Complete List of Prayers in the Bible
Quick Summary
The Bible contains hundreds of prayers—spoken, sung, whispered, and wept. From Abraham’s intercession for Sodom to the Lord’s Prayer taught by Jesus, these prayers show us how God’s people have called on him throughout history. This list organizes the major prayers of Scripture by Testament, book, and individual, including short summaries and references to help you explore them further.
What Counts as a Prayer in the Bible?
Not every prayer begins with "O Lord," and not every mention of God is a prayer. For this guide, we’ve included:
Personal prayers (e.g., Hannah, Daniel)
Corporate prayers (e.g., Israel at the Red Sea)
Short intercessions (e.g., Nehemiah’s quick prayers)
Extended poetic prayers (e.g., Psalms, Mary’s Magnificat)
We have not included general blessings or ritual formulas unless they are presented as prayers directed toward God.
Old Testament Prayers
Genesis: Prayers in the Bible
Abraham — Genesis 18:23–33
Abraham intercedes for Sodom and Gomorrah, asking God to spare the city if righteous people can be found.Eliezer (Abraham’s servant) — Genesis 24:12–14
He prays for a sign to help him find a wife for Isaac, showing deep trust in God's guidance.Jacob — Genesis 32:9–12
Jacob prays for deliverance from Esau, pleading for mercy and remembering God’s promises.
Exodus: Prayers in the Bible
Moses — Exodus 15:1–21
A song of praise after crossing the Red Sea, celebrating God’s deliverance and power.Moses — Exodus 32:11–14
Intercedes for Israel after the golden calf incident, asking God to relent from destroying the people.Moses — Exodus 33:12–17
Pleads for God’s presence to continue with the Israelites during their journey.
1–2 Samuel: Prayers in the Bible
Hannah — 1 Samuel 1:10–18
In anguish, Hannah prays for a child, pouring out her soul before the Lord.Hannah — 1 Samuel 2:1–10
A song of thanksgiving and praise after the birth of her son Samuel.David — 2 Samuel 7:18–29
Offers a prayer of humility and gratitude in response to God’s promises to his family.
1–2 Kings / Chronicles: Prayers in the Bible
Solomon — 1 Kings 8:22–53
Dedicates the temple with a long and detailed prayer, asking for God’s blessing and mercy.Elijah — 1 Kings 18:36–37
Calls on God to send fire from heaven to show that he is the true God.Hezekiah — 2 Kings 19:15–19
Prays for deliverance from the Assyrian threat, acknowledging God’s sovereignty.Jehoshaphat — 2 Chronicles 20:5–12
Prays in the face of war, confessing his people’s powerlessness and turning to God for help.
Ezra / Nehemiah: Prayers in the Bible
Ezra — Ezra 9:6–15
Offers a confession of national sin after discovering intermarriage with foreigners.Nehemiah — Nehemiah 1:4–11
Prays for favor with the Persian king as he prepares to rebuild Jerusalem.Nehemiah — Nehemiah 9
Leads a corporate confession recounting Israel’s history and God’s faithfulness.
Job: Prayers in the Bible
Job — Job 1:20–22
After tragic loss, Job worships God and declares his faith in God's sovereignty.Job — Job 42:1–6
Repents and acknowledges God's power and wisdom after encountering the Lord directly.
Psalms: Prayers in the Bible
David — Psalm 51
A confession and plea for mercy after his sin with Bathsheba.David — Psalm 23
A prayer of trust and comfort, declaring the Lord as his shepherd.Moses — Psalm 90
A prayer for wisdom and for God’s favor to rest on his people.
Prophets: Prayers in the Bible
Isaiah — Isaiah 6:5
Confesses his unworthiness and sinful lips after seeing the Lord in the temple.Jeremiah — Jeremiah 20:7–18
Laments his suffering and frustration with his prophetic calling.Daniel — Daniel 9:4–19
A beautiful and humble prayer of confession and intercession for his people.Habakkuk — Habakkuk 3:1–19
A poetic prayer affirming trust in God despite uncertain times.
New Testament: Prayers in the Bible
Jesus
Jesus — Matthew 6:9–13
The Lord’s Prayer, teaching his disciples how to pray.Jesus — Matthew 26:36–46
In Gethsemane, prays in anguish before his arrest, submitting to God’s will.Jesus — Luke 23:34
Asks God to forgive those crucifying him.Jesus — John 17
The High Priestly Prayer, interceding for his disciples and future believers.
Early Church and Apostles
Disciples — Acts 1:24–25
Pray for guidance before choosing Matthias to replace Judas.Early Church — Acts 4:24–31
Pray for boldness in the face of persecution, and the place where they pray is shaken.Stephen — Acts 7:59–60
Prays for his spirit to be received and for the forgiveness of his killers.Peter — Acts 9:40
Prays before raising Tabitha (Dorcas) from the dead.
Paul
Paul — Romans 1:8–10
Gives thanks for the Roman believers and prays to visit them.Paul — Ephesians 1:15–23
Prays that the church may have wisdom, revelation, and knowledge of Christ.Paul — Philippians 1:3–11
Expresses love and confidence in God’s work among them.Paul — Colossians 1:9–14
Prays for their growth in wisdom, strength, and joyful endurance.Paul — 1 Thessalonians 3:11–13
Prays for love, holiness, and readiness for Christ’s return.
Revelation: Prayers in the Bible
Saints — Revelation 6:10
Cry out for justice, asking, "How long, Sovereign Lord?"Elders — Revelation 11:17–18
Offer thanksgiving that God has begun to reign.Angels and Saints — Revelation 19:1–8
Join in heavenly praise, rejoicing over God's righteous judgments.
Notable Prayers and Facts
First Prayer: Genesis 4:26 (people begin calling on the name of the Lord)
Shortest Prayer: Matthew 14:30, "Lord, save me!" (Peter)
Longest Prayer: Nehemiah 9 or John 17
Most Famous Prayer: The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9–13)
Most Powerful Intercession: Moses in Exodus 32 or Abraham in Genesis 18
FAQ: Prayers in the Bible
How many prayers are in the Bible?
There are over 650 distinct prayers, depending on how they are counted. This includes individual, corporate, and poetic prayers.
Who prayed the first prayer in the Bible?
The first recorded prayer-like intercession is Abraham’s in Genesis 18. However, people began "calling on the name of the Lord" in Genesis 4:26.
What is the longest prayer in the Bible?
Nehemiah 9 and John 17 are often cited as the longest full-length prayers in Scripture.
What is the most famous prayer?
The Lord’s Prayer, taught by Jesus in Matthew 6:9–13, is the most widely known and repeated.
Did Jesus pray regularly?
Yes. The Gospels show Jesus praying alone, in public, before meals, and before major events. His life was marked by a rhythm of prayer.
