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What does the Bible say about asking in prayer?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that believers should bring their requests to God with faith, humility, perseverance, and submission to his wise and gracious will. Jesus encourages his disciples to ask, seek, and knock, trusting the Father to hear them (Matthew 7:7; Matthew 21:22; Mark 11:24). Prayer is offered in Christ’s name, aiming at his glory and according to God’s will (John 14:13; 1 John 5:14). Scripture also warns that selfish and sinful motives hinder prayer (James 4:3), while confession and righteous living accompany effective prayer (1 John 1:9; James 5:16). Christians therefore pray continually, trusting God to give what is truly good and fitting (1 Thessalonians 5:17; John 16:24).

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Matthew 21:22

    All things, whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."

  • 1 John 5:14

    This is the boldness which we have toward him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he listens to us.

  • John 14:13

    Whatever you will ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

  • Matthew 7:7

    "Ask, and it will be given you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened for you.

  • James 4:3

    You ask, and don't receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it for your pleasures.

  • Mark 11:24

    Therefore I tell you, all things whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them.

  • John 16:24

    Until now, you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full.

  • James 5:16

    Confess your offenses to one another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effective, earnest prayer of a righteous man is powerfully effective.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:17

    Pray without ceasing.

  • 1 John 1:9

    If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

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