How many times in the bible is prayer mentioned?

Do you know how many times prayer is mentioned in the Bible? Well, it depends on the version and context of the word. According to the King James Version (KJV), the word “prayer” appears 128 times.

But if you look at the English Standard Version (ESV), the word “pray” and its variations appear 322 times. However, we should note that not all of these instances refer to praying to God. In fact, there are over 650 prayers listed in the Bible!

Did you know that Jesus himself prayed 25 times during his earthly ministry? It’s true! And Paul, another important figure in the Bible, mentions prayer (prayers, prayer reports, prayer requests, exhortations to pray) a whopping 41 times!

So, as you can see, the number of times prayer is mentioned in the Bible varies depending on the version and context. But one thing is for sure, prayer is a significant aspect of the Bible and its teachings. (Sources: KJV Bible, ESV Bible, BibleGateway.com)

I’ve compiled a list of 239 Scripture verses that mention prayer and intercession in both the Old and New Testament. I had trouble finding the other 83 in the ESV, but I will get there. Apologies, if you find any mistakes. This list is a work in progress.

239 Bible Verses That Mention Prayer & Intercession (ESV)

1	1 Thessalonians 1:2	ESV	“constantly mentioning you in our prayers”
2	1 Chronicles 17:25	ESV	“prayed to You, and You have granted”
3	1 Chronicles 21:26	ESV	“built an altar…and called upon”
4	1 Chronicles 4:10	ESV	“Jabez called upon…God,
5	1 Chronicles 5:20	ESV	for they cried to God
6	1 Corinthians	ESV	“may devote yourselves to prayer”
7	1 John 5:14	ESV	“if we ask anything according to his will”
8	1 John 5:16	ESV	“if anyone sees his brother committing a sin”
9	1 Kings 13:6	ESV	“Entreat the favor of the Lord”
10	1 Kings 17:20	ESV	“and cried…and said, ‘O Lord my God'”
11	1 Kings 18:36	ESV	“at the time of the offering…Elijah…prayed”
12	1 Kings 3:6	ESV	“Solomon said, ‘You have shown great…love'”
13	1 Kings 8:28	ESV	Yet have regard to the prayer
14	1 Kings 8:29	ESV	place of my throne
15	1 Kings 8:33	ESV	“they pray toward this place”
16	1 Kings 8:45	ESV	then hear in heaven their prayer
17	1 Kings 8:49	ESV	their prayer and their plea
18	1 Kings 9:3	ESV	“I have heard your prayer”
19	1 Peter 3:7	ESV	“your prayers may not be hindered”
20	1 Peter 4:7	ESV	“be self-controlled for the sake of your prayers”
21	1 Peter 5:7	ESV	“casting all your anxieties on him”
22	1 Samuel 1:10	ESV	in bitterness of soul
23	1 Samuel 1:26	ESV	For this child I prayed
24	1 Samuel 2:1	ESV	And Hannah prayed and said
25	1 Samuel 23:10	ESV	“and said, ‘O Lord God of Israel'”
26	1 Samuel 7:5	ESV	“I will pray for you”
27	1 Thessalonians 5:17	ESV	“pray without ceasing”
28	1 Timothy 2:1	ESV	“I urge…supplications, prayers,intercessions”
29	1 Timothy 2:8	ESV	“pray, lifting holy hands”
30	1Thessalonians 5:25	ESV	“pray for us”
31	2 Chronicles 14:11	ESV	“Asa cried to the Lord”
32	2 Chronicles 14:11	ESV	Asa cried to the Lord
33	2 Chronicles 20:12	ESV	“‘We do not know…our eyes are on You”
34	2 Chronicles 20:12	ESV	We do not know…our eyes are on You
35	2 Chronicles 20:6	ESV	“and said, ‘O Lord, God of our fathers'”
36	2 Chronicles 20:6	ESV	and said, ‘O Lord, God of our fathers’
37	2 Chronicles 30:18	ESV	“Hezekiah prayed…saying,
38	2 Chronicles 30:18	ESV	Hezekiah prayed…saying, ‘May the good Lord’
39	2 Chronicles 32:20	ESV	“Hezekiah…Isaiah…prayed and cried to heaven”
40	2 Chronicles 32:20	ESV	Hezekiah…Isaiah…prayed and cried to heaven
41	2 Chronicles 32:24	ESV	“Hezekiah…prayed…and God…answered him”
42	2 Chronicles 32:24	ESV	Hezekiah…prayed…and God…answered him
43	2 Chronicles 33:13	ESV	“prayed…He…heard his plea…restored”
44	2 Chronicles 33:13	ESV	prayed…He…heard his plea…restored
45	2 Chronicles 33:18	ESV	his prayer to his God
46	2 Chronicles 6:19	ESV	Have regard to the prayer
47	2 Chronicles 6:21	ESV	Hear the pleas
48	2 Chronicles 6:29	ESV	whatever prayer, whatever plea
49	2 Chronicles 6:35	ESV	hear from heaven their prayer
50	2 Chronicles 6:39	ESV	then hear from heaven your dwelling place their prayer
51	2 Chronicles 7:12	ESV	I have heard your prayer
52	2 Chronicles 7:15	ESV	Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer
53	2 Corinthians 1:11	ESV	“help us by your prayers”
54	2 Corinthians 9:14	ESV	“your intercession for them”
55	2 Kings 13:4	ESV	“and entreated the Lord”
56	2 Kings 19:15	ESV	“Hezekiah prayed…and said, ‘O Lord'”
57	2 Kings 19:4	ESV	lift up your prayer
58	2 Kings 20:5	ESV	I have heard your prayer
59	2 Kings 4:33	ESV	“and prayed to the Lord”
60	2 Samuel 15:31	ESV	“David said, ‘O Lord, turn the counsel'”
61	2 Samuel 7:27	ESV	You, O Lord of hosts
62	2 Thessalonians 1:11	ESV	“pray always for you”
63	2 Thessalonians 3:1	ESV	“pray for us”
64	2 Timothy 1:3	ESV	“unceasing prayers…day and night”
65	Acts 1:14	ESV	“with one accord…in prayer”
66	Acts 10:2	ESV	“prayed to God continually”
67	Acts 10:30	ESV	“I was fasting…and at…hour
68	Acts 10:4	ESV	“Your prayers…have ascended”
69	Acts 10:9	ESV	“up…to pray”
70	Acts 11:5	ESV	“I was praying…on the housetop”
71	Acts 12:5	ESV	“earnest prayer for him”
72	Acts 13:3	ESV	“they…prayed and fasted”
73	Acts 14:23	ESV	“praying with fasting”
74	Acts 16:13	ESV	“place of prayer”
75	Acts 16:16	ESV	“going to the place of prayer”
76	Acts 2:42	ESV	“and the prayers”
77	Acts 20:36	ESV	“he…prayed with them”
78	Acts 21:5	ESV	“we knelt down…and prayed”
79	Acts 22:17	ESV	“I…prayed in the temple”
80	Acts 28:8	ESV	“Paul visited him…and prayed”
81	Acts 3:1	ESV	“to pray was the ninth hour”
82	Acts 4:24	ESV	“raised their voice…in prayer”
83	Acts 6:4	ESV	“to prayer and…the word”
84	Acts 6:6	ESV	“prayer and laying…their hands”
85	Acts 7:59	ESV	“Stephen…prayed”
86	Acts 8:15	ESV	“prayed for them”
87	Acts 8:22	ESV	“pray to…God”
88	Acts 8:24	ESV	“Peter, pray…for me”
89	Acts 9:11	ESV	“Saul…was praying”
90	Amos 7:2	ESV	I said, ‘O Lord God, forgive’
91	Colossians 1:3	ESV	“praying always for you”
92	Colossians 1:9	ESV	“since…we…do not cease to pray”
93	Colossians 4:12	ESV	“struggling on your behalf in his prayers”
94	Colossians 4:2	ESV	“continue steadfastly in prayer”
95	Daniel 10:12	ESV	“from the first day”
96	Daniel 6:10	ESV	as he had done previously
97	Daniel 9:17	ESV	for your own sake,
98	Daniel 9:21	ESV	“at the time of the evening sacrifice”
99	Daniel 9:3	ESV	I turned my face to the Lord God
100	Deuteronomy 26:7	ESV	“We cried…in prayer to the Lord”
101	Ecclesiastes 5:1	ESV	draw near to listen…to utter a word
102	Ephesians 1:16	ESV	“do not cease…giving thanks…in my prayers”
103	Ephesians 6:18	ESV	“praying at all times”
104	Ezekiel 8:18	ESV	though they cry in my ears
105	Ezekiel 9:8	ESV	I fell upon my face and cried
106	Ezra 6:10	ESV	offer prayers for the life
107	Ezra 8:21	ESV	“I proclaimed a fast…to seek…from God”
108	Ezra 8:21	ESV	I proclaimed a fast…to seek…from God
109	Ezra 8:23	ESV	“So we fasted…and our God listened”
110	Ezra 8:23	ESV	So we fasted…and our God listened
111	Genesis 20:17	ESV	Abraham prayed to God
112	Hebrews 13:18	ESV	“pray for us”
113	Hebrews 5:7	ESV	“offered up prayers and supplications”
114	Hosea 12:4	ESV	he strove with God…he wept and sought
115	Isaiah 1:15	ESV	When you spread out your hands
116	Isaiah 37:4	ESV	lift up your prayer
117	Isaiah 38:2	ESV	Hezekiah…prayed to the Lord
118	Isaiah 38:5	ESV	I have heard your prayer
119	Isaiah 56:7	ESV	their burnt offerings and their sacrifices
120	James 5:13	ESV	“let him pray”
121	James 5:14	ESV	“call…elders…pray”
122	James 5:15	ESV	“prayer of faith”
123	James 5:16	ESV	“pray for one another”
124	James 5:17	ESV	“Elijah…prayed fervently”
125	James 5:18	ESV	“he…prayed again”
126	Jeremiah 11:14	ESV	do not pray for this people
127	Jeremiah 14:11	ESV	do not pray for this people
128	Jeremiah 21:2	ESV	Inquire of the Lord for us
129	Jeremiah 29:12	ESV	then you will call upon me
130	Jeremiah 29:7	ESV	pray to the LORD on its behalf
131	Jeremiah 37:3	ESV	Zedekiah sent Jehucal
132	Jeremiah 7:16	ESV	do not pray for this people
133	Jeremiah 7:16	ESV	do not lift up cry or prayer
134	Job 16:17	ESV	my prayer is pure
135	Job 33:26	ESV	then man prays…and he accepts him
136	Job 8:5	ESV	If you…seek God…plead with…Almighty
137	Job 9:15	ESV	Though I am right, I…must appeal for mercy
138	Joel 2:17	ESV	“between the vestibule and the altar”
139	Jonah 2:7	ESV	“When my life was fainting away”
140	Jonah 4:2	ESV	He prayed to the Lord, and said
141	Jude 1:20	ESV	“praying in the Holy Spirit”
142	Judges 6:39	ESV	“Let me test…with the fleece”
143	Location	Translation	Snippet
144	Luke 1:10	ESV	“praying outside”
145	Luke 1:13	ESV	“your prayer has been heard”
146	Luke 11:1	ESV	“He was praying in a certain place”
147	Luke 11:2	ESV	“When you pray, say”
148	Luke 18:1	ESV	“they ought always to pray”
149	Luke 18:10	ESV	“two men went to pray”
150	Luke 18:11	ESV	“pharisee…prayed thus”
151	Luke 18:13	ESV	“tax collector…praying”
152	Luke 2:37	ESV	“with fasting and prayer”
153	Luke 20:47	ESV	“their…prayers”
154	Luke 22:40	ESV	“Pray that you may…temptation”
155	Luke 22:41	ESV	“He…prayed”
156	Luke 22:44	ESV	“being in agony he prayed”
157	Luke 22:46	ESV	“Why are you…rise and pray”
158	Luke 3:21	ESV	“praying, the heavens were opened”
159	Luke 5:16	ESV	“He would withdraw to pray”
160	Luke 6:12	ESV	“He…continued all night in
161	Luke 6:28	ESV	“pray for those who…you”
162	Luke 9:18	ESV	“He was praying alone”
163	Luke 9:28	ESV	“pray on the mountain”
164	Mark 1:35	ESV	“praying in a desolate place”
165	Mark 11:17	ESV	“house of prayer”
166	Mark 11:24	ESV	“whatever…ask in prayer”
167	Mark 11:25	ESV	“standing praying”
168	Mark 14:32	ESV	“they went to…pray”
169	Mark 14:38	ESV	“Watch and pray”
170	Mark 6:46	ESV	“He went up…to pray”
171	Matthew 14:23	ESV	“he went up on the mountain”
172	Matthew 19:13	ESV	“Then children were brought to him”
173	Matthew 21:13	ESV	“My house shall be called”
174	Matthew 21:22	ESV	“And whatever you ask in prayer”
175	Matthew 23:14	ESV	“for a pretense make long prayers”
176	Matthew 26:36	ESV	“Jesus…to pray”
177	Matthew 26:39	ESV	“He…prayed”
178	Matthew 26:41	ESV	“watch and pray”
179	Matthew 26:42	ESV	“prayed, saying”
180	Matthew 26:44	ESV	“praying for the third time”
181	Matthew 5:44	ESV	“pray for those who persecute you”
182	Matthew 6:5	ESV	“And when you pray”
183	Matthew 6:6	ESV	“But when you pray”
184	Matthew 6:7	ESV	“And when you pray”
185	Matthew 6:9	ESV	“Pray then like this”
186	Micah 7:7	ESV	I will look…to the Lord
187	Nehemiah 1:11	ESV	hear the prayer of your servant
188	Nehemiah 1:6	ESV	let your ear be attentive
189	Nehemiah 13:14	ESV	Remember me…forgive…deeds
190	Nehemiah 4:9	ESV	“we prayed…and set a guard”
191	Nehemiah 4:9	ESV	we prayed…and set a guard
192	Nehemiah 9:5	ESV	Stand…bless the Lord…praise
193	Numbers 11:2	ESV	Moses prayed to the Lord
194	Philemon 1:22	ESV	“prepare me…through your
195	Philemon 1:4	ESV	“always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers”
196	Philippians 1:19	ESV	“through your prayers”
197	Philippians 1:4	ESV	“always in every prayer”
198	Philippians 4:6	ESV	“in everything, by prayer”
199	Proverbs 15:29	ESV	the Lord…he hears the prayer
200	Proverbs 15:8	ESV	the prayer of the upright
201	Proverbs 28:9	ESV	If one turns away his ear
202	Psalm 102:1	ESV	Hear my prayer, O Lord
203	Psalm 102:17	ESV	He regards the prayer of the destitute
204	Psalm 109:4	ESV	But I give myself to prayer
205	Psalm 122:6	ESV	Pray for the peace of Jerusalem
206	Psalm 141:2	ESV	Let my prayer be counted as incense
207	Psalm 17:1	ESV	give ear to my prayer
208	Psalm 17:6	ESV	I call upon you, for you will answer me
209	Psalm 30:8	ESV	To you, O Lord, I cry…prayed
210	Psalm 34:15	ESV	to hear their cry
211	Psalm 34:17	ESV	they cried, and the Lord heard
212	Psalm 39:12	ESV	Hear my prayer, O Lord
213	Psalm 4:1	ESV	hear me when I call
214	Psalm 42:8	ESV	His song is with me
215	Psalm 54:2	ESV	Hear my prayer, O God
216	Psalm 55:1	ESV	give ear to my prayer
217	Psalm 6:9	ESV	The Lord has heard my plea
218	Psalm 61:1	ESV	Hear my cry, O God
219	Psalm 64:1	ESV	Hear my voice, O God
220	Psalm 65:2	ESV	O you who hear prayer
221	Psalm 66:19	ESV	God has heard my voice
222	Psalm 66:20	ESV	He has not rejected my prayer
223	Psalm 69:13	ESV	At an acceptable time, O God
224	Psalm 80:4	ESV	O Lord God of hosts
225	Psalm 84:8	ESV	O Lord God of hosts
226	Psalm 86:6	ESV	Give ear, O Lord
227	Psalm 88:13	ESV	I cry out to you
228	Psalm 88:2	ESV	let my prayer come before you
229	Psalm 90:1	ESV	make us glad for as many
230	Revelation 5:8	ESV	“golden bowls full of incense,
231	Romans 1:10	ESV	“in my prayers”
232	Romans 1:9	ESV	“without ceasing I…mention you always in my prayers”
233	Romans 10:1	ESV	“my…prayer to God”
234	Romans 12:12	ESV	“constant in prayer”
235	Romans 15:30	ESV	“by…the Holy Spirit, strive together…in your prayers”
236	Romans 8:26	ESV	“Spirit himself intercedes”
237	Romans 8:27	ESV	“who searches…intercedes”
238	Romans 8:34	ESV	“Christ Jesus…intercedes”
239	Zechariah 8:22	ESV	“Many peoples and strong nations”

Prayer in the Old Testament

The Old Testament is replete with instances of prayer, showcasing the diverse ways people sought communion with God.

Abraham’s Prayer

In the book of Genesis, we encounter the iconic prayer of Abraham, who fervently interceded for the city of Sodom, pleading for its salvation. This heartfelt plea for mercy stands as a testament to the power of prayer and its ability to move the heart of God.

Jacob’s Prayer

Additionally, the book of Genesis portrays prayer as a means of seeking guidance, as in Jacob’s wrestling match with the angel, wherein he implored for a blessing. These instances highlight prayer’s intimate and personal nature, demonstrating its capacity to forge a deep connection between humanity and the divine.

Worship and Sacrifice

Moving forward in the Old Testament, the books of Exodus and Leviticus present prayer as an integral part of the worship and sacrificial system of the Israelites. The priests were entrusted with the responsibility of offering prayers on behalf of the people, seeking atonement and divine favor. This structured approach to prayer emphasized the importance of communal worship and the need for repentance and reconciliation. The prayers in these books remind us of the significance of humility, obedience, and reverence in our approach to God.

The Book of Psalms

The book of Psalms, often referred to as the prayer book of the Bible, is a treasure trove of prayers encompassing a wide range of emotions and experiences. From songs of praise and thanksgiving to laments and supplications, the Psalms provide a comprehensive picture of the human condition and its relationship with God. These prayers are a source of inspiration and solace, resonating with believers throughout the ages. They teach us the power of expressing our deepest thoughts and emotions to God, fostering a sense of trust and intimacy in our prayers. As we engage with the psalms, we discover the transformative potential of prayer in shaping our attitudes and perspectives.

Wisdom Literature

The wisdom literature of the Old Testament, including the book of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job, also offers insights into the nature of prayer. While these books may not contain traditional prayers, they provide wisdom and guidance on how to live a life that aligns with God’s will. Through reflection and contemplation, the wise individuals in these books offer prayers of thinking, seeking understanding and guidance amid life’s complexities. Their prayers teach us the value of seeking God’s wisdom and aligning our lives with His purposes.

The Prophets

The Major and Minor Prophets of the Old Testament also provide glimpses into the role of prayer in the lives of the prophets and the people they served. These prophets served as intermediaries between God and the people, interceding on behalf of the nation and delivering messages of judgment and hope. In the context of the prophets, prayer becomes a powerful tool for seeking divine intervention and restoration. The blessings of prophets such as Jeremiah and Daniel reveal their deep faith and reliance on God amidst challenging circumstances. These prayers remind us of the importance of perseverance and trust in God’s faithfulness, even in adversity.

Prayer in the New Testament

The New Testament continues the rich tradition of prayer established in the Old Testament, presenting prayer as an integral part of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus, the perfect example of humanity’s relationship with the divine, engaged in sincere and heartfelt prayers throughout his earthly ministry. In the Gospels, we witness Jesus retreating to solitary places to commune with his heavenly Father, seeking guidance, strength, and communion. His prayers serve as a model for believers, highlighting the importance of cultivating a personal and intimate relationship with God through prayer.

The Book of Acts

The book of Acts, which chronicles the early days of the Christian Church, provides a glimpse into the prayers of the early believers. Amid persecution and opposition, the early Christians turned to prayer as a source of comfort, strength, and guidance. Their prayers were marked by unity, zeal, and a reliance on the Holy Spirit. These prayers not only sustained the early Church but also empowered them to proclaim the message of salvation boldly. The prayers of the early Church remind us of the power of corporate prayer and the importance of seeking God’s direction as we fulfill His mission.

The Epistles

The Epistles of Paul and other apostles offer further insights into the role of prayer in the life of believers and the Church. In his letters, Paul encourages believers to pray without ceasing, intercede for one another, and bring their petitions and thanksgiving before God. These letters emphasize the transformative power of prayer, highlighting its ability to bring about spiritual growth, unity, and God’s intervention in the lives of believers. The prayers recorded in these epistles also provide a framework for believers to approach God with faith, humility, and gratitude.

The Book of Revelation

The book of Revelation, the final book of the Bible, unveils the prayers of the saints as they anticipate the culmination of God’s redemptive plan. These prayers express a longing for justice, deliverance, and establishment of God’s kingdom. The prayers of the saints in Revelation teach us the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in our prayers, even amid trials and tribulations. They remind us that prayer is a means of individual communication with God and a collective expression of the longing for God’s ultimate restoration.

Lessons and Reflections on Prayer from the Bible

As we trace the instances of prayer from Genesis to Revelation, we glean valuable lessons and reflections on the nature and practice of worship.

Importance of Humility, Surrender, and Trust

Prayer teaches us the importance of humility, surrender, and trust in our relationship with God. It invites us to bring our fears, joys, and concerns before the One who listens and cares.

Power of Intercession

Prayer also reminds us of the power of intercession as we lift the needs of others and seek God’s intervention on their behalf. It invites us into deeper communion with God, fostering intimacy and vulnerability in our spiritual journey.

Cultivating a Genuine Relationship with God

Moreover, prayer is not merely a ritual or a religious duty but a means of cultivating a genuine and dynamic relationship with our Creator. It is a sacred dialogue that allows us to align our hearts with God’s purposes and seek His guidance in all aspects of life. Through prayer, we acknowledge our dependence on God and open ourselves to His transformative power.

Roadmap for Believers

The instances of prayer in the Bible serve as a roadmap for believers, inspiring us to approach God with faith, persistence, and reverence. In conclusion, the Bible is a testament to the power and significance of prayer in the lives of believers throughout history. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, prayer emerges as a central aspect of our relationship with God, connecting us to His divine presence and transforming our lives. As we embark on our prayer journey, may we be encouraged by the Bible’s examples of faithful prayer warriors and the promises of God’s faithfulness.

Embracing Prayer

Let us embrace prayer as a powerful tool for spiritual growth, communion with God, and expressing our deepest longings. In prayer, we discover our connection’s transformative and life-giving power with the divine.