Word Research
The Power of "Prayer" in Scripture
Communication with the Most High—Prayer is a foundational element of a believer’s relationship with God. It is more than words; it is a direct connection to the Most High, encompassing worship, intercession, repentance, and supplication. From the Old Testament prayers of the patriarchs to Jesus’ own instructions on how to pray, Scripture reveals its transformative power.
Occurrences of 'Prayer' in Scripture
The word Prayer appears throughout the Bible, reflecting the different ways people seek God. Here are key passages highlighting its significance:
📜 Genesis 4:26 – “Then began men to call upon the name of the Lord.”
📜 2 Chronicles 7:14 – God’s promise to hear and heal the land when His people pray.
📜 Psalm 145:18 – “The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him.”
📜 Matthew 6:9-13 – Jesus teaches the Lord’s Prayer.
📜 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.”
📜 James 5:16 – “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
Hebrew and Greek Definitions of Prayer
🕎 Hebrew: תְּפִלָּה (tefillah)
The Hebrew word tefillah means intercession, supplication, or a request made to God. It often implies deep devotion and seeking His will.
✝️ Greek: προσευχή (proseuchē)
The Greek word proseuchē refers to prayer directed toward God, often in the form of worship and petition. It is used extensively in the New Testament to emphasize communication with God through Christ.
Types of Prayer in Scripture
1️⃣ Worship & Adoration
📖 Psalm 95:6 – “O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker.”
📖 Luke 1:46-47 – Mary’s song of praise to God.
2️⃣ Intercession & Supplication
📖 Exodus 32:11-14 – Moses intercedes for Israel’s forgiveness.
📖 1 Timothy 2:1 – Prayers made on behalf of others.
3️⃣ Thanksgiving & Gratitude
📖 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – Give thanks in all circumstances.
📖 Colossians 4:2 – “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.”
4️⃣ Spiritual Warfare & Deliverance
📖Ephesians 6:18 – Prayer as a weapon in spiritual battles.
📖 Mark 9:29 – “This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.”
Prophetic Significance and Fulfillment in Christ
Prayer in Scripture ultimately finds its fulfillment in Christ, who:
📖 Luke 5:16 – Frequently withdrew to pray, setting an example.
📖 Hebrews 7:25 – Continually intercedes for believers.
📖 John 17:20-21 – Prayed for His disciples and future believers.
🌟 Prophetic & Symbolic Meanings
Prayer is not only a practice but a symbol of spiritual alignment, faith, and divine access:
🏛 Incense as Prayer (Revelation 8:3-4) – Symbolizing prayers ascending to God.
⚖ Prayer as a Legal Plea (Job 16:19-21) – Calling upon God as a witness and judge.
🔥 Prayer & Fasting (Daniel 9:3-4) – A method of humbling oneself before God.
The Lord’s Prayer – A Model for All Prayer
1️⃣ Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. → Worship & Reverence
2️⃣ Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. → Submission to God’s Will
3️⃣ Give us this day our daily bread. → Dependence on God for Provision
4️⃣ And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. → Repentance & Forgiveness
5️⃣ And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. → Spiritual Warfare & Protection
6️⃣ For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. → Acknowledging God’s Sovereignty
A Deeper Look at The Lord’s Prayer
📜 Rooted in Jewish Tradition – Modeled after prayers like the Amidah, reflecting ancient reverence for God’s holiness.
📜 Kingdom Declaration – A prophetic cry for the full establishment of God’s rule on earth.
📜 Spiritual Legal Plea – Asking for forgiveness acknowledges God’s justice while seeking His mercy.
📜 A Call to Spiritual Readiness – The plea for deliverance reflects the need to stand firm against temptation and the enemy’s schemes.
📜 Christ’s Example – Jesus prayed this as a guide, showing total surrender to the Father’s will.
Prayer Conclusion
Prayer is the lifeline of faith, granting believers direct access to God. Whether through worship, intercession, thanksgiving, or spiritual warfare, prayer shapes the believer’s walk and aligns them with God’s will. Christ, as our High Priest, has opened the way for bold and confident prayer.
“The Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.” – Proverbs 15:29
Prayer In English
Prayer
Prayer In Hebrew
Hebrew: תְּפִלָּה (tefillah) The Hebrew word tefillah means intercession, supplication, or a request made to God. It often implies deep devotion and seeking His will.
Prayer In Greek
Greek: προσευχή (proseuchē) The Greek word proseuchē refers to prayer directed toward God, often in the form of worship and petition. It is used extensively in the New Testament to emphasize communication with God through Christ.
Word Count
The word prayer is used 85 times in the Old Testament and 68 times in the New Testament of the KJV of the Bible.