What Does the Bible Say About Prayer? A Comprehensive Guide to Praying from Genesis to Revelation

Painting of the Western Wall

1. Prayers for Spiritual Growth and Relationship with God

The Bible emphasizes praying for a deeper relationship with God, spiritual maturity, and alignment with His will.

• To Know God and His Will: Yeshua teaches believers to pray for God’s will to be done (Matthew 6:10, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”). Paul prays for the Colossians to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding (Colossians 1:9-10).

• Spiritual Strength and Faith: Paul prays for the Ephesians to be strengthened with power through God’s Spirit in their inner being and to know Messiah’s love (Ephesians 3:16-19). Similarly, Yeshua prays for Peter’s faith not to fail (Luke 22:32).

• Sanctification and Holiness: The Psalms encourage seeking God’s guidance to live righteously (Psalm 119:33-35, “Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes”). Yeshua prays for His disciples’ sanctification through God’s truth (John 17:17).

• Forgiveness of Sins: The Bible instructs believers to confess and seek forgiveness for sins (1 John 1:9; Psalm 51:1-2). The Lord’s Prayer includes, “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12).

2. Prayers for Daily Needs and Provision

God invites His people to bring their material and physical needs before Him.

• Daily Provision: The Lord’s Prayer includes a petition for daily bread (Matthew 6:11), reflecting dependence on God for sustenance, as seen in Israel’s reliance on manna (Exodus 16:4).

• Protection and Deliverance: The Psalms frequently model prayers for God’s protection from harm or enemies (Psalm 91:1-2; Psalm 140:1). Yeshua teaches to pray for deliverance from evil (Matthew 6:13).

• Wisdom and Guidance: James encourages believers to pray for wisdom (James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God”). Solomon prays for wisdom to govern God’s people (1 Kings 3:9).

3. Prayers for Others (Intercession)

The Bible repeatedly calls believers to intercede for others, including leaders, enemies, and the broader community.

• For Leaders and Authorities: Paul urges prayers for kings and those in authority to ensure a peaceful life (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Moses intercedes for Israel’s forgiveness after the golden calf incident (Exodus 32:11-14).

• For the Church and Fellow Believers: Paul prays for the spiritual growth of congregations (Philippians 1:9-11; Ephesians 1:16-18). Yeshua intercedes for His disciples and future believers (John 17:20-21).

• For Enemies and Persecutors: Yeshua commands praying for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44). Stephen prays for his persecutors’ forgiveness as he is martyred (Acts 7:60).

• For the Spread of the Good News: Paul requests prayers for boldness in sharing the good news(Ephesians 6:19-20) and for open doors for the message (Colossians 4:3-4).

4. Prayers for Healing and Restoration

The Bible shows God’s concern for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.

• Physical Healing: James instructs believers to pray for the sick, with elders anointing with oil (James 5:14-15). Hezekiah prays for healing, and God extends his life (2 Kings 20:5-6).

• Restoration of Relationships: The Bible implies praying for reconciliation, as seen in the call to forgive others (Matthew 6:14-15) and in Paul’s desire for unity among believers (Philippians 2:1-2).

• Healing of Nations: The Tanakh shows prayers for national restoration, such as Solomon’s prayer for Israel’s repentance and restoration (2 Chronicles 7:14).

5. Prayers of Thanksgiving and Praise

Gratitude and worship are central to biblical prayer.

• Thanksgiving for God’s Blessings: Paul encourages giving thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). The Psalms are filled with thanksgiving for God’s goodness (Psalm 100:4; Psalm 107:1).

• Praise for God’s Character and Works: The Bible models praising God for His attributes, such as His mercy, power, and faithfulness (Psalm 145:1-3; Revelation 4:11).

6. Prayers for Justice and God’s Kingdom

The Bible encourages prayers for God’s justice and the establishment of His kingdom.

• For God’s Kingdom to Come: Yeshua teaches to pray for the coming of God’s kingdom (Matthew 6:10). Revelation depicts the saints praying for God’s ultimate reign (Revelation 22:20, “Come, Lord Yeshua!”).

• For Justice and Righteousness: The Psalms cry out for God’s justice against the wicked (Psalm 7:9). The martyrs in Revelation pray for God’s judgment (Revelation 6:10).

7. Prayers in Times of Distress or Crisis

The Bible shows believers turning to God in times of trouble.

• Deliverance from Trouble: David prays for rescue from his enemies (Psalm 18:3-6). Jonah prays from the belly of the fish for deliverance (Jonah 2:1-2).

• Comfort in Suffering: Paul speaks of finding God’s strength in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:8-9), and the Psalms model crying out in anguish (Psalm 22:1-2).

8. Prayers for Specific Events or Circumstances

The Bible also records prayers for specific situations, showing the breadth of concerns brought before God.

• For Children and Future Generations: Abraham prays for Ishmael (Genesis 17:18), and Hannah prays for a child (1 Samuel 1:10-11).

• For Success in God’s Work: Nehemiah prays for success in rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls (Nehemiah 1:5-11).

• For Revival and Repentance: Daniel prays for Israel’s restoration and confesses national sins (Daniel 9:4-19).

Biblical Principles for Prayer

Beyond specific petitions, the Bible provides overarching principles for what and how to pray:

• Pray with Faith: Yeshua emphasizes praying with belief (Mark 11:24, “Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours”).

• Pray Persistently: The parable of the persistent widow teaches perseverance in prayer (Luke 18:1-8).

• Pray in Yeshua’s Name: Yeshua instructs believers to pray in His name, aligning with His authority and will (John 14:13-14).

• Pray with a Pure Heart: Prayer should be accompanied by repentance and righteousness (Psalm 66:18; James 5:16, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective”).

The Bible teaches that prayer is a multifaceted act of communion with God, encompassing petitions for personal spiritual growth, daily needs, intercession for others, healing, thanksgiving, praise, justice, and help in distress.