Bible verses about prayer
Matthew 7:7-8, James 5:16 and Matthew 6:6 are the verses people search for most on prayer. They cover asking, praying with others, and praying in private. All eleven are below in full.
Free to read, no account. Last updated November 9, 2026. Scripture: King James Version and World English Bible (public domain).
1.Matthew 7:7-8
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
In the World English Bible
“Ask, and it will be given you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who knocks it will be opened.
Jesus uses three verbs for prayer: ask, seek, knock. The point is to keep going, not to follow a formula.
2.Matthew 6:6
But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
In the World English Bible
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.
Jesus gives practical advice here. Go into a private room, shut the door, and talk to God without an audience.
3.1 Thessalonians 5:16-17
Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing.
In the World English Bible
Always rejoice. Pray without ceasing.
Two short commands that sit right before the well known one about thanks. The idea is a running conversation with God that never fully shuts off.
4.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.
In the World English Bible
Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective.
Prayer is placed in a community setting. Confess to each other and pray for each other, and James says it does real work.
5.Jeremiah 33:3
Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
In the World English Bible
‘Call to me, and I will answer you, and will show you great and difficult things, which you don’t know.’
God speaks to Jeremiah while he's shut up in prison. The invitation is to call and expect an answer.
6.1 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:
In the World English Bible
This is the boldness which we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he listens to us.
The confidence here is that God listens when you ask for things in line with what he wants.
7.Romans 8:26
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
In the World English Bible
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.
For the times you don't know what to say. Paul says the Spirit steps in and prays alongside you.
8.Luke 18:1
And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
In the World English Bible
He also spoke a parable to them that they must always pray and not give up,
Luke explains this story up front. It's about a persistent widow, and about not giving up on prayer.
9.Psalm 145:18
The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.
In the World English Bible
The LORD is near to all those who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
God is described as near to everyone who calls on him sincerely. It's a short line about distance.
10.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.
In the World English Bible
Let’s therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace for help in time of need.
An invitation to walk up to God's throne without fear and ask for help when you need it.
11.Colossians 4:2
Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
In the World English Bible
Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching in it with thanksgiving,
Paul asks the church to keep at prayer, stay alert, and say thanks while doing it.
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Read today's verseQuestions
What is a good Bible verse about prayer?
Matthew 7:7-8 is a good place to start. Jesus uses three verbs for prayer: ask, seek, knock. The point is to keep going, not to follow a formula.
How should I pray according to the Bible?
Jesus taught his followers a short model prayer in Matthew 6:9-13, which many churches still say. Matthew 6:6 says to pray privately and simply, and Romans 8:26 says you don't need perfect words. Most people start by talking to God plainly, the way they would to someone they trust.
Does God answer every prayer?
The Bible shows prayers answered quickly, slowly and in unexpected ways. Jesus himself prayed that a hard thing would pass, and then accepted the path (Luke 22:42). 1 John 5:14 ties confidence in prayer to asking in line with what God wants.
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Made by Lamplight, a small Sarvixo product. Notes on each verse are ours, written with AI tools and checked against the passage. The verses are printed exactly as published.