Whether you’re new to the Christian life or have been following Jesus Christ for years, prayer can sometimes feel intimidating or confusing. But here’s the good news: You don’t have to be perfect to pray. You just have to start.
But how do you start? One way is to reflect on what the Bible says about prayer. The Bible is filled with truths that can help you pray with confidence, no matter what you’re feeling today.
The Scriptures below remind us that God hears our prayers, answers them, and cares deeply for us. So, let these verses guide you in your prayer journey, knowing that you are heard and loved.
7 Bible Verses About Prayer
Let’s dive into seven powerful prayer Bible verses and discover how to strengthen your prayer life with confidence, grace, and peace in Jesus. But first, a quick disclaimer:
Reading individual Bible verses can be helpful and powerful and lead you closer to God, but it’s even more powerful when you read whole sections, chapters, and books of the Bible.
If you find one of the verses below particularly meaningful, we encourage you to explore the verses around it, or even the whole chapter.
1. James 5:13
Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. James 5:13 NIV
Here’s how this verse helps us pray:
- It encourages us to pray in every situation.
- It reminds us that both prayer and praise are part of a healthy prayer life.
- It shows that our response to life’s highs and lows should include turning to God.
Try this example James 5:13 prayer:
Heavenly Father, when I’m in trouble, help me turn to You in prayer. And when I’m joyful, help me sing praise to You with all my heart. Teach me to make prayer and praise part of my daily rhythm. Thank You for being near in every season. In Jesus’ name, amen.
2. Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
Here’s how this verse helps us pray:
- It gives us permission to bring everything to God.
- It combines prayer requests with thanksgiving prayers.
- It promises peace for anxious hearts and minds in Jesus.
Try this example Philippians 4:6-7 prayer:
Father, I bring every worry to You today. Thank You for being near. With thanksgiving, I make my requests known to You. Let Your peace guard my heart and mind. Help me trust You with every detail. In Jesus’ name, amen.
3. Romans 8:26
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. Romans 8:26 NIV
Here’s how this verse helps us pray:
- It reminds us that we’re not alone when we feel weak or unsure.
- It shows that the Holy Spirit prays for us.
- It encourages us when we don’t have the words to pray.
Try this example Romans 8:26 prayer:
God, I don’t know what to pray right now. I feel weak. But I trust that the Holy Spirit helps me in my weakness. Thank You that the Spirit intercedes for me when I’m overwhelmed. Help me sense Your presence continually. In Jesus’ name, amen.
4. Jeremiah 33:3
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” Jeremiah 33:3 ESV
Here’s how this verse helps us pray:
- It invites us to call on God confidently.
- It promises an answer, though not always in the way we expect.
- It reminds us that God reveals great and hidden things through prayer.
Try this example Jeremiah 33:3 prayer:
Dear God, I call to You today. Thank You for hearing me and answering. Show me great and hidden things that I can’t see on my own. Lead me in Your wisdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.
5. Matthew 6:9-13
“This, then, 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 today 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 NIV
Here’s how this verse helps us pray:
- It gives us the Lord’s Prayer as a model.
- It covers worship, daily needs, forgiveness, and protection.
- It shows us what spiritual worship looks like in everyday prayer.
Try this example Matthew 6:9-13 prayer:
Father in heaven, I honor Your name. Let Your will be done in my life today. Give me what I need for today, and help me forgive as I’ve been forgiven. Deliver me from evil. Help me walk in Your peace and power. In Jesus’ name, amen.
6. 1 Timothy 2:1-2
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 NIV
Here’s how this verse helps us pray:
- It encourages us to pray for all people, including leaders.
- It leads us to thank God for the peace He gives.
- It invites us to pray for growth in living a holy, God-honoring life.
Try this example 1 Timothy 2:1-2 prayer:
Jesus Christ, I pray for those in authority today. Let Your wisdom and justice guide them. Thank You for giving us Your peace. Help us live godly and holy lives that honor You and encourage others. In Jesus’ name, amen.
7. 1 John 5:14-15
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15 NIV
Here’s how this verse helps us pray:
- It builds our confidence to approach God.
- It assures us that God hears us, no matter what we ask.
- It encourages trust in God’s will and timing.
Try this example 1 John 5:14-15 prayer:
Father, thank You that I can come to You with confidence, draw near, and know that You hear me. I ask in prayer, believe, and trust that Your will is best. Help me rest in the truth that, whatever I ask, You are listening. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Don’t Overcomplicate Prayer
Congrats on making it to the end. As a reward, you get a bonus verse. This one has less to do with how to pray and more to do with one thing to keep in mind:
“And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.” Matthew 6:7 NIV
These words of Jesus remind us that prayer isn’t about using the right spiritual words, and it’s not a performance. Instead, when you speak with honesty, out loud or in the quiet of your mind, God hears you.
We’re closing with this verse as a reminder that, while praying Bible verses can help you pray with confidence, they’re not magic words that make prayer more effective. Think of this less as a warning and more as a simple encouragement: don’t overcomplicate prayer.
So keep praying. Keep asking. Keep trusting. You’re not alone, and God hears.
Looking for more helpful Scriptures? Here are seven Bible verses about anxiety.