Prayer
προσευχή (proseuchē)
Communication with God — addressing Him with worship, petition, confession, and thanksgiving.
Proseuchē is the Greek word for prayer, the most common New Testament term for communicating with God. It encompasses worship, petition, confession, thanksgiving, and every form of addressing the Creator.
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." — Philippians 4:6 (KJV)
Key Verses
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.”Read in context
Matthew 6:9
“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's G4335 — Prayer (προσευχή (proseuchē))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where προσευχή (proseuchē) appears.
Open Strong's G4335Etymology and Original Meaning
Proseuchē combines pros ('toward') and euchē ('a wish' or 'vow'), creating 'a wish directed toward' God. It is the most general Greek word for prayer, encompassing all forms of addressing God. The Hebrew equivalent, tephillah, similarly covers the full range of prayer — from desperate cries to quiet meditation, from corporate liturgy to private conversation.
Jesus' Prayer Life
Jesus modeled a life saturated with prayer. He prayed at His baptism (Luke 3:21), before choosing the twelve (Luke 6:12), in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-44), and on the cross (Luke 23:34, 46). He taught His disciples to pray through the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) and parables about persistence (Luke 18:1-8) and humility (Luke 18:9-14).
The Elements of Prayer
Scripture reveals multiple dimensions of prayer: adoration (praising God for who He is), confession (acknowledging sin), thanksgiving (expressing gratitude), and supplication (making requests). The Lord's Prayer models this flow — beginning with God's name and kingdom before moving to personal needs. Prayer is not merely asking for things but aligning the heart with God's will.
Praying Without Ceasing
Paul commands believers to 'pray without ceasing' (1 Thessalonians 5:17) — not uninterrupted verbalization but a continuous attitude of God-awareness. Every moment can be a prayer — a brief lifting of the heart, a silent cry for wisdom, a whispered thanksgiving. Prayer becomes the atmosphere in which the Christian lives, not merely an activity performed at set times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does prayer mean in the Bible?
Prayer (proseuchē) is communication with God encompassing worship, petition, confession, and thanksgiving. It is directing the heart and words toward God in every circumstance.
How should I pray?
Jesus taught prayer through the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13): begin with God's glory, then bring personal needs. Pray with faith, persistence, humility, and thanksgiving. There is no wrong way to honestly address God.
Which Bible verse uses the word "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" (KJV). It also appears in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Matthew 6:9.
Why does the Greek word behind "Prayer" matter?
Proseuchē combines pros ('toward') and euchē ('a wish' or 'vow'), creating 'a wish directed toward' God. English uses one word, "Prayer", where the Greek προσευχή (proseuchē) carries the fuller sense: communication with god — addressing him with worship, petition, confession, and thanksgiving.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Prayer (προσευχή (proseuchē))
Communication with God — addressing Him with worship, petition, confession, and thanksgiving.
Strong's G4335 — Prayer
προσευχή (proseuchē) • Communication with God — addressing Him with worship, petition, confession, and thanksgiving.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 Commentary
In-depth study • Prayer
Prayer for a Disabled Child
Fearfully and wonderfully made — without exception.
Prayer for Healthy Boundaries
Saying no without guilt and loving without losing yourself.
Prayer Bible Quiz
The Lord's Prayer, Daniel's windows, and Paul's unceasing thanks.
Where to go next
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