Table of Contents
- Cool Bible Verses on Prayer
- More Thought-Provoking Scriptures on Prayer
- More Interesting Verses on Prayer
- More Thought-Provoking Scriptures on Prayer
- Scriptures about Prayer Cont'd
- More Interesting Scriptures about Prayer
- More Powerful Scriptures about Prayer
- More Powerful Scriptures on Prayer Cont'd
- More Helpful Verses about Prayer
- More Helpful Verses about Prayer
- More Thought-Provoking Scriptures on Prayer
In the Name of The Lord Jesus Christ, today I'm going to share with you some Scriptures about how to pray effectively. But first I want to talk a little bit about the subject of prayer. Daily prayer as a believer is a must. It's important that you submit your life to the Holy Spirit and the leading of the Holy Spirit as a believer because it is by yielding to God that you get Grace Remember James 4:6 says that he opposes the proud but he gives grace unto the humble.
Let me tell you, when God is involved in your prayer life, you will see great power, manifestation and answers to prayer. Here's a brief word study on the word for prayer before we identify key scriptures.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Verse: προσεύχεσθε ἀδιαλείπτως
Transliteration: Proseúchesthe adialeíptōs
English: “Pray without ceasing.”
Focus Word: προσεύχεσθε (proseúchesthe)
Root: προσεύχομαι (proseúchomai)
Meaning: “To approach God with prayer, requests, and worship.”
Deeper Insight: The prefix pros emphasizes direction toward God, while eúchomai carries devotion, desire, and petition. Combined with ἀδιαλείπτως (“constantly, without interruption”), the verse calls believers to maintain a continual, habitual orientation of the heart toward God in prayer.
Cool Bible Verses on Prayer
Matthew 6:7
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
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.
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.
More Thought-Provoking Scriptures on Prayer
Mark 11:24
Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
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:
1 Timothy 2:8
I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
More Interesting Verses on Prayer
John 15:7
If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
James 4:3
Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
Matthew 6:8
Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
Mark 1:35
And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.
More Thought-Provoking Scriptures on Prayer
Psalm 145:18
The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Hebrews 4:16
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 5:7
Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;
Scriptures about Prayer Cont'd
Colossians 4:2
Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with Thanksgiving;
Matthew 26:41
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
1 Chronicles 16:11
Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually.
Biblical Scholars on How To Pray Table:
| Scholar | Work / Publication | View on How to Pray (With Scripture) |
|---|---|---|
| E.M. Bounds (1835–1913) | Power Through Prayer | Prayer must be earnest, persistent, and faith-filled (James 5:16; Luke 18:1). A pure heart and discipline are essential in approaching God (Psalm 66:18). |
| Charles Spurgeon (1834–1892) | Prayer Sermons & Morning and Evening | Prayer should be honest and scriptural, spoken from the heart (Psalm 51:17). He warned against praying only in emergencies (1 Thess. 5:17). |
| John Calvin (1509–1564) | Institutes of the Christian Religion | Prayer must be humble and Christ-centered (Heb. 4:16). It should always submit to God’s will (Matthew 26:39). |
| John Wesley (1703–1791) | Sermons & Journals | Encouraged structured and spontaneous prayer (Eph. 6:18). Prayer includes thanksgiving and intercession (1 Tim. 2:1). |
| Andrew Murray (1828–1917) | With Christ in the School of Prayer | Prayer must be rooted in abiding in Christ (John 15:7). Emphasized quietness of spirit and waiting on God (Psalm 37:7). |
| J.C. Ryle (1816–1900) | A Call to Prayer | Prayer should be daily, sincere, and not hypocritical (Matthew 6:6). He urged believers to pray privately as well as publicly (Matthew 14:23). |
| Jonathan Edwards (1703–1758) | Treatise on Religious Affections | True prayer springs from sincere spiritual desire (Psalm 42:1). Fervent prayer reflects authentic conversion (Romans 8:16). |
| Martin Luther (1483–1546) | A Simple Way to Pray | Recommended praying with Scripture—especially the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9–13). His pattern: adoration, confession, thanksgiving, petition (Phil. 4:6). |
| Thomas Watson (1620–1686) | The Lord’s Prayer & The Godly Man’s Picture | Prayer must be humble and sincere (Isaiah 66:2). He believed prayer brings spiritual wisdom (James 1:5). |
| Richard Baxter (1615–1691) | The Christian Directory | Prayer includes self-examination and aligning with God’s moral will (Psalm 139:23-24). He recommended disciplined, scheduled times of prayer (Daniel 6:10). |
More Interesting Scriptures about Prayer
Luke 11:1
And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
Luke 6:12
And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
2 Chronicles 7:14
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.
More Powerful Scriptures about Prayer
Luke 18:1
And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
1 Timothy 2:1-2
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
Matthew 5:44
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;
James 1:5
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
More Powerful Scriptures on Prayer Cont'd
Jeremiah 33:3
Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
Romans 12:12
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Matthew 26:42
He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
More Helpful Verses about Prayer
Matthew 11:25-26
At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.
Luke 23:34
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
Jeremiah 29:12
Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.
Luke 22:32
But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
Church Fathers and Biblical Scholars on How To Pray Effectively (Part 2):
| Scholar ( | View on How to Pray (with Scripture) |
|---|---|
| Origen (c. 184–253, On Prayer) | Prayer should begin by acknowledging God's holiness, shaping the soul toward Him, and following the pattern of the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9–13). |
| Tertullian (c. 155–240, On Prayer) | Prayer must be simple, humble, sincere, and free from display or empty phrases (Matthew 6:5–6). |
| John Chrysostom (347–407, Homilies) | Prayer should be persistent and confident, trusting God’s timing and goodness (Luke 18:1–7). |
| Augustine of Hippo (354–430, Letter to Proba, Confessions) | Prayer aligns the heart with God’s will; we pray not to inform God but to be transformed by Him (Psalm 37:4; Matthew 6:8). |
| John Cassian (c. 360–435, Conferences) | True prayer flows from a quiet, pure heart, and short, sincere prayers can be most powerful (Psalm 51:17). |
| Gregory the Great (540–604, Pastoral Rule) | Prayer is most effective when offered in humility and inward sincerity rather than outward eloquence (James 4:6). |
| Bernard of Clairvaux (1090–1153, Sermons) | Prayer is an act of love toward God, deepening union with Him through desire and affection (John 15:7). |
| Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274, Summa Theologiae, II-II, q.83) | Prayer is the lifting of the mind to God, requiring faith, humility, and submission to God’s will (Philippians 4:6–7; 1 John 5:14). |
| Julian of Norwich (c. 1342–1416, Revelations of Divine Love) | Prayer rests in trust and confidence in God’s goodness and nearness (Psalm 145:18). |
| Martin Luther (1483–1546, A Simple Way to Pray) | Scripture, especially the Lord’s Prayer, should guide prayer; approach God boldly with childlike trust (Matthew 7:7–11). |
| John Calvin (1509–1564, Institutes, Book 3, ch.20) | Prayer requires reverence, repentance, need, and confident hope in God’s promises (Hebrews 4:16). |
| Teresa of Ávila (1515–1582, Interior Castle, Way of Perfection) | Prayer deepens through recollection, stillness, and loving attention to God (Psalm 63:1). |
| Richard Baxter (1615–1691, Christian Directory) | Prayer should include Scripture meditation, sincerity, self-examination, and commitment to obedience (Psalm 119:10). |
| John Wesley (1703–1791, Sermons & Journals) | Prayer is to be earnest, constant, Spirit-empowered, and accompanied by watchfulness (Ephesians 6:18). |
| Charles Spurgeon (1834–1892, Sermons on Prayer) | Prayer should be bold and frequent, trusting in God’s generosity and Christ’s intercession (Hebrews 7:25). |
| E.M. Bounds (1835–1913, Power Through Prayer) | Effective prayer is fervent, persistent, and rooted in holiness and entire devotion (James 5:16). |
More Helpful Verses about Prayer
Proverbs 15:29
The Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
Luke 11:9
And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
James 1:6
But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
Acts 1:14
These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
Here's a table showing The Scientific Benefits of Prayer in Our Daily Lives
| Scientific Benefit of Prayer | Relevant Study / Institution | Findings / Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Reduced stress and anxiety | Harvard Medical School (2011) – Benson-Henry Institute | Prayer and meditation activate the relaxation response, reducing cortisol and anxiety levels. |
| Lower blood pressure | Duke University Medical Center Study | Patients who engaged in regular prayer showed statistically significant reductions in blood pressure compared to non-prayers. |
| Improved emotional regulation | Journal of Behavioral Medicine (2014) | Individuals who prayed daily reported better control over emotions and fewer mood swings. |
| Increased resilience to trauma | American Psychological Association Review (2019) | Prayer and religious coping were linked to faster emotional recovery after traumatic events. |
| Enhanced sense of meaning and purpose | Pew Research & Mental Health Foundation Studies | Prayer improves existential well-being and reinforces life meaning, aiding mental health. |
| Improved immune function | University of Tennessee Study | Participants engaging in intercessory prayer showed improved immune markers over 8 weeks. |
| Lower risk of depression | Journal of Religion and Health (2015) | Regular prayer correlated with 30% lower depression scores in adults. |
| Increased optimism and hope | Mayo Clinic Review | Prayer enhances positive outlook toward future outcomes and improves psychological resilience. |
| Better pain management | University of Michigan Research | Patients using prayer reported reduced perception of physical pain and increased tolerance. |
| Stronger social bonding | Oxford University Study | Group prayer and worship increase oxytocin levels, strengthening bonds and communal support. |
More Thought-Provoking Scriptures on Prayer
Matthew 21:22
And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
Psalm 4:1
Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.
Matthew 26:39
And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
Psalm 66:18
If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:
Luke 5:16
And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.
The Prayer Process That Works
Now I'm going to share with you how to receive the instructions from God so that you know what and how to pray. The Lord Jesus Christ says in John 10:27. That we as believers hear His voice.
And so as a believer, you can hear His voice.
So when you set aside some time to pray, go before God's throne and ask Him "Lord, what do you want me to pray?"
And then sit and wait.
Let a scripture go through your mind and just sit and wait. God will highlight something or bring something to your attention. And that's how you will know that that's what you're supposed to pray about. But it takes time to get to know how His voice works. Once you know what God wants you to pray, then you need to ask Him how to do it.
Does he want you to pray in tongues? Does He want you to decree some things? Does he want you to pray for somebody's healing, or for somebody's finances?
Find out from God how to pray. Sit, listen, let a scripture, or two, run through your mind and sit and wait again.
And then lastly, pray as God leads you by the Holy Ghost. You see, powerful prayers are God-led prayers. Powerful prayers are God-initiated prayers. Powerful prayers are God-completed prayers.
As a side note, what is important for you to realize is that when you're seeking the Lord, as to how to pray, the temptation may show up to just go and do it the way you normally do it. But God wants us to be completely yielded to Him. That's why we are a chosen generation, God's own people; His own purchased possession to show forth His praises! So, submit yourself to God. Resist the devil and he will flee and you're going to see, as a result, answers to your earnest prayers in Jesus' Name.
Scientific References:
Benson, H. & Klipper, M. (2011). The Relaxation Response. Harvard Medical School / Benson-Henry Institute.
Koenig, H. G. (2012). Handbook of Religion and Health (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.
Ellison, C. & Levin, J. (2014). “Prayer and Emotional Stability.” Journal of Behavioral Medicine.
Ano, G. & Vasconcelles, E. (2019). Review on religious coping and resilience. American Psychological Association (APA) Psychological Research Review.
Pew Research Center. (2017). Religion and Well-being Report.
Lutgendorf, S. & Miller, G. (2015). “Intercessory Prayer and Immune Response.” Brain, Behavior, and Immunity Journal. University of Tennessee collaboration.
Smith, T. B., et al. (2015). “Prayer and Depression Risk.” Journal of Religion and Health.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings. (2013). “Spirituality & Medicine: Psychological Outcomes Review.”
Wiech, K., et al. (2008). “Pain Perception and Prayer.” Pain Journal. University of Michigan.
Oxford Evolutionary Anthropology Study. (2016). Research on group prayer, oxytocin, and social bonding.
