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.
David asks that his prayer be like incense and the evening offering, and asks God to guard his lips. - Psalm 145:18 – The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.
David says God is near to everyone who calls on him sincerely. - Proverbs 15:8 – The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD : but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
Proverbs says God delights in the prayer of the upright, but dislikes the sacrifices of the wicked. - Proverbs 15:29 – The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
Proverbs says God is far from the wicked but hears the prayers of the righteous. - Isaiah 56:7 – Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.
God promises that foreigners who join him will be welcomed in his house, which will be called a house of prayer for all peoples. - Isaiah 65:24 – And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.
God promises that in his future restoration he will answer before people call and hear while they are still speaking. - Jeremiah 29:12-13 – Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me , when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
In a letter to exiles in Babylon, God says that when they pray and seek him with all their heart, he will listen. - Jeremiah 33:3 – Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
While Jeremiah is imprisoned, God tells him to call and promises to show him great things he does not yet know. - Daniel 6:10 – Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.
Despite a law forbidding prayer to anyone but the king, Daniel keeps his habit of praying three times daily, facing Jerusalem. - Daniel 9:3 – And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:
Daniel turns to God with prayer, fasting, sackcloth and ashes as he thinks about Jerusalem's long desolation. - Daniel 9:18 – O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies.
Daniel asks God to act, saying the people ask not because they deserve it but because of God's great mercies. - Jonah 2:1-2 – Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish’s belly, And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD , and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice.
From inside the great fish, Jonah prays and says God answered when he called out in his distress. - Habakkuk 1:2 – O LORD , how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save!
Habakkuk complains openly to God about violence and apparent silence, showing that honest protest can be part of prayer. - Matthew 5:44 – But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells his followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. - Matthew 6:5-6 – And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are : for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
Jesus tells his followers not to pray to be seen by others, but to pray privately to their Father, who sees in secret. - Matthew 6:7-8 – But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do : for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
Jesus says that endless words are unnecessary in prayer, since the Father already knows what people need before they ask. - Matthew 6:9-12 – After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
Jesus gives his disciples a model prayer that begins with God's name and kingdom, then asks for daily bread and forgiveness. - Matthew 7:7-8 – Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
Jesus encourages people to keep asking, seeking and knocking, since those who do will receive and find. - Matthew 9:37-38 – Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
Seeing the crowds, Jesus tells his disciples to pray that the Lord of the harvest would send more workers. - Matthew 14:23 – And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
After feeding the five thousand, Jesus sends the crowds home and goes up a mountain alone to pray into the evening. - Matthew 18:19-20 – Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Jesus says that when two believers agree in prayer, his Father will act, and that he is present where two or three gather. - Matthew 21:22 – And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
Jesus tells his disciples that whatever they ask in prayer with faith, they will receive. - Matthew 26:39 – And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt .
In Gethsemane, Jesus asks that the cup of suffering pass from him, yet submits to the Father's will. - Matthew 26:41 – Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Jesus tells his sleepy disciples to stay awake and pray so they do not fall into temptation, since the body is weak. - Mark 1:35 – And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.
After a busy day of healing, Jesus rises long before dawn and goes to a quiet place to pray. - Mark 9:28-29 – And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.
When the disciples could not heal a boy, Jesus tells them that this kind of case required prayer. - Mark 11:24-25 – Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them , and ye shall have them . And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
Jesus teaches that prayer needs faith and that those who pray must forgive anyone they have something against. - Luke 5:16 – And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.
Luke notes that, even as crowds pressed in, Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray. - Luke 6:12 – And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
Before choosing the twelve apostles, Jesus spends a whole night in prayer on a mountain. - Luke 11:1 – And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
Seeing Jesus pray, one of his disciples asks him to teach them to pray, which leads to the Lord's Prayer. - Luke 11:11-13 – If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
Jesus argues that if human fathers give good gifts, the heavenly Father will certainly give the Holy Spirit to those who ask. - Luke 18:1 – And he spake a parable unto them to this end , that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
Luke introduces the parable of the persistent widow by saying Jesus told it to show that people should always pray and not give up. - Luke 18:13 – And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
In a parable, a tax collector stands far off, beats his chest and asks for mercy, and Jesus says he went home justified. - Luke 22:31-32 – And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
Jesus tells Simon Peter that he has prayed for him that his faith will not fail, and that he should strengthen others afterward. - Luke 22:44 – And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
In Gethsemane, Jesus prays so earnestly that his sweat falls like drops of blood. - Luke 23:34 – Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
From the cross, Jesus prays for the forgiveness of those who crucified him, saying they do not know what they are doing. - John 14:13-14 – And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
Jesus promises that whatever his disciples ask in his name, he will do, so that the Father is glorified through the Son. - John 15:7 – If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
Jesus says that those who remain in him and in whose hearts his words remain may ask what they wish and receive it. - John 16:23-24 – And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
Jesus tells his disciples that after he leaves they will ask the Father in his name and receive, so their joy is complete. - John 17:20-21 – Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
Jesus prays not only for the disciples but for all who will believe through them, asking that they be one. - Acts 1:14 – These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
After Jesus ascends, the apostles, several women, Mary and Jesus' brothers meet together and devote themselves to prayer. - Acts 4:31 – And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
After the believers pray for boldness under threat, the building shakes and they are filled with the Holy Spirit. - Acts 12:5 – Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
While Peter is in prison, the church prays earnestly for him, and he is freed by an angel that night. - Acts 16:25 – And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
Imprisoned in Philippi, Paul and Silas pray and sing hymns at midnight while the other prisoners listen. - Romans 8:26 – Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Paul says the Holy Spirit helps believers in their weakness by interceding when they do not know what to pray. - Romans 15:30 – Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;
Paul asks the Roman Christians to join him in earnest prayer for his upcoming trip to Jerusalem. - Ephesians 3:20 – Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
Paul closes a prayer by praising God, who can do far more than anything people ask or imagine. - Ephesians 6:18 – Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
After describing the armor of God, Paul tells believers to pray at all times in the Spirit for all believers. - Philippians 4:6-7 – Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Paul tells the Philippians not to worry but to bring requests to God with thanks, promising a peace that guards their hearts. - Colossians 4:2 – Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
Paul tells the Colossians to keep praying with alertness and thanksgiving. - 1 Thessalonians 5:17 – Pray without ceasing.
Paul's brief command to pray without ceasing suggests ongoing conversation with God throughout the day, not only set times. - 1 Timothy 2:1-2 – I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
Paul urges that prayers be made for everyone, including kings and those in authority, so believers may live quietly and peacefully. - Hebrews 4:16 – Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Because Jesus is a sympathetic high priest, the writer says believers can approach God's throne with confidence to find mercy and help. - James 5:13 – Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
James says that suffering people should pray and cheerful people should sing praises, covering both ends of life's moods. - James 5:16 – Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
James tells believers to confess to each other and pray for one another, saying the prayer of a righteous person is powerful. - 1 Peter 3:12 – For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
Quoting a psalm, Peter says the Lord watches over the righteous and listens to their prayers. - 1 Peter 5:7 – Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Peter tells believers to throw all their anxieties on God because he cares about them. - 1 John 5:14-15 – And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
John says believers can be confident that God hears requests made according to his will, and that they will receive them. - Jude 1:20 – But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
Jude tells believers to build themselves up in their faith and to pray in the Holy Spirit. - Revelation 5:8 – And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
In John's vision, the elders in heaven hold golden bowls of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. - Revelation 8:3-4 – And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand.
An angel offers much incense with the prayers of all the saints at the golden altar, and the smoke rises before God.
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