Greatest Powerful Prayers

The following list of Bible prayers is from the Dake Annotated Reference Bible, King James Version (Used by Permission – Dake Publishing). Dake found 176 prayers in the Old Testament and 46 in the New Testament. They include only actual worded prayers, not references to prayer. All statements as “he prayed, he entreated the Lord, he called upon the name of the Lord,” etc., are not prayers; they merely mention that certain people prayed.

Six Prayers in Genesis:

1. Abraham for an heir (40 words; Gen 15:2-3). Answered because God had promised (Gen 21:1-8).

2. Abraham for Ishmael to be his heir (7 words; Gen 17:18). Unanswered because it was not in harmony with God’s word and plan.

3. Abraham for Sodom to be spared if 10 persons were righteous (176 words; Gen 18:23-32). Unanswered because 10 righteous persons weren’t found (Gen 19:24).

4. Eliezer, steward of Abraham, for a bride for Isaac (110 words; Gen 24:12-14). Answered because it was according to God’s word (Gen 12:1-3,7; 13:15; 15:18; 17:7,19; 21:12).

5. Jacob for a blessing (Gen 28:20-22). Answered because of God’s plan for him (Gen 32:1-33:17).

6. Jacob for deliverance from Esau (130 words; Gen 32:9-12). Answered because of God’s word and plan for him (Gen 25:19-23; 26:3; 27:28-29; 28:3-4,13-15; 32:9).

References to prayer, entreating the Lord, calling on the name of the Lord, and groaning and being afflicted (Gen 12:7-8; 13:4; 16:11; 20:17-18; 25:21-23).

Four Prayers in Exodus:

7. Moses for Aaron to go with him (16 words; Ex 4:13). Answered because God wanted to please Moses (Ex 4:14-17).

8. Moses in complaint to God for not delivering Israel (42 words; Ex 5:22-23). Answered because of God’s word (Ex 3:8,12, 17-22).

9. Moses for forgiveness for Israel (39 words; Ex 32:31-32). Answered because of atonement and intercession (Ex 32:11-14,30-35) and because of God’s word (Ex 33:1-6,12-14).

10. Moses for God’s presence to go with Israel to Canaan (138 words; Ex 33:12-13,15-16). Answered because of God’s word (Ex 33:12-14) and His grace (Ex 33:17).

References to groaning, sighing, crying, and entreating the Lord (Ex 2:11,23-25; 3:7,9; 10:16).

Nine Prayers in Numbers:

11. Aaron for the blessing of God upon the people (32 words in the form of benediction; Num 6:24-26). Answered because of God’s promise (Num 6:27).

12. Moses for God to bless on the journey (27 words; Num 10:35-36). Answered when Israel lived free from sin, but unanswered when they sinned, which was according to God’s word (Ex 32:32-33).

13. Moses in complaining to God because the burden was too heavy (136 words; Num 11:10-15). Answered because of God’s words (Num 11:16-20,25-30).

14. Moses for God to show him what to do to give the people flesh (56 words; Num 11:21-22). Answered because of God’s word (Num 11:21) and to show His power (Num 11:23).

15. Moses for the healing of Miriam (8 words; Num 12:13). Answered because of God’s love for Moses (Num 12:14-16).

16. Moses for God to spare Israel and uphold His own honor (208 words; Num 14:13-19). Answered because of Moses’ prayer (Num 14:20).

17. Moses for judgment on sin (20 words; Num 16:15). Answered because of sin (Num 16:23-34).

18. Israel for forgiveness of sin (25 words; Num 21:7). Answered because of Moses’ prayer and by type of Christ on the cross (Num 21:7-9; 3:14-16).

19. Moses for a new leader of Israel (56 words; Num 27:16-17). Answered because of God’s plan for Israel (Num 27:18-23).

References to prayer (Num 11:2; 21:7).

Two Prayers in Deuteronomy:

20. Moses asking to go over into Canaan (59 words; Deut 3:24-25). Unanswered because of sin (Deut 3:26; Num 20:12).

21. Moses for Israel to be spared (114 words; Deut 9:26-29). Answered because of intercession of Moses (Ex 32:11-14).

References to prayer (Deut 9:20,26), also what to pray for elders at murder trials (Deut 21:6-9) and what all Israel should pray after obedience to the law (Deut 26:5-15).

Two Prayers in Joshua:

22. Joshua in complaint because God had not given victory (90 words; Josh 7:7-9). Answered so sin could be put away (Josh 7:10-15).

23. Joshua in the form of a command for the sun and moon to stand still (14 words; Josh 10:12). Answered because of necessity for time to finish God’s work (Josh 10:13).

Nine Prayers in Judges:

24. Israel for guidance (14 words; Judges 1:1). Answered because it was in harmony with the will of God for the nation (Judges 1:2).

25. Gideon for revelation and guidance (135 words; Judges 6:13,15,17-18,22). Answered because of God’s word and will for Israel (Judges 6:12,14,16,20-21,23).

26. Israel for deliverance and forgiveness of sins (36 words; Judges 10:10,15). Answered because of God’s plan for Israel (Judges 11:1-33).

27. Jephthah for victory (55 words; Judges 11:30-31). Answered because of God’s plan for Israel (Judges 11:32).

28. Manoah for an angel to appear and give him directions (91 words; Judges 13:8,11-12,15,17). Answered because of God’s plan for Israel (Judges 13:9,11,13,16,18).

29. Samson for one last victory (33 words; Judges 16:28). Answered because of his reconsecration to the Nazarite vows (Judges 13:4-5; 16:22).

30. Israel for guidance (14 words; Judges 20:23). Answered because of judgment on sin.

31. Israel for guidance (19 words; Judges 20:28). Answered because of judgment on sin.

32. Israel for revelation (24 words; Judges 21:3). No answer recorded.

Six Prayers in 1 Samuel:

33. Hannah for a son (55 words; 1 Sam 1:11). Answered because of God’s plan for Israel (1 Sam 1:20-23) and promises to bless with children upon obedience (Lev 26:3-13; Deut 28:1-14).

34. Hannah to express gratitude for answered prayer (264 words; 1 Sam 2:1-10). No request to answer.

35. Saul for guidance (16 words; 1 Sam 14:37). Unanswered because of sin (1 Sam 13:1-14; 14:37).

36. David for guidance (7 words; 1 Sam 23:2). Answered because of God’s plan (1 Sam 23:2).

37. David for revelation (72 words; 1 Sam 23:10-12). Answered because of God’s plan.

38. David for revelation (10 words; 1 Sam 30:8). Answered because of God’s plan.

References to prayer (1 Sam 7:9; 8:6; 12:18; 15:11; 28:6).

Four Prayers in 2 Samuel:

39. David for revelation (16 words; 2 Sam 2:1). Answered because of God’s plan.

40. David for revelation (14 words; 2 Sam 5:19). Answered because of God’s plan (2 Sam 5:19).

41. David for fulfillment of Davidic covenant (364 words; 2 Sam 7:18-29). Answered partially, and will be fulfilled in all eternity when Christ comes to reign (Isa 9:6-7; Luke 1:32-33; Acts 15:13-18; Rev 11:15; 20:1-10).

42. David for forgiveness of sin (29 words; 2 Sam 24:10). Answered, but judgments fell (2 Sam 24:11-25).

References to prayer (2 Sam 5:23; 12:16; 15:7-8; 21:1).

Five Prayers in 1 Kings:

43. Solomon for wisdom (146 words; 1 Kings 3:6-9). Answered because it pleased God (1 Kings 3:10-14).

44. Solomon, prayer of dedication (1,050 words; 1 Kings 8:23-53). Answered according to obedience of Israel.

45. Elijah for resurrection of boy (35 words; 1 Kings 17:20-21). Answered because of faith in God (1 Kings 17:22-24; Heb 11:35).

46. Elijah for fire from heaven (63 words; 1 Kings 18:36-37). Answered because of faith (1 Kings 18:38).

47. Elijah for death (18 words; 1 Kings 19:4). Unanswered because it was contrary to God’s plan which was to translate him and permit him to live bodily in heaven until time to come back to earth as one of the two witnesses (2 Kings 2:9; Zech 4:11-14; Mal 4:5-6; Rev 11:3-11).

References to prayer (1 Kings 13:6; 18:42-43).

Three Prayers in 2 Kings:

48. Elisha for his servant’s eyes to be opened (11 words; 2 Kings 6:17). Answered by faith.

49. Hezekiah for deliverance (133 words; 2 Kings 19:15-19). Answered by faith (2 Kings 19:35).

50. Hezekiah for a longer life (30 words); he received 15 years more (2 Kings 20:3). Answered by faith (2 Kings 20:5-6).

Two Prayers in 1 Chronicles:

51. Jabez for enlarged coast (33 words; 1 Chron 4:10). Answered because of God’s word to give Israel all the land (1 Chron 4:10; Gen 15:18-21).

52. David for Solomon and Israel (326 words; 1 Chron 29:10-19). Answered partially, in the temporary obedience to God of Solomon and Israel.

References to prayer (1 Chron 5:20; 21:26; 23:30).

Two Prayers in 2 Chronicles:

53. Asa for victory (50 words; 2 Chron 14:11). Answered by faith (2 Chron 14:12-14).

54. Jehoshaphat for victory (224 words; 2 Chron 20:6-12). Answered by faith (2 Chron 20:20-25).

References to prayer (2 Chron 15:13; 33:13).

Two Prayers in Ezra:

55. Ezra-prayer of thanksgiving (50 words; Ezra 7:27-28).

56. Ezra for forgiveness and help (419 words; Ezra 9:5-15). Answered (Ezra 10:1-19).

References to prayer (Ezra 8:21-23).

Nine Prayers in Nehemiah:

57. Nehemiah for confession of sins and help (256 words; Neh 1:5-11).

58. Nehemiah for judgment (53 words; Neh 4:1-6).

59. Nehemiah for help (7 words; Neh 6:9).

60. Nehemiah for help (31 words; Neh 6:14).

61. Israel-confession of sins (1,205 words-the longest prayer; Neh 9:5-38).

62. Nehemiah for blessing (29 words; Neh 13:14).

63. Nehemiah for blessing (18 words; Neh 13:22).

64. Nehemiah for judgment (21 words; Neh 13:29).

65. Nehemiah for blessing (7 words).

Refrences to prayer (Neh 2:4; 4:9; 8:6).

Seven Prayers in Job:

66. Job-prayer of thanksgiving and resignation (30 words; Job 1:20-22).

67. Job in complaint and for relief and forgiveness (114 words; Job 7:17-21). Answered (Job 42:10).

68. Job in complaint and for relief (571 words; Job 9:25-10:22). Answered (Job 42:10).

69. Job in complaint and for life and forgiveness (198 words; Job 14:13-22). Answered (Job 42:10).

70. Job for a fair trial (48 words; Job 23:3-5). Answered (Job 38-42).

71. Job, prayer of confession (34 words; Job 40:3-5)

72. Job, prayer of repentance (87 words; Job 42:1-6). Answered (Job 42:10).

Seventy-two Prayers in Psalms:

73-123. David. In 50 prayer-psalms he made requests for various blessings, most of them being answered because of faith in God’s promises (Psalms 3-7; 9; 12:1-13:6; 16:1-17:15; 19:1-20:9; 22; 25:1-31:24; 35:1-36:12; 38:1-41:13; 51; 54:1-61:8; 64; 69:1-70:5; 86; 108:1-109:31; 119; 124; 132; 139:1-144:15). The ones unanswered will be answered in due time for David even prayed about future events.

124-138. An unknown psalmist (perhaps David) prayed for many kinds of blessings, which were granted or will be granted (Psalms 10; 33; 43:1-44:26; 71; 85; 88; 102; 106; 118; 120; 123; 125; 129; 137).

139-143. Asaph made many requests to God (in 5 prayers) for various kinds of blessing which were granted or will yet be granted (Psalms 74; 79:1-80:19; 82:1-83:18).

144. Moses makes requests to God (Psalms 90).

145. Ethan made requests for God to remember the reproach of His servants (Psalms 89).

Thus, in 72 of the 150 psalms there are personal requests to God, making them definitely prayer-psalms. A few of the other 78 may also be considered such because of the general nature of the subject matter. Even in the listed prayer-psalms many subjects are more outstanding than the prayers. See notes on these psalms.

Three Prayers in Isaiah:

146. Isaiah for cleansing (38 words; Isa 6:5). Answered (Isa 6:6-7).

147. Hezekiah for deliverance (133 words; Isa 37:16-20). Answered (Isa 37:36).

148. Hezekiah for healing and length of days (30 words; Isa 38:3). Answered (Isa 38:5).

References to prayer (Isa 1:15; 7:11; 16:12; 26:16; 55:6-7). There are also prayers that Israel will make in the time of their restoration as a nation (Isa 12; 64).

Eleven Prayers in Jeremiah:

149. Jeremiah, confession of inability to obey God (12 words; Jer 1:6).

150. Jeremiah, accusing God (24 words; Jer 4:10).

151. Jeremiah for judgment (80 words; Jer 10:23-25). Answered (Dan 5).

152. Jeremiah, questioning God (133 words; Jer 12:1-4).

153. Jeremiah for help for Judah (95 words; Jer 14:7-9).

154. Jeremiah for help for Judah (81 words; Jer 14:20-22).

155. Jeremiah, judgment (118 words; Jer 15:15-18).

156. Jeremiah for judgment (158 words; Jer 17:13-18).

157. Jeremiah for judgment (174 words; Jer 18:19-23).

158. Jeremiah for judgment (214 words; Jer 20:7-12).

159. Jeremiah, concerning captivity of Judah (209 words; Jer 32:17-25).

References to prayer (Jer 7:16; 11:14; 14:11; 21:2; 29:7,12; 37:3; 42:2,4,20).

Four Prayers in Lamentations:

160. Jeremiah for judgment (108 words; Lam 1:20-22).

161. Jeremiah for consideration (113 words; Lam 2:20-22).

162. Jeremiah for judgment (158 words; Lam 3:55-66).

163. Jeremiah for the oppressed people of Judah (300 words; Lam 5).

Jeremiah could be called the praying prophet as well as the weeping prophet. He has 15 recorded prayers.

Three Prayers in Ezekiel:

164. Ezekiel protesting what God wanted him to do (41 words; Ezek 4:14).

165. Ezekiel for the remnant (20 words; Ezek 9:8).

166. Ezekiel for the remnant (14 words; Ezek 11:13).

Two Prayers in Daniel:

167. Daniel for forgiveness of sins and fulfillment of prophecy (550 words; Dan 9:1-19).

168. Daniel for revelation (11 words; Dan 12:8).

References to prayer (Dan 2:17-18; 6:10).

Two Prayers in Amos:

169. Amos for forgiveness s (16 words; Amos 7:2).

170. Amos for help (16 words; Amos 7:5).

Three Prayers in Jonah:

171. Sailors for mercy (33 words; Jonah 1:14).

172. Jonah for deliverance from hell (198 words; Jonah 2:1-9).

173. Jonah for death (70 words; Jonah 4:2-3).

Three Prayers in Habakkuk:

174. Habakkuk for God to act (75 words; Hab 1:1-5).

175. Habakkuk for judgment (156 words; Hab 1:12-17).

176. Habakkuk for revival (474 words; Hab 3:2-19).

Seventeen Prayers in Matthew:

177. Jesus, The Lord’s prayer (66 words; Matt 6:9-13).

178. Leper for healing (9 words; Matt 8:2). Answered (Matt 8:3).

179. Centurion for healing of his servant (73 words; Matt 8:6-9). Answered (Matt 8:13).

180. Disciples for help from drowning (5 words; Matt 8:25). Answered (Matt 8:26).

181. Demons for temporary liberty (37 words; Matt 8:29-31). Answered (Matt 8:32).

182. A ruler for healing (18 words; Matt 9:18). Answered (Matt 9:25).

183. A woman for healing (11 words; Matt 9:21). Answered (Matt 9:22).

184. Two blind men for healing (8 words; Matt 9:27). Answered (Matt 9:29-30).

185. Jesus giving thanks to God (38 words; Matt 11:25).

186. Peter to walk on water (13 words; Matt 14:28). Answered (Matt 14:29).

187. Peter for help from drowning (3 words; Matt 14:30). Answered (Matt 14:31).

188. A woman for healing of her daughter (36 words; Matt 15:22-27). Answered (Matt 15:28).

189. A man for healing of his son (39 words; Matt 17:15-16). Answered (Matt 17:18).

190. A mother for exaltation of her 2 sons, James and John (23 words; Matt 20:21). Unanswered because of wrong motive and not in harmony with God’s plan (Matt 20:23).

191. Two blind men for healing (27 words; Matt 20:30-33). Answered (Matt 20:34).

192. Jesus to be saved from death in the garden before He could die on the cross (62 words; Matt 26:39-44). Answered (Heb 5:7).

193. Jesus on the cross (9 words; Matt 27:46).

References to prayer (Matt 6:5-13; 7:7-11; Matt 14:23; 18:19-20; 21:22; 23:14).

Two Prayers in Mark:

194. A demon for temporary freedom (31 words; Mark 1:23-24).

195. Jesus in healing a deaf mute (2 words-the shortest prayer; Mark 7:34). Answered (Mark 7:35).

References to prayer (Mark 1:35; 6:41,46; 9:23; 11:22-24).

Seven Prayers in Luke:

196. Simeon in blessing Jesus (43 words; Luke 2:29-32).

197. Rich man in hell (80 words; Luke 16:24-31).

198. Ten lepers for healing (5 words; Luke 17:13). Answered (Luke 17:14,19).

199. A Pharisee in boasting of his righteousness (34 words; Luke 18:11-12). Unjustified (Luke 18:14).

200. A publican for mercy (7 words; Luke 18:13). Answered, justified (Luke 18:14).

201. Jesus on the cross (10 words; Luke 23:34).

202. Jesus on the cross (8 words; Luke 23:46).

References to prayer (Luke 3:21-22; 5:16; 6:12; 9:28-29; 11:1-13; 18:1-18; 22:31-32).

Five Prayers in John:

203. Nobleman for healing of child (7 words; John 4:49). Answered (John 4:50).

204. People for living bread (6 words; John 6:34).

205. Jesus for resurrection of Lazarus (40 words; John 11:41-43). Answered (John 11:44).

206. Jesus for glorification (19 words; John 12:27-28). Answered (John 12:28).

207. Jesus for disciples (638 words; John 17).

References to prayer (John 7:37-39; 14:12-15; 15:7,16; 16:23-26).

Six Prayers in Acts:

208. Disciples for successor to Judas (41 words; Acts 1:24-25). Answered (Acts 1:26).

209. Peter for healing of lame man (12 words; Acts 3:6). Answered (Acts 3:7-8).

210. Disciples for boldness and power (178 words; Acts 4:24-30). Answered (Acts 4:31-33).

211. Stephen for enemies (13 words; Acts 7:59-60).

212. Paul for instruction (12 words; Acts 9:5-6). Answered (Acts 9:5-6).

213. Peter for resurrection of Tabitha (2 words; Acts 9:40). Answered (Acts 9:40-41).

References to prayer (Acts 1:14; 3:1; 6:4; 8:22,24,34; 10:9,31; 12:5; 16:13-16).

One Prayer in 3 John:

214. That we the readers would prosper and be in health as our soul prospers (18 words; 3 John :2)

Eight Prayers in Revelation:

215. Elders in worship (27 words; Rev 4:11).

216. Angels in worship (22 words; Rev 5:12).

217. All creatures in worship (22 words; Rev 5:13).

218. Martyrs for vengeance (22 words; Rev 6:10).

219. Great multitude in worship (13 words; Rev 7:10).

220. Angels in worship (23 words; Rev 7:12).

221. Glorified saints in worship (56 words; Rev 19:1-6).

222. John for the coming of Jesus Christ a second time, 5 words (Rev 22:20).

Besides the actual worded prayers in these 31 books of the Bible, there are many passages in them, as well as in some of the 35 books containing no prayers, that give much instruction on the subject of prayer. It is thought by some that there are a number of prayers in the epistles, but in reality, these books contain only statements to Christians regarding the apostles praying for them that God would bless them, or they give instructions for Christians to pray and tell them what to pray for. These are not actual prayers addressed to God, however (Rom 1:8-10; 16:20; Eph 1:15-20; 3:13-21; Phil 1:2-7; Col 1:3-14; 1 Thess 1:2-3; 3:9-13; 1 Tim 1:3-7; 2 Tim 4:14-18; James 5:13-18).

Thirty-five Books Where a Direct Prayer Is Not Mentioned

1. Leviticus
2. Ruth
3. Esther
4. Proverbs
5. Ecclesiastes
6. Song of Solomon
7. Hosea
8. Joel
9. Obadiah
10. Micah
11. Nahum
12. Zephaniah
13. Haggai
14. Zechariah
15. Malachi
16. Romans
17. 1 Corinthians
18. 2 Corinthians
19. Galatians
20. Ephesians
21. Philippians
22. Colossians
23. 1 Thessalonians
24. 2 Thessalonians
25. 1 Timothy
26. 2 Timothy
27. Titus
28. Philemon
29. Hebrews
30. James
31. 1 Peter
32. 2 Peter
33. 1 John
34. 2 John
35. Jude