Prayer in the Bible
Prayer in Scripture is communion with God — petition, praise, confession, and intercession. The Hebrew tephillah focuses on a worshipper's plea; the Greek proseuche frames prayer as drawing near. Several other words add color: intercession, supplication, and thanksgiving.
Greek & Hebrew words
Greek (New Testament)
Key KJV verses
All 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
Tephillah: the worshipper's plea
Tephillah (H8605) is the title of Psalm 17, Psalm 86, and Psalm 90. It frames prayer as an act of worship in which a needy soul speaks to a sovereign God.
Proseuche, deesis, enteuxis
In 1 Timothy 2:1 Paul stacks four words: supplications (deesis), prayers (proseuche), intercessions (enteuxis), and thanksgivings (eucharistia). Together they cover the full range of Christian praying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Greek word for prayer?
The general word is proseuchē (προσευχή, Strong's G4335). Specific request prayer is deēsis (G1162); intercession is enteuxis (G1783).
How often should Christians pray?
1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, 'Pray without ceasing' — meaning prayer should be a continual posture of life, not just scheduled moments.