Vietnam Evangelical Covenant Church – God speaks to us through His Word, the Bible. Christians talk with God and enjoy fellowship with Him through prayer. Prayer is an essential part of every Christian’s life; we pray with spoken words and also through songs. Below are 20 important Bible verses about prayer.
Prayer is the breath of the Christian life: it is how we speak with God and walk with Him. The Bible teaches us to pray without ceasing, in every circumstance. These Bible verses about prayer answer four simple questions: how often we should pray, how we should pray, what we should pray for and whom we should pray for.
Bible Verses About Prayer: How Often Should We Pray?
Paul’s letters show a man who prayed constantly and gave thanks every time he remembered the believers. Prayer was not an occasional event for him but the rhythm of his life.
1. 1 Corinthians 1:4
“I always thank my God for you because of the grace He has given you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Corinthians 1:4 (BSB)
2. Ephesians 6:18
“Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints.” – Ephesians 6:18 (BSB)
3. Philippians 1:3–4
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In every prayer for all of you, I always pray with joy,” – Philippians 1:3–4 (BSB)
4. Colossians 1:3
“We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,” – Colossians 1:3 (BSB)
5. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
“Pray without ceasing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (BSB)
How Should We Pray?
The next Bible verses about prayer show us that prayer can be spoken, sung, offered with thanksgiving and made in faith. Jesus Himself gave us a model prayer.
6. Psalm 66:17
“I cried out to Him with my mouth and praised Him with my tongue.” – Psalm 66:17 (BSB)
7. Psalm 95:2
“Let us enter His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him in song.” – Psalm 95:2 (BSB)
8. Matthew 6:9–13
“So then, this 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 this day 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 (BSB)
9. 1 Corinthians 14:15
“What then shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind. I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.” – 1 Corinthians 14:15 (BSB)
10. James 1:6
“But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” – James 1:6 (BSB)
What Should We Pray For?
These Bible verses about prayer show that we can bring God our thanks, our troubles and our longing for His blessing and salvation for others.
11. Psalm 50:14–15
“Sacrifice a thank offering to God, and fulfill your vows to the Most High. Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.” – Psalm 50:14–15 (BSB)
12. Psalm 118:25
“O LORD, save us, we pray. We beseech You, O LORD, cause us to prosper!” – Psalm 118:25 (BSB)
13. Psalm 122:6
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May those who love you prosper.’” – Psalm 122:6 (BSB)
14. Romans 10:1
“Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is for their salvation.” – Romans 10:1 (BSB)
15. Romans 10:13
“for, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’” – Romans 10:13 (BSB)
Whom Should We Pray For?
Prayer is never only about ourselves. God calls us to pray for His servants, for one another, for those in authority and for the sick.
16. Romans 15:30
“Now I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.” – Romans 15:30 (BSB)
17. 2 Corinthians 1:11
“as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the favor shown us in answer to their prayers.” – 2 Corinthians 1:11 (BSB)
18. 1 Timothy 2:1–2
“First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone—for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.” – 1 Timothy 2:1–2 (BSB)
19. James 5:13–14
“Is any one of you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.” – James 5:13–14 (BSB)
20. James 5:16
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail.” – James 5:16 (BSB)
Christian Voices on Prayer
R. A. Torrey taught that people who pray often experience the deep peace of God, a peace that cannot be fathomed and that surpasses all human understanding.
“Don’t pray when you feel like it. Have an appointment with the Lord and keep it. A man is powerful on his knees.” – Corrie ten Boom
Matthew Henry compared a Christian life without prayer to a person trying to live without breathing.
“Prayer will make a man cease from sin, or sin will entice a man to cease from prayer.” – John Bunyan
“We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties.” – Oswald Chambers
Building a Daily Habit of Prayer
Set aside a fixed time each day to pray, perhaps early in the morning or before going to sleep. You can use these Bible verses about prayer as your own prayers, reading one slowly and turning it into words to God.
Also practice praying for others: your family, your church, your country and people who are going through hard times. Praying together as a family or in a small group also helps faith to grow.
You may also like: 5 Powerful Prayers From Scripture and Do I Have to Pray Every Day?
A Prayer
Father, thank You that I can come to You at any time. Teach me to pray, to persevere in prayer and to trust You in everything. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Written by: Thoa Trần
Adapted from: WhatChristiansWantToKnow.com
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