Prayer is a sacred lifeline between humanity and God. Whether you’re seeking comfort, asking for direction, or expressing gratitude, prayer invites us into a deep and personal connection with our Creator. In times of joy, sorrow, confusion, or peace, the King James Bible is filled with verses that remind us of the strength and hope found in prayer.
This post features 35 carefully selected King James Bible verses about prayer, each presented with a simple explanation to help you reflect on its meaning. These verses are powerful reminders that God listens, responds, and walks with us through every season of life.
35 King James Bible Verses About Prayer
1. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray without ceasing.
Explanation:
This short but powerful verse encourages believers to maintain a constant attitude of prayer. It doesn’t mean praying every second but being spiritually in tune with God throughout the day.
2. 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.
Explanation:
Instead of worrying, this verse teaches us to bring our concerns to God with gratitude. Prayer is the path to peace and confidence in God’s provision.
3. 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.
Explanation:
Jesus emphasizes the importance of private, sincere prayer over public displays of piety. God values our honest and intimate conversations with Him.
4. James 5:16
The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Explanation:
This verse assures us that heartfelt, righteous prayer is powerful and effective. God listens closely to those who seek Him earnestly.
5. 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.
Explanation:
Faith is a key element in prayer. Believing that God can answer prayers opens the door to divine blessings.
6. Luke 18:1
And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
Explanation:
Jesus encourages persistent prayer, especially when life gets hard. Never give up; keep praying.
7. Jeremiah 33:3
Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
Explanation:
God invites us to call on Him. He promises to respond and reveal things beyond our understanding.
8. Psalm 145:18
The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.
Explanation:
God is near to those who sincerely seek Him. Honest prayer brings us closer to His presence.
9. 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:
Explanation:
When our prayers align with God’s will, we can be confident that He hears us and will respond accordingly.
10. Romans 12:12
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Explanation:
This verse reminds us to stay joyful, patient, and persistent in prayer no matter our circumstances.
11. Matthew 7:7
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
Explanation:
God welcomes our requests. He promises to respond when we actively seek Him.
12. Psalm 34:17
The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
Explanation:
God listens to the cries of the faithful and delivers them from hardship. Prayer brings divine help.
13. John 14:13
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
Explanation:
Praying in Jesus’ name means asking according to His will. It brings glory to God when our requests reflect His heart.
14. Colossians 4:2
Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
Explanation:
Paul encourages constant, thankful prayer. Gratitude is an essential part of our communication with God.
15. Isaiah 65:24
And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.
Explanation:
God is attentive even before we pray. He knows our needs and is ready to respond in love.
16. Psalm 18:6
In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.
Explanation:
In times of trouble, prayer reaches God’s heart. He is always listening.
17. Proverbs 15:29
The Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
Explanation:
God is near to those who walk in His ways. Their prayers reach Him clearly.
18. 1 Timothy 2:1
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
Explanation:
We are called to pray not only for ourselves but for others—leaders, friends, and even strangers.
19. Jonah 2:1
Then Jonah prayed unto the Lord his God out of the fish’s belly,
Explanation:
Even in dire situations, God hears our cries. Jonah’s story proves it’s never too late to pray.
20. 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.
Explanation:
God invites us to approach Him with confidence. Prayer opens the door to mercy and help.
21. Psalm 55:17
Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.
Explanation:
David shows us that praying throughout the day strengthens our relationship with God.
22. Job 22:27
Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee, and thou shalt pay thy vows.
Explanation:
Prayer is a two-way promise—speak to God and follow through in obedience.
23. Psalm 66:19
But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.
Explanation:
A declaration of faith—God not only hears but truly pays attention to our prayers.
24. Matthew 21:22
And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
Explanation:
Faith unlocks the power of prayer. Believing in God’s ability is key.
25. Ephesians 6:18
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Explanation:
Prayer strengthens us in spiritual battles. It’s a vital part of the Christian life.
26. Daniel 9:3
And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:
Explanation:
Daniel’s serious approach shows prayer’s power when combined with humility and fasting.
27. 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.
Explanation:
Even Jesus spent long hours in prayer, reminding us of its importance before making decisions.
28. 1 Samuel 1:27
For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him:
Explanation:
Hannah’s prayer for a child was answered, showing the fruit of persistent and heartfelt requests.
29. 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.
Explanation:
The early church was united in prayer, a model of community and spiritual strength.
30. Psalm 102:17
He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer.
Explanation:
God honors the prayers of those in desperate need. No one is too broken for His ear.
31. Acts 12:5
Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
Explanation:
Collective prayer can lead to miraculous intervention. Never underestimate the power of praying together.
32. Matthew 26:41
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Explanation:
Prayer helps guard us from spiritual weakness. It keeps us alert and grounded.
33. Nehemiah 1:6
Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant…
Explanation:
Nehemiah’s plea reminds us to humbly ask God to hear us as we seek His help and guidance.
34. Psalm 143:1
Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.
Explanation:
A heartfelt cry for God to respond based on His faithfulness. Trusting His character gives peace.
35. Zechariah 13:9
They shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God.
Explanation:
This verse reflects God’s desire for relationship through prayer. It’s a beautiful promise of mutual belonging.
Closing Thoughts on Prayer and Faith
Prayer is not just a ritual—it’s a relationship. These King James Bible verses about prayer show us that God hears, cares, and answers. Whether you pray in silence, cry out in need, or whisper a word of thanks, God is always listening. These verses remind us that through prayer, we find strength, peace, and connection with our Creator.
Take time to reflect on these Scriptures. Let them guide your daily prayers and encourage your heart.
What’s your favorite verse about prayer? How has prayer impacted your life? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.