What Does the Bible Say About Prayer?

Prayer is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, serving as the primary means of communication between believers and God. Throughout Scripture, we find numerous teachings, examples, and exhortations regarding prayer. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of what the Bible says about prayer, its importance, proper practices, and its role in the life of believers.

The Nature and Purpose of Prayer

Communication with God

At its core, prayer is a dialogue with the Divine. It’s not merely a one-way transmission of requests but a two-way communication where believers speak to God and listen for His response. As 1 Thessalonians 5:17 instructs, we are to “pray without ceasing,” highlighting the continuous nature of this divine conversation.

Expressions of Faith and Dependence

Prayer is an act of faith, demonstrating our trust in God’s power and willingness to intervene in our lives. Jesus taught,

And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.

Matthew 21:22 (ESV)

This faith is not just belief in God’s existence but a deep-seated confidence in His character and promises.

Alignment with God’s Will

While prayer often involves making requests, its ultimate purpose is to align our will with God’s. Jesus exemplified this in the Garden of Gethsemane, praying,

…Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.

Luke 22:42 (ESV)

As we pray, we seek to understand and submit to God’s perfect plan.

See also: Bible Verses about Prayer

The Structure of Biblical Prayer

Adoration

Prayer should begin with worship and praise, acknowledging God’s greatness and character. The Psalms provide numerous examples of adoration in prayer, such as Psalm 145:1-3. Adoration involves recognizing God’s attributes, His mighty works, and His role in our lives. It sets the tone for the rest of our prayer by putting our focus on God’s majesty and sovereignty. This practice helps us approach God with the right perspective, reminding us of His power and our dependence on Him.

Confession

Honest confession of sin is a crucial element of prayer. 1 John 1:9 promises, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”. Confession involves acknowledging our shortcomings, expressing genuine remorse, and seeking God’s forgiveness. This practice keeps our relationship with God clear of obstacles and fosters humility. Regular confession also helps us maintain a keen awareness of our need for God’s grace and transformation in our lives.

Thanksgiving

Expressing gratitude for God’s blessings and answered prayers is essential. Philippians 4:6 instructs, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God”. Thanksgiving cultivates a positive, appreciative attitude and helps us recognize God’s ongoing work in our lives. It also serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness, which can bolster our faith when facing new challenges. Regularly practicing thanksgiving can transform our outlook on life and deepen our trust in God.

Supplication

This involves making requests for ourselves and others. James 4:2 reminds us, “…You do not have, because you do not ask”. Supplication allows us to bring our needs and desires before God, trusting in His wisdom and provision. It’s important to note that while God invites us to ask, He reserves the right to answer according to His will. Supplication should be offered with an attitude of submission to God’s perfect plan.

Types of Prayer

Intercessory Prayer

Praying on behalf of others is a significant aspect of biblical prayer. Paul frequently mentions his intercessory prayers for churches and individuals (Ephesians 1:16-19, Colossians 1:9-12).

Prayers of Lament

The Bible contains many examples of believers expressing sorrow and frustration to God, such as in the book of Lamentations and many Psalms (e.g., Psalm 13).

Prayers of Praise and Worship

These prayers focus solely on exalting God for who He is, rather than asking for anything. Many Psalms exemplify this type of prayer, such as Psalm 95:1-7 and Psalm 150.

Proper Practices in Prayer

Praying to the Triune God

While prayer is typically addressed to God the Father, it is offered through Jesus Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Our Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:9), and also said, “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (John 14:13).

Persistence in Prayer

The Bible encourages persistent prayer. Jesus told the parable of the persistent widow to teach that we “ought always to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1).

Praying in Faith

Hebrews 11:6 states, “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him”. Prayer should be offered with confidence in God’s ability and willingness to answer.

Humility in Prayer

The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14) illustrates the importance of humility in prayer. God responds to those who approach Him with a contrite heart.

Praying in Jesus’ Name

Jesus instructed His disciples to pray in His name (John 14:13-14), which means praying with His authority and according to His will.

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Prayer

Romans 8:26-27 teaches that the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness, interceding for us when we don’t know how to pray. The Spirit aligns our prayers with God’s will and empowers our prayer life.

The Power and Effectiveness of Prayer

Prayer Changes Things

James 5:16 declares, “…The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working”. While prayer doesn’t manipulate God, it is a means by which He chooses to work in the world.

Prayer in Spiritual Warfare

Ephesians 6:18 instructs believers to pray “at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication” as part of the spiritual armor against evil forces.

Prayer for Healing and Forgiveness

James 5:14-15 encourages prayer for the sick, linking it to both physical healing and forgiveness of sins.

Unanswered Prayer

The Bible acknowledges that not all prayers are answered as we desire. Paul’s experience with his “thorn in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7-9) demonstrates that God’s response to prayer may sometimes be “No” or “Not yet” for our greater good.

Hindrances to Prayer

Sin and Unconfessed Wrongdoing

Isaiah 59:2 warns that sins can create a barrier between us and God, affecting our prayers. When we harbor unconfessed sin, it can disrupt our communion with God. This doesn’t mean God doesn’t hear us, but rather that our sin affects our ability to approach Him with confidence. Psalm 66:18 states, “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” Regular self-examination and confession are crucial for maintaining an open line of communication with God. This doesn’t mean we must be perfect to pray, but rather that we should be quick to confess and repent when we become aware of sin in our lives.

Selfish Motives

James 4:3 cautions, “You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions”. Our prayers should align with God’s will and purposes, not merely our own desires. When our prayers are motivated by selfish ambition, greed, or a desire for personal glory, they are unlikely to be answered positively. God is not a cosmic vending machine, and prayer is not a means to manipulate Him into giving us what we want. Instead, we should seek to align our desires with His, asking for things that glorify Him and further His kingdom.

Lack of Faith

Jesus often linked the effectiveness of prayer to faith, as seen in Mark 11:24, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” This doesn’t mean that faith is a formula to get whatever we want, but rather that our prayers should be characterized by trust in God’s power and goodness. Doubt can hinder our prayers when it leads us to question God’s ability or willingness to act on our behalf. However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t mean we can never express doubts or questions to God in prayer. Many Psalms demonstrate that we can bring our doubts to God honestly while still maintaining faith in His character.

Disobedience

1 Peter 3:7 suggests that how we treat others can affect our prayers:

Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

1 Peter 3:7 (ESV)

This principle extends beyond marriage to all our relationships. When we willfully disobey God’s commands, especially in how we treat others, it can create a barrier in our relationship with Him that affects our prayer life. Obedience to God’s Word and loving treatment of others are important factors in maintaining a vibrant prayer life.

Corporate Prayer

While personal prayer is vital, the Bible also emphasizes the importance of corporate prayer. Acts 2:42 describes the early church as being devoted to prayer together:

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

Acts 2:42 (ESV)

This shows that communal prayer was a fundamental practice in the early Christian community.

Another powerful example of corporate prayer can be found in Acts 4:23-31. After Peter and John were released from custody, they gathered with other believers to pray. The passage states,

And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God…

Acts 4:24 (ESV)

Their united prayer was so powerful that

…the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

Acts 4:31 (ESV)

Paul also encourages corporate prayer in his letters. In Colossians 4:2-3, he writes,

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison.

Colossians 4:2-3 (ESV)

This passage shows how Paul viewed the prayers of the church as a crucial support for his ministry.

Corporate prayer allows believers to support one another, share burdens, and unite in seeking God’s will for their community and beyond. It also provides accountability and encouragement in maintaining a consistent prayer life.

Practical Tips for Developing a Prayer Life

1. Set aside specific times for prayer
2. Use Scripture to guide your prayers
3. Keep a prayer journal
4. Practice different types of prayer
5. Join a prayer group or find a prayer partner

Conclusion

Prayer is a multifaceted, essential practice for Christian living. It’s not just about making requests but about developing a deep, ongoing relationship with God. As we study what the Bible says about prayer, we’re equipped to engage in this vital spiritual discipline more effectively, growing in faith and aligning ourselves with God’s will.