221 Prayers of the Bible

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In the following list of Bible prayers (176 in O.T. and 45 in N.T.) we give only actual, worded prayers, not references to prayer. All statements as “he prayed, he entreated the Lord, he called upon the name of the Lord, ” etc., are not prayers; they merely mention that certain people prayed.

Six Prayers in Genesis:

  1. Abraham for an heir (40 words; Genesis 15:2-3). Answered because God had promised (Genesis 21:1-8).
  2. Abraham for Ishmael to be his heir (7 words; Genesis 17:18). Unanswered because it was not in harmony with God’s word and plan.
  3. Abraham for Sodom to be spared if 10 persons were righteous (176 words; Genesis 18:23-32). Unanswered because 10 righteous persons weren’t found (Genesis 19:24).
  4. Eliezer, steward of Abraham, for a bride for Isaac (110 words; Genesis 24:12-14). Answered because it was according to God’s word (Genesis 12:1-3,7; Genesis 13:15; Genesis 15:18; Genesis 17:7,19; Genesis 21:12).
  5. Jacob for a blessing (Genesis 28:20-22). Answered because of God’s plan for him (Genesis 32:1-33:17).
  6. Jacob for deliverance from Esau (130 words; Genesis 32:9-12). Answered because of God’s word and plan for him (Genesis 25:19-23; Genesis 26:3; Genesis 27:28-29; Genesis 28:3-4,13-15; Genesis 32:9).

References to prayer, entreating the Lord, calling on the name of the Lord, and groaning and being afflicted (Genesis 12:7-8; Genesis 13:4; Genesis 16:11; Genesis 20:17-18; Genesis 25:21-23).

Four Prayers in Exodus:

  1. Moses for Aaron to go with him (16 words; Exodus 4:13). Answered because God wanted to please Moses (Exodus 4:14-17).
  2. Moses in complaint to God for not delivering Israel (42 words; Exodus 5:22-23). Answered because of God’s word (Exodus 3:8,12,17-22).
  3. Moses for forgiveness for Israel (39 words; Exodus 32:31-32). Answered because of atonement and intercession (Exodus 32:11-14,30-35) and because of God’s word (Exodus 33:1-6,12-14).
  4. Moses for God’s presence to go with Israel to Canaan (138 words; Exodus 33:12-13,15-16). Answered because of God’s word (Exodus 33:12-14) and His grace (Exodus 33:17).

References to groaning, sighing, crying, and entreating the Lord (Exodus 2:11,23-25; Exodus 3:7,9; Exodus 10:16).

Nine Prayers in Numbers:

  1. Aaron for the blessing of God upon the people (32 words in the form of benediction; Numbers 6:24-26). Answered because of God’s promise (Numbers 6:27).
  2. Moses for God to bless on the journey (27 words; Numbers 10:35-36). Answered when Israel lived free from sin, but unanswered when they sinned, which was according to God’s word (Exodus 32:32-33).
  3. Moses in complaining to God because the burden was too heavy (136 words; Numbers 11:10-15). Answered because of God’s words (Numbers 11:16-20,25-30).
  4. Moses for God to show him what to do to give the people flesh (56 words; Numbers 11:21-22). Answered because of God’s word (Numbers 11:21) and to show His power (Numbers 11:23).
  5. Moses for the healing of Miriam (8 words; Numbers 12:13). Answered because of God’s love for Moses (Numbers 12:14-16).
  6. Moses for God to spare Israel and uphold His own honor (208 words; Numbers 14:13-19). Answered because of Moses’ prayer (Numbers 14:20).
  7. Moses for judgment on sin (20 words; Numbers 16:15). Answered because of sin (Numbers 16:23-34).
  8. Israel for forgiveness of sin (25 words; Numbers 21:7). Answered because of Moses’ prayer and by type of Christ on the cross (Numbers 21:7-9; Numbers 3:14-16).
  9. Moses for a new leader of Israel (56 words; Numbers 27:16-17). Answered because of God’s plan for Israel (Numbers 27:18-23).

References to prayer (Numbers 11:2; Numbers 21:7).

Two Prayers in Deuteronomy:

  1. Moses asking to go over into Canaan (59 words; Deut. 3:24-25). Unanswered because of sin (Deut. 3:26; Numbers 20:12).
  2. Moses for Israel to be spared (114 words; Deut. 9:26-29). Answered because of intercession of Moses (Exodus 32:11-14).

References to prayer (Deut. 9:20,26), also what to pray for elders at murder trials (Deut. 21:6-9) and what all Israel should pray after obedience to the law (Deut. 26:5-15).

Two Prayers in Joshua:

  1. Joshua in complaint because God had not given victory (90 words; Joshua 7:7-9). Answered so sin could be put away (Joshua 7:10-15).
  2. Joshua in the form of a command for the sun and moon to stand still (14 words; Joshua 10:12). Answered because of necessity for time to finish God’s work (Joshua 10:13).

Nine Prayers in Judges:

  1. Israel for guidance (14 words; Judges 1:1). Answered because it was in harmony with the will of God for the nation (Judges 1:2).
  2. Gideon for revelation and guidance (135 words; Judges 6:13,15,17-18,22). Answered because of God’s word and will for Israel (Judges 6:12,14,16,20-21,23).
  3. Israel for deliverance and forgiveness of sins (36 words; Judges 10:10,15). Answered because of God’s plan for Israel (Judges 11:1-33).
  4. Jephthah for victory (55 words; Judges 11:30-31). Answered because of God’s plan for Israel (Judges 11:32).
  5. Manoah for an angel to appear and give him directions (91 words; Judges 13:8,11-12,15,17). Answered because of God’s plan for Israel (Judges 13:9,11,13,16,18).
  6. Samson for one last victory (33 words; Judges 16:28). Answered because of his reconsecration to the Nazarite vows (Judges 13:4-5; Judges 16:22).
  7. Israel for guidance (14 words; Judges 20:23). Answered because of judgment on sin.
  8. Israel for guidance (19 words; Judges 20:28). Answered because of judgment on sin.
  9. Israel for revelation (24 words; Judges 21:3). No answer recorded.

Six Prayers in 1 Samuel:

  1. Hannah for a son (55 words; 1 Samuel 1:11). Answered because of God’s plan for Israel (1 Samuel 1:20-23) and promises to bless with children upon obedience (Leviticus 26:3-13; Deut. 28:1-14).
  2. Hannah to express gratitude for answered prayer (264 words; 1 Samuel 2:1-10). No request to answer.
  3. Saul for guidance (16 words; 1 Samuel 14:37). Unanswered because of sin (1 Samuel 13:1-14; 1 Samuel 14:37).
  4. David for guidance (7 words; 1 Samuel 23:2). Answered because of God’s plan (1 Samuel 23:2).
  5. David for revelation (72 words; 1 Samuel 23:10-12). Answered because of God’s plan.
  6. David for revelation (10 words; 1 Samuel 30:8). Answered because of God’s plan.

References to prayer (1 Samuel 7:9; 1 Samuel 8:6; 1 Samuel 12:18; 1 Samuel 15:11; 1 Samuel 28:6).

Four Prayers in 2 Samuel:

  1. David for revelation (16 words; 2 Samuel 2:1). Answered because of God’s plan.
  2. David for revelation (14 words; 2 Samuel 5:19). Answered because of God’s plan (2 Samuel 5:19).
  3. David for fulfillment of Davidic covenant (364 words; 2 Samuel 7:18-29). Answered partially, and will be fulfilled in all eternity when Christ comes to reign (Isaiah 9:6-7; Luke 1:32-33; Acts 15:13-18; Rev. 11:15; Rev. 20:1-10).
  4. David for forgiveness of sin (29 words; 2 Samuel 24:10). Answered, but judgments fell (2 Samuel 24:11-25).

References to prayer (2 Samuel 5:23; 2 Samuel 12:16; 2 Samuel 15:7-8; 2 Samuel 21:1).

Five Prayers in 1 Kings:

  1. Solomon for wisdom (146 words; 1 Kings 3:6-9). Answered because it pleased God (1 Kings 3:10-14).
  2. Solomon, prayer of dedication (1,050 words; 1 Kings 8:23-53). Answered according to obedience of Israel.
  3. Elijah for resurrection of boy (35 words; 1 Kings 17:20-21). Answered because of faith in God (1 Kings 17:22-24; Hebrews 11:35).
  4. Elijah for fire from heaven (63 words; 1 Kings 18:36-37). Answered because of faith (1 Kings 18:38).
  5. Elijah for death (18 words; 1 Kings 19:4). Unanswered because it was contrary to God’s plan which was to translate him and permit him to live bodily in heaven until time to come back to earth as one of the two witnesses (2 Kings 2:9; Zech.4:11-14; Malachi 4:5-6; Rev. 11:3-11).

References to prayer (1 Kings 13:6; 1 Kings 18:42-43).

Three Prayers in 2 Kings:

  1. Elisha for his servant’s eyes to be opened (11 words; 2 Kings 6:17). Answered by faith.
  2. Hezekiah for deliverance (133 words; 2 Kings 19:15-19). Answered by faith (2 Kings 19:35).
  3. Hezekiah for a longer life (30 words); he received 15 years more (2 Kings 20:3). Answered by faith (2 Kings 20:5-6).

Two Prayers in 1 Chronicles:

  1. Jabez for enlarged coast (33 words; 1 Chron. 4:10). Answered because of God’s word to give Israel all the land (1 Chron. 4:10; Genesis 15:18-21).
  2. David for Solomon and Israel (326 words; 1 Chron. 29:10-19). Answered partially, in the temporary obedience to God of Solomon and Israel.

References to prayer (1 Chron. 5:20; 1 Chron. 21:26; 1 Chron. 23:30).

Two Prayers in 2 Chronicles:

  1. Asa for victory (50 words; 2 Chron. 14:11). Answered by faith (2 Chron. 14:12-14).
  2. Jehoshaphat for victory (224 words; 2 Chron. 20:6-12). Answered by faith (2 Chron. 20:20-25).

References to prayer (2 Chron. 15:13; 2 Chron. 33:13).

Two Prayers in Ezra:

  1. Ezra-prayer of thanksgiving (50 words; Ezra 7:27-28).
  2. Ezra for forgiveness and help (419 words; Ezra 9:5-15). Answered (Ezra 10:1-19).

References to prayer (Ezra 8:21-23).

Nine Prayers in Nehemiah:

  1. Nehemiah for confession of sins and help (256 words; Neh. 1:5-11).
  2. Nehemiah for judgment (53 words; Neh. 4:1-6).
  3. Nehemiah for help (7 words; Neh. 6:9).
  4. Nehemiah for help (31 words; Neh. 6:14).
  5. Israel-confession of sins (1,205 words-the longest prayer; Neh. 9:5-38).
  6. Nehemiah for blessing (29 words; Neh. 13:14).
  7. Nehemiah for blessing (18 words; Neh. 13:22).
  8. Nehemiah for judgment (21 words; Neh. 13:29).
  9. Nehemiah for blessing (7 words).

Refrences to prayer (Neh. 2:4; Neh. 4:9; Neh. 8:6).

Seven Prayers in Job:

  1. Job-prayer of thanksgiving and resignation (30 words; Job 1:20-22).
  2. Job in complaint and for relief and forgiveness (114 words; Job 7:17-21). Answered (Job 42:10).
  3. Job in complaint and for relief (571 words; Job 9:25-10:22). Answered (Job 42:10).
  4. Job in complaint and for life and forgiveness (198 words; Job 14:13-22). Answered (Job 42:10).
  5. Job for a fair trial (48 words; Job 23:3-5). Answered (Job 38-42).
  6. Job, prayer of confession (34 words; Job 40:3-5)
  7. Job, prayer of repentance (87 words; Job 42:1-6). Answered (Job 42:10).

Seventy-two Prayers in Psalms:

73-123.  David.  In 50 prayer-psalms he made requests for various blessings, most of them being answered because of faith in God’s promises (Psalm 3-7; Psalm 9; Psalm 12-13; Psalm 16-17; Psalm 19-20; Psalm 22; Psalm 25-31; Psalm 35-36; Psalm 38-41; Psalm 51; Psalm 54-61; Psalm 64; Psalm 69-70; Psalm 86; Psalm 108-109; Psalm 119; Psalm 124; Psalm 132; Psalm 139-144).  The ones unanswered will be answered in due time for David even prayed about future events.

124-138.  An unknown psalmist (perhaps David) prayed for many kinds of blessings, which were granted or will be granted (Psalm 10; Psalm 33; Psalm 43-44; Psalm 71; Psalm 85; Psalm 88; Psalm 102; Psalm 106; Psalm 118; Psalm 120; Psalm 123; Psalm 125; Psalm 129; Psalm 137).

139-143. Asaph made many requests to God (in 5 prayers) for various kinds of blessing which were granted or will yet be granted (Psalm 74; Psalm 79-80; Psalm 82-83).

  1. Moses makes requests to God (Psalm 90).
  2. Ethan made requests for God to remember the reproach of His servants (Psalm 89).

Thus, in 72 of the 150 psalms there are personal requests to God, making them definitely prayer-psalms. A few of the other 78 may also be considered such because of the general nature of the subject matter. Even in the listed prayer-psalms many subjects are more outstanding than the prayers. See notes on these psalms.

Three Prayers in Isaiah:

  1. Isaiah for cleansing (38 words; Isaiah 6:5). Answered (Isaiah 6:6-7).
  2. Hezekiah for deliverance (133 words; Isaiah 37:16-20). Answered (Isaiah 37:36).
  3. Hezekiah for healing and length of days (30 words; Isaiah 38:3). Answered (Isaiah 38:5).

References to prayer (Isaiah 1:15; Isaiah 7:11; Isaiah 16:12; Isaiah 26:16; Isaiah 55:6-7). There are also prayers that Israel will make in the time of their restoration as a nation (Isaiah 12:1-6; Isaiah 64:1-12).

Eleven Prayers in Jeremiah:

  1. Jeremiah, confession of inability to obey God (12 words; Jeremiah 1:6).
  2. Jeremiah, accusing God (24 words; Jeremiah 4:10).
  3. Jeremiah for judgment (80 words; Jeremiah 10:23-25). Answered (Daniel 5).
  4. Jeremiah, questioning God (133 words; Jeremiah 12:1-4).
  5. Jeremiah for help for Judah (95 words; Jeremiah 14:7-9).
  6. Jeremiah for help for Judah (81 words; Jeremiah 14:20-22).
  7. Jeremiah, judgment (118 words; Jeremiah 15:15-18).
  8. Jeremiah for judgment (158 words; Jeremiah 17:13-18).
  9. Jeremiah for judgment (174 words; Jeremiah 18:19-23).
  10. Jeremiah for judgment (214 words; Jeremiah 20:7-12).
  11. Jeremiah, concerning captivity of Judah (209 words; Jeremiah 32:17-25).

References to prayer (Jeremiah 7:16; Jeremiah 11:14; Jeremiah 14:11; Jeremiah 21:2; Jeremiah 29:7,12; Jeremiah 37:3; Jeremiah 42:2,4,20).

Four Prayers in Lamentations:

  1. Jeremiah for judgment (108 words; Lament. 1:20-22).
  2. Jeremiah for consideration (113 words; Lament. 2:20-22).
  3. Jeremiah for judgment (158 words; Lament. 3:55-66).
  4. Jeremiah for the oppressed people of Judah (300 words; Lament. 5:1-22).

Jeremiah could be called the praying prophet as well as the weeping prophet. He has 15 recorded prayers.

Three Prayers in Ezekiel:

  1. Ezekiel protesting what God wanted him to do (41 words; Ezekiel 4:14).
  2. Ezekiel for the remnant (20 words; Ezekiel 9:8).
  3. Ezekiel for the remnant (14 words; Ezekiel 11:13).

Two Prayers in Daniel:

  1. Daniel for forgiveness of sins and fulfillment of prophecy (550 words; Daniel 9:1-19).
  2. Daniel for revelation (11 words; Daniel 12:8).

References to prayer (Daniel 2:17-18; Daniel 6:10).

Two Prayers in Amos:

  1. Amos for forgiveness s (16 words; Amos 7:2).
  2. Amos for help (16 words; Amos 7:5).

Three Prayers in Jonah:

  1. Sailors for mercy (33 words; Jonah 1:14).
  2. Jonah for deliverance from hell (198 words; Jonah 2:1-9).
  3. Jonah for death (70 words; Jonah 4:2-3).

Three Prayers in Habakkuk:

  1. Habakkuk for God to act (75 words; Habakkuk 1:1-5).
  2. Habakkuk for judgment (156 words; Habakkuk 1:12-17).
  3. Habakkuk for revival (474 words; Habakkuk 3:2-19).

Seventeen Prayers in Matthew:

  1. Jesus, The Lord’s prayer (66 words; Matthew 6:9-13).
  2. Leper for healing (9 words; Matthew 8:2). Answered (Matthew 8:3).
  3. Centurion for healing of his servant (73 words; Matthew 8:6-9). Answered (Matthew 8:13).
  4. Disciples for help from drowning (5 words; Matthew 8:25). Answered (Matthew 8:26).
  5. Demons for temporary liberty (37 words; Matthew 8:29-31). Answered (Matthew 8:32).
  6. A ruler for healing (18 words; Matthew 9:18). Answered (Matthew 9:25).
  7. A woman for healing (11 words; Matthew 9:21). Answered (Matthew 9:22).
  8. Two blind men for healing (8 words; Matthew 9:27). Answered (Matthew 9:29-30).
  9. Jesus giving thanks to God (38 words; Matthew 11:25).
  10. Peter to walk on water (13 words; Matthew 14:28). Answered (Matthew 14:29).
  11. Peter for help from drowning (3 words; Matthew 14:30). Answered (Matthew 14:31).
  12. A woman for healing of her daughter (36 words; Matthew 15:22-27). Answered (Matthew 15:28).
  13. A man for healing of his son (39 words; Matthew 17:15-16). Answered (Matthew 17:18).
  14. A mother for exaltation of her 2 sons, James and John (23 words; Matthew 20:21). Unanswered because of wrong motive and not in harmony with God’s plan (Matthew 20:23).
  15. Two blind men for healing (27 words; Matthew 20:30-33). Answered (Matthew 20:34).
  16. Jesus to be saved from death in the garden before He could die on the cross (62 words; Matthew 26:39-44). Answered (Hebrews 5:7).
  17. Jesus on the cross (9 words; Matthew 27:46).

References to prayer (Matthew 6:5-13; Matthew 7:7-11; Matthew 14:23; Matthew 18:19-20; Matthew 21:22; Matthew 23:14).

Two Prayers in Mark:

  1. A demon for temporary freedom (31 words; Mark 1:23-24).
  2. Jesus in healing a deaf mute (2 words-the shortest prayer; Mark 7:34). Answered (Mark 7:35).

References to prayer (Mark 1:35; Mark 6:41,46; Mark 9:23; Mark 11:22-24).

Seven Prayers in Luke:

  1. Simeon in blessing Jesus (43 words; Luke 2:29-32).
  2. Rich man in hell (80 words; Luke 16:24-31).
  3. Ten lepers for healing (5 words; Luke 17:13). Answered (Luke 17:14,19).
  4. A pharisee in boasting of his righteousness (34 words; Luke 18:11-12). Unjustified (Luke 18:14).
  5. A publican for mercy (7 words; Luke 18:13). Answered, justified (Luke 18:14).
  6. Jesus on the cross (10 words; Luke 23:34).
  7. Jesus on the cross (8 words; Luke 23:46).

References to prayer (Luke 3:21-22; Luke 5:16; Luke 6:12; Luke 9:28-29; Luke 11:1-13; Luke 18:1-18; Luke 22:31-32).

Five Prayers in John:

  1. Nobleman for healing of child (7 words; John 4:49). Answered (John 4:50).
  2. People for living bread (6 words; John 6:34).
  3. Jesus for resurrection of Lazarus (40 words; John 11:41-43). Answered (John 11:44).
  4. Jesus for glorification (19 words; John 12:27-28). Answered (John 12:28).
  5. Jesus for disciples (638 words; John 17:1-26).
  6. References to prayer (John 7:37-39; John 14:12-15; John 15:7,16; John 16:23-26).
  7. Six Prayers in Acts:
  8. Disciples for successor to Judas (41 words; Acts 1:24-25). Answered (Acts 1:26).
  9. Peter for healing of lame man (12 words; Acts 3:6). Answered (Acts 3:7-8).
  10. Disciples for boldness and power (178 words; Acts 4:24-30). Answered (Acts 4:31-33).
  11. Stephen for enemies (13 words; Acts 7:59-60).
  12. Paul for instruction (12 words; Acts 9:5-6). Answered (Acts 9:5-6).
  13. Peter for resurrection of Tabitha (2 words; Acts 9:40). Answered (Acts 9:40-41).

References to prayer (Acts 1:14; Acts 3:1; Acts 6:4; Acts 8:22,24,34; Acts 10:9,31; Acts 12:5; Acts 16:13-16).

Eight Prayers in Revelation:

  1. Elders in worship (27 words; Rev. 4:11).
  2. Angels in worship (22 words; Rev. 5:12).
  3. All creatures in worship (22 words; Rev. 5:13).
  4. Martyrs for vengeance (22 words; Rev. 6:10).
  5. Great multitude in worship (13 words; Rev. 7:10).
  6. Angels in worship (23 words; Rev. 7:12).
  7. Glorified saints in worship (56 words; Rev. 19:1-6).
  8. John for the coming of Jesus Christ a second time, 5 words (Rev. 22:20).

Besides the actual worded prayers in these 30 books of the Bible, there are many passages in them, as well as in some of the 36 books containing no prayers, that give much instruction on the subject of prayer.  It is thought by some that there are a number of prayers in the epistles, but in reality these books contain only statements to Christians regarding the apostles praying for them that God would bless them, or they give instructions for Christians to pray and tell them what to pray for.  These are not actual prayers addressed to God, however (Romans 1:8-10; Romans 16:20; Ephes. 1:15-20; Ephes. 3:13-21; Phil. 1:2-7; Col. 1:3-14; 1 Thes. 1:2-3; 1 Thes. 3:9-13; 1 Tim. 1:3-7; 2 Tim. 4:14-18; James 5:13-18).  For these facts see Prayer.

Thirty-six Prayerless Books of the Bible

  1. Leviticus
  2. Ruth
  3. Esther
  4. Proverbs
  5. Ecclesiastes
  6. Song of Solomon
  7. Hosea
  8. Joel
  9. Obadiah
  10. Micah
  11. Nahum
  12. Zephaniah
  13. Haggai
  14. Zechariah
  15. Malachi
  16. Romans
  17. 1 Corinthians
  18. 2 Corinthians
  19. Galatians
  20. Ephesians
  21. Philippians
  22. Colossians
  23. 1 Thessalonians
  24. 2 Thessalonians
  25. 1 Timothy
  26. 2 Timothy
  27. Titus
  28. Philemon
  29. Hebrews
  30. James
  31. 1 Peter
  32. 2 Peter
  33. 1 John
  34. 2 John
  35. 3 John
  36. Jude

Finis J. Dake, Dake Topical Index, WORDsearch CROSS e-book, Under: “Prayers of the Bible, 221”.

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