Musing – Why does the Bible mention prayer so often?

 Hebraic Musing – Why does the Bible mention prayer so often?

The Bible mentions “Prayer” – 158x in the NKJV; and “Pray” is mentioned 126x, and “Praying” appears 25x.  That’s over 300 specific mentions, so Prayer must be important to Almighty God!   Google claim there are 650 prayers in the Bible.  Our Sunday School class was asked to name from memory some “prayers of the believers” in scripture.  Our SS class quickly and easily rattled off these 27 examples:

Samson’s mom; Mary’s prayer; Hannah; Balaam, Jabez; Isac’s wife to be; Lord’s (or Disciples) Prayer; Rebekah’s prayer; High priestly (John 17); Jesus in the Garden; Hezekiah; Samson; Simeon in Luke 2; Job’s prayer; Thief on the cross; Joshua for sun to stand still; Psalms (almost all of them); Jacob’s stairway to heaven; Abraham’s; John in Revelation; Moses; Jonah in fish & in Ninevah; Intersession for Lot; David’s re God’s promises; Solomon’s dedication; Daniel et al; etc.

Webster’s definition of “Prayer” or “Pray” is “an address (such as a petition) to God or a god in word or thought; (2) a set order of words used in praying; an earnest request or wish”.   Webster’s definition sounds rather sterile considering that praying or prayer involves conversing with our Almighty God and Father, the Creator of the Universe!!!

How important is prayer?  Here are some classic answers to ponder:
1. Develops our Personal Relationship with God;
2. Provides Guidance and Wisdom;
3. Brings Peace and Comfort;
4. Increases Faith and Trust in God;
5. Allows opportunities for intercession for others;
6. Helps resist Temptation;
7. Aligns our will with God’s will.

BUT, as our SS Class processed the role of prayer, it became obvious that prayer needs to be recognized as a conversation with our Almighty Father God.  What a privilege!  Our Almighty God and Father actually wants to hear from us, His children, and He is standing by 24/7 to converse with each of us. 

Is the purpose of our “prayer time” to tell Almighty God what we want, OR should we stop and listen to what Our Father wants to say to us?  I must confess that all too often my prayers, and prayers of others, sound like “Gimme me, Gimme me”!  If God is not ready to give us the answer to our request that we want, might it be because we cannot handle it, or we’re not ready for the answer (yet), or might we be asking amiss?  “You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.” James 4:3 NKJV

Does Almighty God want his children to come to Him for their needs?  And to call on Him for advice or His opinion?  Are we really seeking His answer, or are we wanting Him to give us the answer we want?

What does His Word tell us to do?  “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 1:16-18

Points to Ponder

Was Almighty God thinking of prayer when He gave us two ears and only one mouth?

How do you feel when your children come to you to ask you for your advice?

♫  Put on the garment of praise For the spirit of heaviness. Lift up your voice to God
        Praise with the Spirit And with understanding, Oh magnify the Lord.  ♫

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                         August 12, 2025      
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Note – Inspired by Corey Corrick’s Sunday School lesson, August 3, 2025