25 Encouraging Bible Verses on the Power of Prayer (with Free Printable)

There are many Bible verses on the power of prayer that will give you strength, encouragement, and perseverance as you continue on your faith journey.

These Scriptures can be used anytime you feel discouraged and need to be reminded of this powerful truth: your prayers matter.

Oftentimes when we find ourselves in a difficult situation, we become weary. When we see that our situations have not changed–even though we have cried out to God in prayer, it is easy to become discouraged.

Perhaps you are going through a difficult season in your life, or are praying for a loved one. We pray and pray, and sometimes nothing seems to change. 

In those moments, it is easy to throw in the towel and stop praying altogether. I certainly have been there too.

But in those moments of discouragement and despair, let’s remember that there is power in prayer, and that God hears our every cry. 

Free Printable Bible Verses on the Power of Prayer

You can download a FREE Scripture reading plan with 25 powerful Scriptures on prayer, and be encouraged to pray with power!

May these compelling power of prayer verses remind us of God’s truth–and may we be strengthened to keep praying, no matter what.

Examples of the Power of Prayer in Scripture

When we need encouragement in our prayer lives, we can look to examples of people in the Bible who persevered in their prayers.

Like when Elijah prayed and God sent fire from heaven (1 Kings 18:20-40).

Or when Hannah prayed fervently for a son, and God granted her request (1 Samuel 19:20).

There was also the time when a vast army went to fight against King Jehoshaphat. He cried out to the Lord, and helped them defeat their enemies (2 Chronicles 20).

When we begin to feel discouraged about our prayers not being answered, we can remember these inspiring stories of God’s strength, power, and might. He used ordinary people to do amazing things for his glory–and God can use us too.

One of the most popular and well-known verses on the power of prayer is James 5:16,

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (NIV)

The second sentence is such an encouragement to us because it reminds us that the power of our prayers is not found in our own strength, put in the power of God.

The words “powerful” and “effective” come from the Greek word energeō, which means to be operative, be at work, put forth power, to effect (source).

The Scripture in Ephesians 3:20 also uses this same Greek word:

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…

God through the power of the Holy Spirit is able to do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine–and it is through his power that we are equipped to pray effectively.

25 Bible Verses About the Power of Prayer to Encourage your Heart

Take a look at these 25 power of prayer verses to reflect on when you need encouragement–and remember that there is power in prayer!

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16

In this familiar passage on the power of prayer, James (most likely the brother of Jesus), wrote to Jewish Christians who were experiencing hardship and persecution (James 1:12).

This powerful writer encouraged believers to pray in all circumstances, whether they were in trouble, joyful, or experiencing illness. 

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.

James 5:13-14

He also urged them to confess their sins to one another, and that they would be healed (James 5:16a).

Our prayers are not powerful through our own good merits, but through the righteousness and grace of Christ.

Power of Prayer Verses: Praying to Draw Closer to God

By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life. Psalm 42:8

Many psalms of praise and adoration are powerful prayers written to draw us closer to God and to lift up his name among the assembly of his people.

We can use these psalms of praise as personal prayers when we have our own quiet times with God. 

These special times with God revive our souls, and are powerful ways to pray each day.

These Scriptures remind us that God is close to us, and through the righteousness of Christ, we are justified through faith, and can approach God’s throne of grace with confidence (Hebrews 4:16).

Take a look at these Scriptures on the power of prayer to draw closer to God.

Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth. Psalm 54:2

He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea. Psalm 102:17

The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous. Proverbs 15:29

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Ephesians 3:16

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:17-19

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:6

“This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:9-10

When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. Acts 4:24

Power of Prayer Verses: Perseverance in Prayer

When we experience difficult times in our lives, these Scriptures on perseverance in prayer can remind us to be faithful in our own prayer journeys.

Powerful prayer does not always happen when we pray about something one time. We can remain faithful in our prayer lives by continuously going to God in prayer each day.

This not only strengthens our faith, but gives us the perseverance to keep trusting in the Lord.

Here are some Scriptures to give you encouragement to persevere in your prayers.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2 

For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. 1 Timothy 4:4-5

During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Hebrews 5:7

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. 1 Peter 3:12

Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Matthew 21:21-22

Power of Prayer Verses: Praying Against Temptation

There is certainly power in our prayers when we call out to God for help during times of temptation. When Jesus prayed before his crucifixion, he instructed the disciples to pray so that they do not fall into temptation (Matthew 26:41). 

He knew the difficult road the disciples would face when he would no longer be with them, and he urged them to call out to God in prayer.

We can also pray to God for help during times of temptation, and his Spirit will sustain us through any difficult storm.

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. Romans 8:26

Power of Prayer Verses: Praying for Others

There are many Scriptures about praying for others that we can use to gain inspiration and insight in our own prayers.

Not only is it important to have times when we pray with one another in church and small group settings, but there is power in our prayers when we pray for each other.

Jesus prayed for his disciples and for future believers in John 17. 

We can definitely follow his example and pray for friends, family, and those who are within the body of Christ. Here are some examples of Scriptures to remind us to pray for others.

Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. Matthew 19:13

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. John 17:20-21

They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. Acts 1:14

I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. Ephesians 1:16

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:18

We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. 1 Thessalonians 1:2

Power of Prayer Verses: Praying Against Fear and Anxiety

When we are afraid, nervous, or anxious about something that is going on in our lives, prayer is a powerful way to combat those feelings and move forward with peace and confidence.

May these Scriptures give you encouragement as you pray to God with power for his strength to help you overcome your fears and walk in the freedom of Christ.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. Ephesians 6:19-20

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? Psalm 56:3-4

In Conclusion

There are many Bible verses on the power of prayer that can inspire us to persevere in our prayer lives.

May these Scriptures encourage you as you seek to pray with power and confidence each day!

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