A guide to Christian Prayer including the Teaching and Prayers of Jesus, other prayers in the Bible and ideas on what to pray for.

Prayer is an expression of our dependence upon God and our need to draw closer to him. It is also a confidence that God knows our thoughts and is able and willing to help us.

God is our Heavenly Father and as Christians he has graciously made us his adopted children. In this sense, it is natural for us to talk to him, whilst understanding our debt and subordination to him but also exercising our great privilege in that he is responsible for us. Always remembering that God is the all-powerful, creator, redeemer, holy, I AM God who is in complete control of all our circumstances, who determines everything in accordance with his will, who knows the future and who is in command of all possible resources, including his armies in heaven.

1. The Subject of Prayer

In prayer, we know...

The verses referenced above...

Having then a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let's hold tightly to our confession.
Hebrews 4:14

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all.
1 Timothy 2:5, 6a

Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
Psalm 121:4

I desire therefore that the men in every place pray, lifting up holy hands without anger and doubting.
2 Timothy 2:8

In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
Philippians 4:6

Your Father knows what things you need, before you ask him.
Matthew 6:8

For there is not a word on my tongue, but, behold, LORD, you know it altogether.
Psalm 139:4

For we don't have a high priest who can't be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who has been in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 4:15

This is the boldness which we have towards him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he listens to us. And if we know that he listens to us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions which we have asked of him.
1 John 5:14,15

Pray without ceasing.
1 Thessalonians 5:17

I tell you, keep asking, and it will be given you. Keep seeking, and you will find. Keep knocking, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who knocks it will be opened.
Luke 11:9,10

In the same way, the Spirit also helps our weaknesses, for we don't know how to pray as we ought. But the Spirit himself makes intercession for us with groanings which can't be uttered.
Romans 8:26

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer.
1 Peter 3:12

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
Matthew 7:7

The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth.
Psalm 145:18

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
James 1:5

Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
John 14:13

If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, you will ask whatever you desire, and it will be done for you.
John 15:7

'For in him we live, move, and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also his offspring.'
Acts 17:28

For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from God's love which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39

We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28

Be strong and courageous. Don't be afraid or scared of them; for the LORD your God himself is who goes with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.
Psalm 23:4

My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19

Knowing this what is the application...

When the disciples and Jesus, who was asleep, were in the boat on the Sea of Galilee and a violent storm arose the disciples woke Jesus in fear and said "Save us, Lord! We are dying!" (Matthew 8:23-27). Jesus mildly rebukes the disciples for lack of faith. So did Jesus expect them to have done something else or not done something to show their faith? It seems not, and it was just their fear which was wrong. Jesus was in the boat with them, all they had to do was wake him and go along with whatever he did.

In our situation, when we face storms in life, Jesus is with us in that boat, not asleep, but knowing all about the storm. Our job is not really to do anything and not to think the storm is somehow due to our lack of faith. Our job is to go to Jesus in prayer and not to be afraid of the storm. Work with the issues as best we can but let him determine what will happen and accept that to be the best for us. Like a child might feel safe standing behind its parent when danger is ahead.

In Genesis 15:1 we read that the Lord is a shield to Abram and therefore to all Christians. In this way Jesus "filters" bad things and they can only come "through" him. Therefore he knows about them before they happen and he allows them and controls them in such a way that it is for our spiritual learning, a closer relationship with him and to our ultimate benefit. This is how all things work together for good.

In summary then, don't let yourself be afraid - Jesus is with us too and remember Jesus is our shield and so the storm is no surprise to him. It can be very difficult but then we need to re-focus on Jesus and who he is and "wait on the Lord".

2. Jesus' teaching on prayer

Pray to your Heavenly Father alone, in secret
----
"When you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Most certainly, I tell you, they have received their reward. But you, when you pray, enter into your inner room, and having shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.In praying, don't use vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their much speaking. Therefore don't be like them, for your Father knows what things you need, before you ask him.
Matthew 6:5-8

The Lord's model for prayer
----
Pray like this: 'Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. Let your Kingdom come. Let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.' "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you don't forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Matthew 6:9-15

Do not be anxious, your Heavenly Father knows
----
Therefore I tell you, don't be anxious for your life: what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Isn't life more than food, and the body more than clothing? See the birds of the sky, that they don't sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns. Your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you of much more value than they? Which of you, by being anxious, can add one moment to his lifespan? Why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They don't toil, neither do they spin, yet I tell you that even Solomon in all his glory was not dressed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today exists, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, won't he much more clothe you, you of little faith? Therefore don't be anxious, saying, 'What will we eat?', 'What will we drink?' or, 'With what will we be clothed?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first God's Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore don't be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day's own evil is sufficient.
Matthew 6:25-34

Ask and you shall receive
----
For everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who knocks it will be opened. Or who is there amongst you, who, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, who will give him a serpent?
Matthew 7:8-11

God honours praying together
----
Again, assuredly I tell you, that if two of you will agree on earth concerning anything that they will ask, it will be done for them by my Father who is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the middle of them.
Matthew 18:19-20

Ask in faith and Spirit and the impossible is possible
----
Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, 'Be taken up and thrown into the sea,' it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.
Matthew 21:21-22

Forgive so you may be forgiven
----
And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
Mark 11:25

Do not pray for the attention of man
----
In his teaching he said to them, "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk in long robes, and to get greetings in the marketplaces, and the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts: those who devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation."
Mark 12:38-40 38

Pray for those spreading the Gospel
----
The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest
Luke 10:2 (also see Matthew 9:38)

Keep seeking
----
He said to them, "Which of you, if you go to a friend at midnight, and tell him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, for a friend of mine has come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him,' and he from within will answer and say, 'Don't bother me. The door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give it to you'? I tell you, although he will not rise and give it to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence, he will get up and give him as many as he needs. "I tell you, keep asking, and it will be given you. Keep seeking, and you will find. Keep knocking, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who knocks it will be opened. "Which of you fathers, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he won't give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? Or if he asks for an egg, he won't give him a scorpion, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?"
Luke 11:5-13

Your Father is righteous and will ensure justice
----
There was a judge in a certain city who didn't fear God, and didn't respect man. A widow was in that city, and she often came to him, saying, 'Defend me from my adversary!' He wouldn't for a while, but afterward he said to himself, 'Though I neither fear God, nor respect man, yet because this widow bothers me, I will defend her, or else she will wear me out by her continual coming.' " The Lord said, "Listen to what the unrighteous judge says. Won't God avenge his chosen ones who are crying out to him day and night, and yet he exercises patience with them? I tell you that he will avenge them quickly. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"
Luke 18:2-8

Approach God in humility and confess our unrighteousness and sins
----
He spoke also this parable to certain people who were convinced of their own righteousness, and who despised all others. "Two men went up into the temple to pray; one was a Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed to himself like this: 'God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of men, extortionists, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week. I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far away, wouldn't even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."
Luke 18:9-14

Watch and pray for Jesus return
----
"So be careful, or your hearts will be loaded down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day will come on you suddenly. For it will come like a snare on all those who dwell on the surface of all the earth. Therefore be watchful all the time, praying that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will happen, and to stand before the Son of Man."
Luke 21:34-36

Remaining in Jesus, our desire will be His will
----
If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, ask whatever you desire, and it will be done for you.
John 15:7

Ask in accordance with God's will
----
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
John 15:16

3. The Gospels bear witness that Jesus was 'a man of prayer'

It might be thought that Jesus would not have needed to pray since he was God. But the Gospels and the Apostles make it clear that this was not the case. If the humanity of Jesus made prayer so essential for him and for his ministry; and so much desired by him to commune with his Father; how much more essential is prayer for us?

Ordering the people to sit down on the grass, He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up toward heaven, He blessed the food, and breaking the loaves He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds.
Matthew 14:19

After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone.
Matthew 14:23

Then some children were brought to Him so that He might lay His hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them.
Matthew 19:13

Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to His disciples, "Sit here while I go over there and pray."
Matthew 26:36

And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will."
Matthew 26:39

He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, "My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done."
Matthew 26:42

And He left them again, and went away and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more.
Matthew 26:44

Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?
Matthew 26:53

In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there.
Mark 1:35

After bidding them farewell, He left for the mountain to pray.
Mark 6:46

They came to a place named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, "Sit here until I have prayed."
Mark 14:32

And He went a little beyond them, and fell to the ground and began to pray that if it were possible, the hour might pass Him by.
Mark 14:35

Again He went away and prayed, saying the same words.
Mark 14:39

Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus was also baptized, and while He was praying, heaven was opened,
Luke 3:21

But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.
Luke 5:16

In these days, he went out to the mountain to pray, and he continued all night in prayer to God.
Luke 6:12

And it happened that while He was praying alone, the disciples were with Him, and He questioned them, saying, "Who do the people say that I am?"
Luke 9:18

It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples."
Luke 11:1

but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.
Luke 22:32

Even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.
John 11:22

I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever.
John 14:16

In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I will request of the Father on your behalf.
John 16:26

Jesus spoke these things; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You, even as You gave Him authority over all flesh, that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life. This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
John 17:1-25

I ask on their behalf; I do not ask on behalf of the world, but of those whom You have given Me; for they are Yours.
John 17:9

I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word;
John 17:20

Therefore, I will allot Him a portion with the great, And He will divide the booty with the strong; Because He poured out Himself to death, And was numbered with the transgressors; Yet He Himself bore the sin of many, And interceded for the transgressors.
Isaiah 53:12

In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His piety.
Hebrews 5:7

Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
Hebrews 7:25

Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.
Romans 8:34

4. The Prayers of Jesus recorded in the Gospels

He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to the sky, he blessed them, broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the multitude.
Luke 9:16

In that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit, and said, "I thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for so it was well-pleasing in your sigh.
Luke 10:21

"Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done." An angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him. Being in agony he prayed more earnestly. His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground. When he rose up from his prayer, he came to the disciples, and found them sleeping because of grief.
Luke 22:42-45

Jesus said these things, then lifting up his eyes to heaven, he said, "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may also glorify you; even as you gave him authority over all flesh, so he will give eternal life to all whom you have given him. This is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and him whom you sent, Jesus Christ. I glorified you on the earth. I have accomplished the work which you have given me to do. Now, Father, glorify me with your own self with the glory which I had with you before the world existed. I revealed your name to the people whom you have given me out of the world. They were yours, and you have given them to me. They have kept your word. Now they have known that all things whatever you have given me are from you, for the words which you have given me I have given to them, and they received them, and knew for sure that I came from you. They have believed that you sent me. I pray for them. I don't pray for the world, but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. All things that are mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them through your name which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in your name. I have kept those whom you have given me. None of them is lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. But now I come to you, and I say these things in the world, that they may have my joy made full in themselves. I have given them your word. The world hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that you would take them from the world, but that you would keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in your truth. Your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, even so I have sent them into the world. For their sakes I sanctify myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. Not for these only do I pray, but for those also who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that you sent me. The glory which you have given me, I have given to them; that they may be one, even as we are one; I in them, and you in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that you sent me and loved them, even as you loved me. Father, I desire that they also whom you have given me be with me where I am, that they may see my glory, which you have given me, for you loved me before the foundation of the world. Righteous Father, the world hasn't known you, but I knew you; and these knew that you sent me. I made known to them your name, and will make it known; that the love with which you loved me may be in them, and I in them."
John 17:1-26

Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing."
Luke 23:34

5. Other notable prayers in the Bible

Abraham

Abraham came near, and said, "Will you consume the righteous with the wicked? What if there are fifty righteous within the city? Will you consume and not spare the place for the fifty righteous who are in it? May it be far from you to do things like that, to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be like the wicked. May that be far from you. Shouldn't the Judge of all the earth do right?" The LORD said, "If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare the whole place for their sake." Abraham answered, "See now, I have taken it on myself to speak to the Lord, although I am dust and ashes. What if there will lack five of the fifty righteous? Will you destroy all the city for lack of five?" He said, "I will not destroy it if I find forty-five there." He spoke to him yet again, and said, "What if there are forty found there?" He said, "I will not do it for the forty's sake." He said, "Oh don't let the Lord be angry, and I will speak. What if there are thirty found there?" He said, "I will not do it if I find thirty there." He said, "See now, I have taken it on myself to speak to the Lord. What if there are twenty found there?" He said, "I will not destroy it for the twenty's sake." He said, "Oh don't let the Lord be angry, and I will speak just once more. What if ten are found there?" He said, "I will not destroy it for the ten's sake." The LORD went his way, as soon as he had finished communing with Abraham, and Abraham returned to his place.
Genesis 18:23-32

Elijah

At the time of the evening offering, Elijah the prophet came near, and said, "LORD, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word. Hear me, LORD, hear me, that this people may know that you, LORD, are God, and that you have turned their heart back again."
1 Kings 18:36-37

Elisha

Elisha prayed, and said, "LORD, please open his eyes, that he may see." the LORD opened the young man's eyes; and he saw: and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire around Elisha. When they came down to him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, and said, "Please strike this people with blindness." He struck them with blindness according to Elishah's word. Elisha said to them, "This is not the way, neither is this the city. Follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom you seek." He led them to Samaria. When they had come into Samaria, Elisha said, "LORD, open these men's eyes, that they may see." The LORD opened their eyes, and they saw; and behold, they were in the middle of Samaria.
2 Kings 6:17-20

Manasseh

He did that which was evil in the LORD's sight, after the abominations of the nations whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel. When he was in distress, he begged the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers. He prayed to him; and he was entreated by him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD was God.
2 Chronicles 33:12-13

He took away the foreign gods, and the idol out of the LORD's house, and all the altars that he had built in the mountain of the LORD's house, and in Jerusalem, and cast them out of the city. He built up the LORD's altar, and offered sacrifices of peace offerings and of thanksgiving on it, and commanded Judah to serve the LORD, the God of Israel. Nevertheless the people sacrificed still in the high places, but only to the LORD their God. Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and his prayer to his God, and the words of the seers who spoke to him in the name of the LORD, the God of Israel, behold, they are written amongst the acts of the kings of Israel. His prayer also, and how God was entreated of him, and all his sin and his trespass, and the places in which he built high places, and set up the Asherah poles and the engraved images, before he humbled himself: behold, they are written in the history of Hozai.
2 Chronicles 33:15-19 (see also 2 Kings 21:2)

Nebuchadnezzar

At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted up my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honoured him who lives forever; for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom from generation to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; and he does according to his will in the army of heaven, and amongst the inhabitants of the earth; and no one can stop his hand, or ask him, "What are you doing?" At the same time my understanding returned to me; and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and brightness returned to me. My counsellors and my lords sought me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent greatness was added to me. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honour the King of heaven; for all his works are truth, and his ways justice; and those who walk in pride he is able to abase.
Daniel 4:34-37

Hezekiah

Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it. Then Hezekiah went up to the LORD's house, and spread it before the LORD. Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said, "LORD, the God of Israel, who are enthroned above the cherubim, you are the God, even you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. Incline your ear, LORD, and hear. Open your eyes, LORD, and see. Hear the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to defy the living God. Truly, LORD, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands, and have cast their gods into the fire; for they were no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone. Therefore they have destroyed them. Now therefore, LORD our God, save us, I beg you, out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you, LORD, are God alone."
2 Kings 19:14-19

In those days Hezekiah was sick and near death. Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, came to him, and said to him, "The LORD says, 'Set your house in order, for you will die, and not live.' " Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, and said, "Remember now, the LORD, I beg you, how I have walked before you in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in your sight." Then Hezekiah wept bitterly. Then the LORD's word came to Isaiah, saying, "Go, and tell Hezekiah, 'The LORD, the God of David your father, says, "I have heard your prayer. I have seen your tears. Behold, I will add fifteen years to your life.
Isaiah 38:1-5

Samson

Samson called to the LORD, and said, "Lord GOD, remember me, please, and strengthen me, please, only this once, God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes." Samson took hold of the two middle pillars on which the house rested and leaned on them, the one with his right hand and the other with his left. Samson said, "Let me die with the Philistines!" He bowed himself with all his might; and the house fell on the lords, and on all the people who were in it. So the dead that he killed at his death were more than those who he killed in his life.
Judges 16:28-30

Jehoshaphat

Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no might against this great company that comes against us. We don't know what to do, but our eyes are on you."
2 Chronicles 20:12

Job

Then Job answered the LORD, "I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be restrained. You asked, 'Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?' therefore I have uttered that which I didn't understand, things too wonderful for me, which I didn't know. You said, 'Listen, now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you will answer me.' I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you. Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes."
Job 42:1-6

Daniel

When Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house (now his windows were open in his room towards Jerusalem) and he knelt on his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did before.
Daniel 6:10

I set my face to the Lord God, to seek by prayer and petitions, with fasting and sackcloth and ashes. I prayed to the LORD my God, and made confession, and said, "Oh, Lord, the great and dreadful God, who keeps covenant and loving kindness with those who love him and keep his commandments, we have sinned, and have dealt perversely, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even turning aside from your precepts and from your ordinances. We haven't listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land. "Lord, righteousness belongs to you, but to us confusion of face, as it is today; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to all Israel, who are near, and who are far off, through all the countries where you have driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against you. Lord, to us belongs confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against you. To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgiveness; for we have rebelled against him. We haven't obeyed the LORD our God's voice, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets.
Daniel 9:3-10

Solomon

Solomon stood before the LORD's altar in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands towards heaven; and he said, "LORD, the God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven above, or on earth beneath; who keeps covenant and loving kindness with your servants, who walk before you with all their heart; who has kept with your servant David my father that which you promised him. Yes, you spoke with your mouth, and have fulfilled it with your hand, as it is today. Now therefore, may LORD, the God of Israel, keep with your servant David my father that which you have promised him, saying, 'There shall not fail from you a man in my sight to sit on the throne of Israel, if only your children take heed to their way, to walk before me as you have walked before me.' "Now therefore, God of Israel, please let your word be verified, which you spoke to your servant David my father. But will God in very deed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens can't contain you; how much less this house that I have built! Yet have respect for the prayer of your servant, and for his supplication, LORD my God, to listen to the cry and to the prayer which your servant prays before you today; that your eyes may be open towards this house night and day, even towards the place of which you have said, 'My name shall be there;' to listen to the prayer which your servant prays towards this place. Listen to the supplication of your servant, and of your people Israel, when they pray towards this place. Yes, hear in heaven, your dwelling place; and when you hear, forgive. "If a man sins against his neighbour, and an oath is laid on him to cause him to swear, and he comes and swears before your altar in this house; then hear in heaven, and act, and judge your servants, condemning the wicked, to bring his way on his own head, and justifying the righteous, to give him according to his righteousness.
1 Kings 8:22-32

David

For your word's sake, and according to your own heart, you have worked all this greatness, to make your servant know it. Therefore you are great, LORD God. For there is no one like you, neither is there any God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears. What one nation in the earth is like your people, even like Israel, whom God went to redeem to himself for a people, and to make himself a name, and to do great things for you, and awesome things for your land, before your people, whom you redeemed to yourself out of Egypt, from the nations and their gods? You established for yourself your people Israel to be your people forever; and you, LORD, became their God. Now, LORD God, the word that you have spoken concerning your servant, and concerning his house, confirm it forever, and do as you have spoken. Let your name be magnified forever, saying, 'The LORD of Armies is God over Israel; and the house of your servant David will be established before you.' For you, LORD of Armies, the God of Israel, have revealed to your servant, saying, 'I will build you a house.' Therefore your servant has found in his heart to pray this prayer to you. "Now, O Lord GOD, you are God, and your words are truth, and you have promised this good thing to your servant. Now therefore let it please you to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever before you; for you, Lord GOD, have spoken it. Let the house of your servant be blessed forever with your blessing."
2 Samuel 7:21-29

Canaanite Woman

Behold, a Canaanite woman came out from those borders, and cried, saying, "Have mercy on me, Lord, you son of David! My daughter is severely possessed by a demon!" But he answered her not a word. His disciples came and begged him, saying, "Send her away; for she cries after us." But he answered, "I wasn't sent to anyone but the lost sheep of the house of Israel." But she came and worshipped him, saying, "Lord, help me." But he answered, "It is not appropriate to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." But she said, "Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters' table."
Woman Matthew 15:22-27

Cornelius

Cornelius said, "Four days ago, I was fasting until this hour, and at the ninth hour, I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, and said, 'Cornelius, your prayer is heard, and your gifts to the needy are remembered in the sight of God.
Acts 10:30-31

Paul and Silas

But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were loosened.
Acts 16:25-26

Stephen

But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up steadfastly into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, and said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!" But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears, then rushed at him with one accord. They threw him out of the city and stoned him. The witnesses placed their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. They stoned Stephen as he called out, saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!" He knelt down, and cried with a loud voice, "Lord, don't hold this sin against them!" When he had said this, he fell asleep.
Acts 7:55-60

6. Subjects we may wish to pray for with suggestive Bible verses


Subject for Prayer Suggestive Verses
Praise and adoration to our Heavenly Father Psalm 72:18-19; Praise be to the LORD God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvellous deeds. Blessed be his glorious name forever! Let the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and amen.
Mark 12:30; You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment.
Progress of the Kingdom - the witness of the church and the work of the Holy Spirit Matthew 9:38; Pray therefore that the Lord of the harvest will send out labourers into his harvest.
Matthew 16:18; I also tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
Matthew 28:19; Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Revelation 3:6; He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.
Protection for the church - against the enemy and all false teaching Matthew 7:15; "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.
1 Timothy 4:1; But the Spirit says expressly that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons.
Penitence for sins, omissions and disobedience - confession and seeking forgiveness Matthew 6:12; Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors.
1 John 1:9; If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Proverbs 28:13; He who conceals his sins doesn't prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
Provisions for the needs of the Saints - both spiritual and physical needs Romans 12:13; Contributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality.
John 17:9; I pray for them. I don't pray for the world, but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours.
Romans 15:30; Now I beg you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in your prayers to God for me.
Provisions for family and all those for whom we have concern - spiritual and physical needs Isaiah 40:11; He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will gather the lambs in his arm, and carry them in his bosom. He will gently lead those who have their young.
Peace in the world - for governments and leaders 1 Timothy 2:1-4; I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks be made for all men: for kings and all who are in high places, that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all people to be saved and come to full knowledge of the truth.
Productivity in his service - to have the privilege of contributing in his service for the Kingdom John 15:5; I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
Proper understanding of Scripture - enlightenment in verses we find hard to understand and a spirit of submission to any we find difficult to obey or are tempted to ignore John 16:13,14; However when he, the Spirit of truth, has come, he will guide you into all truth, for he will not speak from himself; but whatever he hears, he will speak. He will declare to you things that are coming. He will glorify me, for he will take from what is mine, and will declare it to you.
Perplexed - when we can't understand circumstances, situations, difficulties, injustices and don't know how to carry on Psalm 73:3-5; For I was envious of the arrogant, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no struggles in their death, but their strength is firm. They are free from burdens of men, neither are they plagued like other men.
Panic - when we need urgent help and don't know what to do 2 Chronicles 20:12b; We don't know what to do, but our eyes are on you.
Psalm 50:15; Call on me in the day of trouble. I will deliver you, and you will honour me.
Protection - against the enemy, the world and even ourselves when our sinful nature tempts Psalm 34:7; The LORD's angel encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.
Power - to keep on living for Jesus, to hold steady to our faith Hebrews 4:14; Having then a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let's hold tightly to our confession.
Hebrews 10:23; let's hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering; for he who promised is faithful.
1 Corinthians 15:58; Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the Lord's work, because you know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
Promises in Scripture to be received - to claim what God has said and ask him to do it in our lives 2 Corinthians 1:20; For however many are the promises of God, in him is the "Yes." Therefore also through him is the "Amen", to the glory of God through us.
Personal needs in all spiritual and physical matters - for ourselves and loved ones Acts 1:14; All these with one accord continued steadfastly in prayer and supplication, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
3 John 2; Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers.
Prompting by the Holy Spirit – we need his guidance and an obedient spirit John 16:13; However when he, the Spirit of truth, has come, he will guide you into all truth, for he will not speak from himself; but whatever he hears, he will speak. He will declare to you things that are coming.
Produce in us a measure of conformity and resemblance to his Son John 15:4; Remain in me, and I in you. As the branch can't bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you, unless you remain in me.
Preserving no grudge or sin - that our prayers might not be made weak by our not forgiving others or by not confessing some known sin Matthew 6:15; But if you don't forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Perpetual thankfulness - for Father, Son and Holy Spirit, for all God's attributes and actions (especially in creation and salvation), and for all blessings Philippians 4:6; In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

7. A Suggested Prayer


  1. Heavenly Father, I thank you for Jesus and his life and death and resurrection and I pray that his terrible death on the cross would be put to my account to pay the punishment of all my sins, my disobedience, my lack of trust, my rebellion and my unbelief.
  2. Heavenly Father, my loving creator, I pray that the perfect, righteous life of Jesus be put to my account for all the debt I owe you, my lack of love, selfishness and everything I have failed to do.
  3. I pray that Jesus would give me the new eternal life that he promised he would give to all who believe in him.
  4. I pray that Jesus would begin and eventually bring to completion a work in my life to break the power of sin and self and give me the grace to live in love, faith and obedience to God, that one day I might be pure before him.
  5. I pray that Jesus would take control of every aspect of my life so that in everything whether sickness or health, poverty or plenty, he would know about it and be working everything out for his good purposes.
  6. Lord Jesus, my every breath and heart-beat is in your hands, please work out my future and don't let me worry.
  7. Lord Jesus, help me not to do anything that would hinder what you want for me and my life.
  8. Lord Jesus, when you see something in my life that you are not happy with please would you show me and work to remove it. Please be the doctor of my soul and heal me.
  9. I pray that in this life, Lord Jesus, would you show me some task you want me to do, give me the abilities I need to do it, and allow me the privilege and pleasure of serving you in this way.
  10. I pray that one day I would see Jesus in his Kingdom as Man and God, the Redeemer King of Kings, in all his majesty and power and that with the great company of his people and angels, worship him and be filled with amazement, joy and wonder.
  11. Lord Jesus please help me with these my concerns of today.....
  12. Lord Jesus please also help my friends with all that concerns them today.....