What scripture says
Bible verses about prayer
Prayer in scripture is simply speaking to God — asking, thanking, confessing, waiting. Jesus taught his disciples how to pray, and the apostles urge it without ceasing and with thanksgiving. These verses are an invitation and a pattern.
The Lord's Prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
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. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Read it in its chapter →In every thing by prayer
Philippians 4:6
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Read it in its chapter →Pray without ceasing
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray without ceasing.
Read it in its chapter →The effectual fervent prayer
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.
Read it in its chapter →Men ought always to pray
Luke 18:1
And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
Read it in its chapter →If we ask according to his will
1 John 5:14
And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
Read it in its chapter →
King James Version · public domain
Hymns to sing
- Blind BartimaeusHenry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–1882)
- Did You Think To Pray?Mary Ann Pepper Kidder (1820–1905)
- Every Morning Mercies NewGreville Phillimore (1821–1884)
- Jesus Shall ReignIsaac Watts (1674–1748)
- Jesus, Tender Shepherd, Hear MeMary Lundie Duncan (1814–1840)
- Lord of Life, All Praise ExcellingClement Clarke Moore (1779–1863)