As Christians, we’ve heard it over and over again; prayer is an essential part of our lives. It’s how we talk to God. It’s how we ask our questions and receive answers. Sometimes we receive revelation, and sometimes we just feel a sense of peace when we pray. There are many bible verses about prayer that helps us realize the critical role that prayer plays in our everyday lives.
Prayer is one of many essential Christian values, and it’s important that we prioritize it in our daily lives to show the importance of prayer to our families and our children.
In this article, you will find 17 Bible verses about prayer from the King James Version of the Bible separated into these categories:
- Who Hears Our Prayers
- What to Pray About
- When & Where to Pray
- Why We Pray
- How to Pray
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Bible Verses About Who Hears Our Prayers
“Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah, saying, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, That which thou hast prayed to me… I have heard.” – 2 Kings 19:20
There is no denying that God hears our prayers. Sometimes our prayers are answered obviously, and occasionally we don’t receive an easy-to-understand answer for years, if ever. But we know He hears us and always has our best interest at heart.
“The Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.” – Proverbs 15:29
By striving to be the best we can be and following the commandments, we will feel closer to God than if we live a life full of sin. The best way to feel connected to God through prayer is to live righteously.
Bible Verses About What to Pray About
“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;” – Matthew 5:44
It can be hard to speak positively about those who treat us poorly, and it’s even harder to think about praying for them. But the people who struggle to be kind are the ones who need our prayers the most.
“Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;” – John 17:20
Christ emphasizes the importance of praying for everyone, those in your inner circle, as well as those who may or may not support you. There is no one unworthy or unnecessary of our prayers.
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“Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” – Philippians 4:6
God has made it known that if we want something, we must ask him with righteousness. Ask, and we shall receive. We might not get what we want, but we will get what Heavenly Father knows that we need.
“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 5:16
Prayer can be a personal experience as well as a social one. Pray by yourself, with your spouse, with your kids, with your congregation, etc.
Bible Verses About Where & When to Pray
“Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.” – Psalm 55:17
There’s never a wrong time to pray. If you’re happy, pray to say thank you. If you’re sad or worried, pray for peace. Pray when you can’t sleep, pray when you’re in the car, pray just because you can.
”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 a house of prayer for all people.” – Isaiah 56:7
Everyone is worthy of prayer. There is nothing you can do that makes you unworthy of praying to God. In fact, the people who have sinned the most, and feel furthest from God, are the ones who will benefit from praying the most.
“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. – Matthew 6:6
While praying in public is great, it’s important to pray in private as well. Prayer is not for fulfilling a role in front of others. It’s about a personal relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
“Pray without ceasing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Make prayer a part of your daily routine. Pray in the morning, in the evening, before meals, and whenever you feel like being closer to God.
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Bible Verses About Why We Pray
“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.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14
Humility is the key to being forgiven. No matter the sins we have committed, God is willing to forgive us if we repent through prayer and strive to live a more righteous life. He hears our prayers for forgiveness.
“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.” – Mark 11:25
If our Heavenly Father can forgive us for even the most heinous of sins, then it’s only fitting that we can forgive one another for our mistakes. No one is perfect; we just all sin differently.
“Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” – Luke 21:36
While we aren’t perfect, we are all worthy of forgiveness, if we are humble enough to ask for it, and try our best to live life according to God’s wishes for us.
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Bible Verses About How to Pray
“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.” – Daniel 6:10
Prayer isn’t just about asking for things we want. One of the most important components of prayer is to say thank you to our Heavenly Father for all He has done for us. Whether we can see it or not, His hand in our life is essential for a joyful experience.
“Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” – Mark 11:24
God always answers our prayers, even if it is hard for us to understand His response. If we ask for something, we must have faith that we will receive what we need. Having faith is just as important as asking.
“And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.” – Luke 11:2
It’s important that we address our Heavenly Father when we pray to Him. Addressing Him is a way to respect Him and feel more connected to Him while praying.
“What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.” – 1 Corinthians 14:15
There are many aspects to prayer, and in this verse, Paul discusses two. He says that when you pray, you should use your spirit and your mind, not just one or the other.
Final Thoughts On Prayer
No matter what’s going on in your life, whether you are experiencing immense joy or deep sorrow, it’s always a good time to pray. Praying to our Heavenly Father is a great time to express gratitude, ask Him questions, feel His presence, and much more. Never hesitate to pray!
These are great verses for me to keep in mind while renewing my commitment to my relationship with God in 2023. This was exactly what I needed today to remind me to keep at it. Keep spreading the Good News!