20 Important Bible Verses About How to Pray (With Commentary)

Prayer is one of the most powerful spiritual tools that we have been given! It’s a way to communicate directly with God and align our lives with His will. Thankfully, He has not left us in the dark when it comes to how we can approach Him in prayer.

Here, we are exploring some of the best Bible verses about how to pray. Let these words of scripture help you to deepen your prayer life and enter into a deeper and more meaningful connection with God.

Bible Verses About How to Pray

1. 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.’”

In this well-known passage, commonly referred to as the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray. It begins by acknowledging God as our Father and recognizing the holiness of His name. It then includes praying for God’s kingdom to come and for His will to be done. The prayer also encompasses asking for our daily needs, seeking forgiveness, and asking for deliverance from temptation and evil. This prayer serves as a model for believers to follow, reminding us of the elements that should be included in our own prayers.

2. Philippians 4:6

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Paul encourages the Philippians (and us) not to be anxious about anything, but to bring every situation to God in prayer. This verse reminds us that prayer is an avenue to cast our worries and requests upon the Lord. It also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a heart of thanksgiving as we approach God with our petitions. Prayer is not only a means to seek God’s intervention but also an opportunity to express our gratitude and trust in Him. By bringing our concerns to God and thanking Him, we can find peace even in uncertain circumstances.

3. James 5:16

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

James instructs believers to confess their sins to one another and pray for each other’s healing. This verse highlights the importance of community in the process of repentance and restoration. Prayer holds great power when it is offered by a righteous person, someone who is in a right standing with God. It reminds us that our prayers, especially when joined with others, have the potential to yield remarkable results. We should not hesitate to seek support and intercede for one another in prayer, knowing that God delights in answering the heartfelt supplications of His people.

4. Romans 12:12

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

In this verse, Paul encourages believers to remain steadfast in prayer even amidst challenging circumstances. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a consistent and faithful prayer life. By being joyful in hope, we demonstrate our trust in God’s promises and His faithfulness to answer our prayers. Additionally, patience in affliction reflects our willingness to persevere and trust in God’s timing rather than becoming discouraged or giving up. This verse encourages us to cultivate a spirit of endurance and unwavering devotion to prayer, knowing that God hears and is actively working in and through our prayers.

5. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

“Pray continually.”

Paul implores believers to pray continually, highlighting the significance of maintaining an ongoing conversation with God. This verse does not mean we should be in constant verbal prayer, but rather that our hearts should always be inclined towards communion with God. It is a call to cultivate an attitude of dependence on Him throughout the day, seeking His guidance, wisdom, and comfort. Praying continually also helps to foster a greater awareness of God’s presence and a deeper relationship with Him. It reminds us that every moment is an opportunity to connect with our Heavenly Father through prayer.

6. Psalm 55:17

“Evening, morning, and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.”

In this psalm, David demonstrates his consistent practice of praying at various times throughout the day. His cry to God from morning to noon and even in the evening is an expression of his continuous reliance on God and seeking His help. This verse serves as a reminder that we can approach God in prayer at any time, not just during designated or specific occasions. Our Heavenly Father is always ready to hear our voices and is attentive to our needs no matter when we reach out to Him.

7. Luke 11:1-4

“One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.’ He said to them, ‘When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’”

Similarly to Matthew 6:9-13, this passage records Jesus teaching his disciples how to pray. This particular instance followed Jesus’ own session of prayer. The disciples recognized the power and significance of Jesus’ prayers and desired to learn from Him. This passage reaffirms the importance of studying and learning from Jesus’ example, highlighting the Lord’s Prayer once again. It encourages us to seek guidance and instruction from Jesus himself, acknowledging that He is the ultimate teacher and model of how we should approach God in prayer.

8. Psalm 88:13

“But I cry to you for help, LORD; in the morning my prayer comes before you.”

The psalmist declares his desperate cry for help to the Lord, emphasizing the timing of his prayer in the morning. This verse serves as a reminder that the morning is an opportune time to seek God in prayer. Starting the day by submitting our concerns, needs, and desires to God can set the tone for the rest of the day. Morning prayer allows us to surrender our plans and seek His guidance, wisdom, and favor. It also helps to cultivate an attitude of dependency on Him throughout the day, recognizing His sovereignty and authority over our lives.

9. Matthew 26:41

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Jesus advises his disciples to be watchful and prayerful, warning them against yielding to temptation. This verse signifies the importance of coupling prayer with vigilant awareness of spiritual battles and challenges. It acknowledges the inner struggle between our spirits’ desire to follow God’s will and the weakness of our flesh. By remaining watchful and engaged in prayer, we are better positioned to resist temptation and stay aligned with God’s plan for our lives. This verse reminds us that prayer is not just a means to receive from God but also a crucial aspect of spiritual warfare, helping us overcome the forces of darkness.

10. Colossians 4:2

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”

Paul urges the Colossians to devote themselves to prayer, highlighting the importance of intentionality and wholehearted commitment. This verse emphasizes making prayer a priority and giving it the time and attention it deserves. It encourages us to be watchful, remaining vigilant in our prayers and aware of God’s presence and guidance. Additionally, being thankful in our prayers cultivates gratitude, recognizing God’s faithfulness and provision in our lives. This verse reminds us to approach prayer not as a mere obligation but as a joyful and expectant means of communing with our Heavenly Father.

11. John 16:24

“Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”

Jesus assures his disciples that when they ask in His name, they will receive and experience complete joy. This verse underlines the significance of praying in Jesus’ name, acknowledging His authority and our reliance on Him as our mediator. It reminds us that God desires to answer our prayers and meet our needs, but we must approach Him with faith, sincerity, and in alignment with His will. When we pray, we are invited to come boldly before the throne of grace, confident that God will answer according to His wisdom and purpose. Through answered prayer, our joy is made complete.

12. Ephesians 6:18

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

Paul encourages believers to pray in the Spirit at all times, presenting various kinds of prayers and requests to God. This verse emphasizes the multifaceted nature of prayer, including praise, thanksgiving, supplication, intercession, and more. It also directs us to be alert and persistent in prayer, not only for ourselves but also for others in the body of Christ. Prayer is a powerful tool for spiritual warfare and the building up of the church. This verse calls us to be actively engaged in prayer, conscious of the needs around us, and committed to interceding on behalf of fellow believers.

13. Jeremiah 29:12

“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.”

In this passage, God promises the Israelites that when they call on Him and pray, He will listen to them. This verse demonstrates God’s willingness to hear and respond to the prayers of His people. It reassures us that God is attentive to our petitions and eager to engage in a relationship with us through prayer. Prayer is not just a one-way communication, but an invitation to enter into a dialogue with God, knowing that He hears and answers our prayers according to His perfect wisdom and timing. Jeremiah 29:12 encourages us to approach God confidently, knowing that He is always ready to listen and respond to our heartfelt prayers.

14. 1 Peter 3:12

“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Peter reminds believers that the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, emphasizing that He is attentive to their prayers. This verse highlights the intimate relationship between righteousness and effective prayer. When we live in obedience to God and seek to honor Him with our lives, our prayers carry weight and significance in His sight. At the same time, this verse serves as a warning that God’s face is against those who persist in evil. It reminds us of the importance of maintaining a repentant heart, seeking forgiveness for our sins, and aligning our lives with God’s will in order to experience the full power and effectiveness of prayer.

15. Psalm 145:18

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”

The psalmist declares that the Lord is near to all who call on Him, especially those who do so in truth. This verse assures us of God’s closeness and availability when we reach out to Him in prayer. It highlights the importance of coming before God with sincerity, honesty, and a genuine heart. God desires genuine relationship and connection with His children, and when we approach Him truthfully, He draws near to us. This verse encourages us to seek and maintain an authentic and transparent relationship with God through our prayers, knowing that He longs to meet us in our deepest needs.

16. 2 Chronicles 7:14

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

In this verse, God gives a conditional promise to His people. If they humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways, He will hear and respond. This verse highlights the importance of humility and genuine repentance in our prayers. It emphasizes our need to approach God with a contrite heart, acknowledging our need for His forgiveness and redemption. When we repent and turn away from sinful ways, God is gracious to forgive and bring healing. This verse serves as an invitation to seek restoration and revival through heartfelt prayers of confession and repentance.

17. Mark 11:24

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

Jesus teaches his disciples that when they ask for something in prayer, they should believe that they have received it and it will be granted to them. This verse highlights the importance of faith in our prayers. It challenges us to approach God with confidence, trusting in His power and provision. While this verse does not guarantee that we will receive everything we ask for, it reminds us of the transformative power of faith in our prayer life. When we pray with unwavering trust in God’s goodness and sovereignty, we can experience His answers that align with His perfect will.

18. Psalm 34:17

“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.”

The psalmist declares that the Lord hears the cry of the righteous and delivers them from their troubles. This verse assures us that God is attentive to our prayers and actively intervenes on behalf of the righteous. It reminds us that prayer is not in vain, but rather a means by which we can experience divine intervention and deliverance. When we cry out to God in honesty, humility, and faith, He hears and responds according to His loving and perfect plan. This verse encourages us to approach God with confidence, knowing that He is our help and refuge in times of trouble.

19. Matthew 21:22

“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

Jesus promises that if we believe, we will receive whatever we ask for in prayer. This verse underscores the importance of faith in our prayers. It challenges us to trust in God’s power and promises, knowing that He is able to fulfill our requests according to His will. However, it is important to note that genuine faith is not a formula for manipulating God but a recognition of His sovereignty and a surrender to His wisdom. When our desires align with God’s purposes and we approach Him with sincere faith, we can trust that He will grant what is best for us.

20. 1 John 5:14

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”

John reassures believers that when we ask anything according to God’s will, He hears us. This verse highlights the importance of praying in alignment with God’s purposes and plans. It acknowledges that our prayers are most effective when they are in accordance with His will. When we seek God’s guidance, discern His heart, and align our desires with His, we can approach Him with confidence knowing that He hears and answers our prayers. This verse encourages us to pray with a surrendered heart, desiring God’s will above our own, and trusting in His infinite wisdom and love.

What does the Bible say About How to Pray?

The Bible provides guidance on how to pray, emphasizing sincerity, humility, and a personal relationship with God. Jesus Christ, in particular, offered teachings on prayer that have become foundational for many Christians. Here are some key principles:

1. Sincerity: The Bible stresses the importance of genuine and heartfelt prayers. Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:5-6 that prayers should not be for show, but should be a private and sincere communication with God.

2. Humility: In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus shares the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. He emphasizes that approaching God with humility and recognizing one’s own sinfulness is essential for effective prayer.

3. The Lord’s Prayer: In Matthew 6:9-13, Jesus provides a model prayer, often referred to as the Lord’s Prayer. This prayer includes acknowledging God’s holiness, asking for His will to be done, seeking daily provisions, asking for forgiveness, and seeking deliverance from evil. This prayer serves as a template for structuring one’s own prayers.

4. Persistence: In Luke 11:5-10, Jesus shares the parable of the friend at midnight. This parable illustrates the importance of persistence in prayer. Just as the friend keeps knocking until he receives what he needs, believers are encouraged to persistently bring their requests to God.

5. Faith: Jesus emphasizes the significance of faith in prayer. In Mark 11:22-24, He teaches that having faith and not doubting when praying can lead to miraculous outcomes.

6. Relationship with God: The Bible encourages believers to approach God as a loving Father. In Matthew 7:7-11, Jesus compares God’s willingness to give good things to His children with a human father’s care for his own children.

7. Praying in Jesus’ Name: In John 14:13-14, Jesus says that whatever is asked in His name will be done, so that the Father may be glorified. Praying in Jesus’ name signifies aligning one’s prayers with His character and purpose.

8. Intercession: The Bible also teaches about intercessory prayer, where believers pray on behalf of others. In 1 Timothy 2:1-2, believers are urged to offer prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for all people, including leaders.

9. Thankfulness: Philippians 4:6-7 emphasizes the importance of combining prayer with thanksgiving. Expressing gratitude while making requests helps cultivate a positive and content heart.

10. Watchfulness: Jesus encourages watchfulness in prayer, as seen in Mark 13:32-37. Believers are urged to stay spiritually alert and prepared through prayer.

Overall, the Bible portrays prayer as a deeply personal and spiritual communication between individuals and God. While it provides specific guidance, it also emphasizes the sincerity of heart and the desire to align with God’s will in every prayerful interaction.