Intercession

• Examples of Intercession

  • Abraham for Abimelech (Gen 20:7,17-18)
  • Abraham’s servant for Isaac (Gen 24:12-14,42-44)
  • Isaac for his wife Rebekah (Gen 25:21)
  • Moses for Pharaoh and his people (Ex 8:8-13,28-31; 9:28-33; 10:17-19)
  • Moses for the Israelites (Ex 17:11-13; 32:11-14,31-32; Num 11:2; 21:7; Deut 9:18-19,25-29)
  • Moses for Miriam (Num 12:13)
  • Moses for Aaron (Deut 9:20)
  • Samuel for the Israelites (1 Sam 7:5,9; 12:23)
  • David for his illegitimate son (2 Sam 12:16)
  • Solomon for the Israelites (1 Kgs 8:30-54; 2 Chr 6:21-7:1)
  • The man of God for Jeroboam (1 Kgs 13:4-6)
  • Elijah for the widow of Zarephath’s son (1 Kgs 17:21-22)
  • Elisha for the Shunnamite woman’s son (2 Kgs 4:33-35)
  • Job for his friends (Job 42:8,10)
  • Amos for the Israelites (Amos 7:1-6)
  • The centurion for his servant (Mt 8:5-6; Lk 7:1-5)
  • Jairus for his dying daughter (Mt 9:18; Mk 5:22-23; Lk 8:41-42)
  • The Canaanite woman for her daughter (Mt 15:22; Mk 7:25-26)
  • The father for his only child (Mt 17:14-15; Mk 9:24; Lk 9:38)
  • The people of various villages, cities, or countries on behalf of the sick (Mk 6:56)
  • The people on behalf of the deaf and dumb man (Mk 7:32)
  • The people of Bethsaida on behalf of a blind man (Mk 8:22)
  • Jesus for Peter (Lk 22:32)
  • Jesus for those who crucified Him (Lk 23:34)
  • The nobleman for his son (Jn 4:46-47,49)
  • Martha and Mary for their brother (Jn 11:3)
  • Jesus for the believers (Jn 17:9-26; Rom 8:34; Heb 7:25)
  • Stephen for his countrymen (Acts 7:60)
  • Peter and John for the believers in Samaria (Acts 8:14-16)
  • Peter for Tabitha (Acts 9:36-40)
  • Paul for the father of Publius (Acts 28:7-9)
  • Paul for the believers (Rom 1:9-10; 10:1; Eph 1:16; Phil 1:4; Col 1:3,9; 1 Thess 1:2; 2 Thess 1:11; 2 Tim 1:3; Phm 1:4)
  • The Spirit for the saints (Rom 8:27)
  • Epaphras for the believers in Colosse (Col 4:12)
  • John for Gaius (3 Jn 1:1-2)

• Request for Intercession

  • Ex 8:8 – “Plead with the LORD to take away the frogs from me and from my people”
  • Ex 8:28 – “Plead for me”
  • Ex 9:28 – "Plead with the LORD, for there has been enough of God’s thunder and hail”
  • Ex 10:17 – “plead with the LORD your God only to remove this death from me”
  • Num 21:7 – “Pray to the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us” 
  • 1 Sam 7:8 – “Do not cease to cry out to the LORD our God for us, that he may save us from the hand of the Philistines”
  • 1 Sam 12:19 – “Pray for your servants to the LORD your God, that we may not die”
  • 1 Kgs 13:6 – “Entreat now the favor of the LORD your God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored to me” 
  • 2 Kgs 19:4 – “therefore lift up your prayer for the remnant that is left”
  • Jer 37:3 – “Please pray for us to the LORD our God”
  • Jer 42:2 – “Let our plea for mercy come before you, and pray to the LORD your God for us, for all this remnant—because we are left with but a few”
  • Jer 42:20 – “Pray for us to the LORD our God, and whatever the LORD our God says, declare to us and we will do it”
  • Acts 8:24 – “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me”
  • Rom 15:30 – “I appeal to you… to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf”
  • 2 Cor 1:11 – “You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many”
  • Eph 6:18-19 – “making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel”
  • 1 Tim 2:1-2 – “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions”

Engaging in vows (Gen 28:20-22; Num 21:2; Judg 11:30-31; 1 Sam 1:11; Hos 14:2; Jon 2:9)

Blessing (Gen 32:26,29; Num 6:23-27; Deut 1:10-11; 33:1-29; 1 Sam 2:20; 2 Sam 7:29; 1 Chr 4:10; Ps 20:1-5; 3 Jn 1:1-2)

Petition or supplication (Deut 3:23-29; 1 Sam 1:27; 2:20; 1 Kgs 8:59; 9:3; 2 Kgs 19:15-20; 20:2-6; Rom 10:1; 2 Cor 12:8; Eph 6:18; Phil 4:6; 1 Tim 2:1; 5:5; Heb 5:7)

Summoning God’s witness (Deut 4:26; 30:19; 31:28; 2 Cor 1:23)

Praise (Judg 5:3; 1 Sam 2:1–10; 2 Sam 7:22; Ps 51:15; 63:3,5; 66:17; Isa 12:1-2; Jer 20:11-13; Dan 2:23; Hab 3:1-19)

Confession (Judg 10:10,15; 1 Sam 12:10; 2 Sam 24:17,25; 1 Kgs 8:33-50; Ezra 9:5-10:1; Neh 1:5-11; 9:1-3; Ps 32:5; 35:13; 51:1-14; Jer 14:7-10,19-22; Dan 9:4-20; Jon 3:3-9; Mt 5:23-24; Lk 18:9-14)

Repentance (Judg 10:10-16; 1 Kgs 8:33-50; 2 Chr 7:14; Ps 51:1-17; Jer 36:6-7; Jon 3:8-10)

Thanksgiving (1 Chr 16:7-10,34; Neh 11:17; Ps 107:8,15,21-22,31; 116:17; Dan 2:23; 6:10; Jon 2:9; Jn 11:41; Acts 27:35; 1 Cor 1:4; Eph 1:15-16; Phil 1:3-5; 4:6; Col 1:3-4; 4:2; 1 Thess 1:2; 1 Tim 2:1; 2 Tim 1:3; Phm 1:4-5)

Calling upon the name of the Lord (Gen 4:26; 12:8; 1 Kgs 18:24; Ps 50:15; 80:18; 116:4; Jer 33:3; Lam 3:55-57; Joel 2:32; Acts 7:59; 22:16)

Falling prostrate or on one’s face (Gen 17:3,17-18; Num 16:4,22,45; 20:6; Deut 9:18-20,25; Josh 5:14; 7:6; Mt 26:39; Mk 14:35; Lk 5:12; 17:16; Rev 19:4)

Making a plea or entreaty (Gen 25:21; Ex 8:8-13,28-31; 9:28-33; 10:17-19; Deut 3:23-29; 1 Kgs 8:28,30,38,45,49,52,54,59; 9:3; 13:6; 2 Kgs 13:4; 1 Chr 5:20; 2 Chr 6:19,29,35,39; 33:13,19; Ps 6:9; 55:1; 119:58; 142:1; Dan 9:20; 2 Cor 12:8)

Crying out to the Lord (Ex 2:23-25; 3:7,9; 14:10; Num 20:16; Deut 26:7; Josh 24:7; Judg 3:9,15; 4:3; 6:6,7; 10:10,12; 1 Sam 12:8,10; 1 Kgs 17:20; 2 Chr 6:19; Neh 9:9, 27,28; Ps 22:5; 27:7; 34:6; 106:44; 107:6; Lam 2:18)

Asking or inquiring something from the Lord (Judg 1:1; 18:5; 20:18,23,27; 1 Sam 1:17,20,27; 10:22; 14:37; 22:10,13,15; 23:2,4; 28:6; 30:8; 2 Sam 2:1; 5:19,23; 21:1; 1 Kgs 3:5,10,11; 19:4; 1 Chr 4:10; 14:10,14; 2 Chr 1:7,11; Job 6:8; Ps 2:8; 21:4; 27:4; 105:40; Prov 30:7; Isa 45:11; 58:2; Dan 2:22-23; Jon 4:8; Zech 10:1; Mt 7:7-11; 21:22; Mk 11:24; Lk 11:9,13; Jn 16:23-24; 1 Jn 3:22)

Speaking to God (Deut 3:26; Judg 10:15; 2 Sam 7:18; 24:17; 1 Kgs 8:22-23, 54-55; 2 Chr 6:12-14; Neh 1:4-11; Dan 9:21; Amos 7:1-6; Acts 4:24-31)

Pouring out one’s heart or soul (1 Sam 1:15; Ps 62:8)

Crying to heaven (2 Chr 32:20)

Seeking God (Job 8:5; Ps 27:8; Heb 11:6)

Lifting up one’s soul (Ps 25:1)

Drawing near to God (Ps 73:28; Heb 10:22; 11:6)

Lifting up our hearts and hands (Lam 3:41)

Bowing the knees (Eph 3:14; Phil 2:10)

Incense (Ps 141:2)

Golden bowls full of incense (Rev 5:8)

Individuals

• First person singular

  • Nominative: I (Ex 8:9,29; Deut 9:20,26; 1 Sam 7:5; 12:23; Neh 1:6; 2:4; Ps 5:2; Jer 32:16; 42:4; Dan 9:4,20; Mt 26:36; Mk 14:32; Acts 10:30; 11:5; 22:17; 1 Cor 14:14-15; Phil 1:9)
  • Genitive: my (Job 16:17; Ps 4:1; 6:9; 17:1; 35:13; 39:12; 54:2; 55:2; 61:1; 66:19-20; 69:13; 84:8; 86:6; 88:2,13; 102:1; 141:2,5; 143:1; Lam 3:8; Jon 2:7; Rom 1:9; Eph 1:16; Phm 1:4)

• Third person singular

  • Nominative: he, she, it (Gen 20:7; 1 Sam 1:10,12; 1 Kgs 8:42; 2 Kgs 4:33; 20:2; 2 Chr 32:24; 33:13; Job 42:10; Isa 16:12; 38:2; Jon 4:2; Lk 9:29)
  • Genitive: his (2 Chr 33:18-19; Ps 109:7; Prov 28:9)

Individuals with others

• First person plural 

  • Nominative: we (Neh 4:9; Rom 8:26; Col 1:3,9; 2 Thess 1:11)
  • Accusative: us (Lk 11:1)
  • Genitive: our (1 Thess 1:2)

Other individuals

• Second person singular

  • Nominative: you (2 Kgs 19:20; Job 22:27; Isa 37:21; Mt 6:6)
  • Genitive: your (1 Kgs 9:3; 2 Kgs 20:5; 2 Chr 7:12; Job 22:27; Isa 38:5; Acts 10:4,31)

• Second person plural

  • Nominative: you (Jer 29:12; Mt 6:5, 7; Mk 11:24-25; Lk 11:2; Eph 6:18; Col 4:3; Jude 1:20)
  • Genitive: your (2 Kgs 19:4; Isa 37:4; Phm 1:22; 1 Pet 3:7; 4:7)

• Third person plural

  • Nominative: they (1 Kgs 8:30, 33, 35, 44, 48; 2 Chr 6:21,24,26,32,34,38; 2 Chr 7:14; Isa 45:14,20; Lk 18:1)
  • Genitive: their (1 Kgs 8:45,49; 2 Chr 6:35,39; 30:27; Ps 102:17)

His servants (2 Sam 7:27; 1 Kgs 8:28-29; 1 Chr 17:25; 2 Chr 6:19-20; Neh 1:6,11; Job 42:8; Dan 9:17)

Those who are called by God’s name (2 Chr 7:14)

Anyone (1 Kgs 8:38; 2 Chr 6:29)

His people (1 Kgs 8:38; 2 Chr 6:29; Ps 80:4)

One who has been accepted by God (Job 42:8-9)

Everyone who is godly (Ps 32:6)

The destitute (Ps 102:17)

Idol worshippers (Isa 44:17; 45:20)

All nations (Isa 56:7)

God’s elect (Lk 18:7; Rev 6:10)

One who has been converted (Acts 9:11)

The church (Acts 12:5)

The Spirit (Rom 8:26-27)

Brethren (Rom 15:30; 1 Thess 5:25; 2 Thess 3:1)

Husband and wife (1 Cor 7:5; 1 Pet 3:7)

Every woman (1 Cor 11:5,13)

Every man (1 Cor 11:4)

He who speaks in a tongue (1 Cor 14:13)

Our spirit (1 Cor 14:14)

Believers (2 Cor 1:11; Eph 6:18; Phil 1:19; 4:6)

A widow (1 Tim 5:5)

Men (1 Tim 2:8)

Anyone among you suffering (Jas 5:13)

The elders of the church (Jas 5:14)

Saints (Rev 5:8; 8:3-4)

Old Testament

• Abraham (Gen 18:23-33; 20:17)

• Abraham’s servant (Gen 24:12-14,27,42-44)

• Isaac (Gen 25:21)

• Jacob (Gen 32:9-12,26-30)

• The children of Israel (Ex 2:23-25; 3:7,9; 14:10; Num 20:16; 21:2; Deut 26:7; Josh 24:7; Judg 1:1; 3:9,15; 4:3; 6:6,7; 10:10,12,15; 20:18,23,27; 1 Sam 10:22; 12:8,10; Ezr 6:10; Neh 9:9, 27,28; Ps 22:5; 81:7; 105:40; 106:44; 107:6; Isa 58:2; Jer 42:9; Lam 2:18)

• Moses (Ex 8:8-13,28-31; 9:28-33; 10:17-19; 15:25; 17:4-6,11-13; 32:11-14,31-32; 33:12,18; Num 11:2; 12:13; 21:7; 27:15-17; Deut 3:23-25; 9:18-20,25-29; Ps 90:1; 99:6)

• Joshua (Josh 7:6-9)

• Deborah (Judg 5:1-31)

• Gideon (Judg 6:36-40)

• Manoah (Judg 13:8-15)

• Samson (Judg 15:18)

• Young Levite (Judg 18:5)

• Hannah (1 Sam 1:10-17,20,26-27; 2:1-10)

• Samuel (1 Sam 7:5,9; 8:6; 12:17-18,23; 15:11; Ps 99:6)

• Saul (1 Sam 14:37; 28:6)

• Ahimelech (1 Sam 22:10,13,15)

• David (1 Sam 23:2,4,10-12; 30:8; 2 Sam 2:1; 5:19,23; 7:18-29; 12:16; 22:7; 24:10,17; 1 Chr 14:10,14; 17:25; Ps 18:6; 72:20; 86:1; 142:1; Acts 7:46)

• Solomon (1 Kgs 3:6-9; 8:22-54; 9:3; 2 Chr 1:8-10; 6:12-7:1)

• Elijah (1 Kgs 17:20-23; 18:36-38; 19:4; Rom 11:2-3; Jas 5:17-18)

• Elisha (2 Kgs 4:33-35; 6:17-18,20)

• Hezekiah (2 Kgs 19:15-20; 20:2-6; 2 Chr 30:18; 32:20; Isa 37:15-21; 38:2-6)

• Isaiah (2 Kgs 20:11; 2 Chr 32:20)

• Jabez (1 Chr 4:10)

• Asa (2 Chr 14:11)

• Jehoshaphat (2 Chr 20:5-12,18)

• The priests (2 Chr 30:27)

• Manasseh (2 Chr 33:12-13,18-19)

• Ezra (Ezra 8:23; 9:5-15; 10:1)

• Nehemiah (Neh 1:4-11; 2:4; 4:9)

• Levites (Neh 9:4-38)

• Mattaniah (Neh 11:17)

• Job (Job 6:8-9; 10:2-22; 12:4; 42:8,10)

• Aaron (Ps 99:6)

• Agur (Prov 30:7)

• Jeremiah (Jer 14:7-10,19-22; 16:19; 20:11-13; 32:16-25; 42:4; Lam 3:55-56)

• Daniel (Dan 2:20-23; 6:10-11; 9:3-23)

• Amos (Amos 7:1-6)

• Mariners (Jon 1:14)

• Jonah (Jon 2:1-10; 4:2,8)

• Men of Nineveh (Jon 3:8)

• Habakkuk (Hab 1:2-4,12-17; 3:1-19)

New Testament

• The hypocrites (Mt 6:5)

• Jesus (Mt 6:9-13; 11:25-26; 14:23; 19:13; 26:36,39,42,44; 27:46; Mk 1:35; 6:46; 14:32,38-39; Lk 3:21; 5:16; 6:12; 9:18,29; 11:1; 22:32,41,44-45; 23:34,46; Jn 11:41-42; 12:28; 17:1-26; Rom 8:34; Heb 5:7; 7:25)

• The scribes (Mk 12:40; Lk 20:47)

• The multitude of the people (Lk 1:10)

• Zacharias (Lk 1:13)

• Anna (Lk 2:36-37)

• The disciples of John (Lk 5:33)

• The disciples of the Pharisees (Lk 5:33)

• Jesus, Peter, John, and James (Lk 9:28)

• A Pharisee (Lk 18:10-12)

• A tax collector (Lk 18:10,13)

• The disciples of Jesus (Acts 1:13-14,24; 2:42; 4:24-31; 6:4,6; 12:12; 21:5; 2 Cor 9:14)

• Stephen (Acts 7:60)

• Peter and John (Acts 8:15)

• Saul (Acts 9:11; 13:1-3)

• Peter (Acts 9:40; 10:9)

• Cornelius (Acts 10:1-2,4,31)

• Certain prophets and teachers (Acts 13:1-3)

• Paul and Barnabas (Acts 14:23)

• Paul and Silas (Acts 16:25)

• Paul (Acts 20:36; 22:17; 26:29; 28:8; Rom 1:9-10; 10:1; 2 Cor 12:8-9; 13:7-9; Eph 1:16; Phil 1:4; Col 1:3,9; 1 Thess 1:2; 3:10; 2 Thess 1:11; 2 Tim 1:3; Phm 1:4)

• Epaphras (Col 4:12)

• Philemon (Phm 1:22)

• John (3 Jn 1:1-2)

To the God of heaven (Neh 2:4)

To our King and our God (Ps 5:2)

To the God of our lives (Ps 42:8)

To God (Mt 4:10; Lk 6:12)

To himself (Lk 18:11)

To the Lord Jesus (Lk 23:42; Acts 7:59)

In God’s house (Isa 56:7; Mt 21:13; Mk 11:17; Lk 19:46)

In privacy (Mt 14:23; Mk 1:35; Lk 5:16; 9:18)

• In one’s room (Mt 6:6)

• On the housetop (Acts 10:9)

• In one’s house (Acts 10:30)

In the wilderness or on the mountain (Lk 5:16; 9:28)

By the riverside (Acts 16:13)

In the temple (Acts 22:17)

On a ship (Acts 27:29)

Everywhere (1 Tim 2:8)

Before taking food (Deut 8:10; Mt 26:26; Mk 8:6-7; Jn 6:11; 6:23; Acts 27:35; Rom 14:6; 1 Cor 10:30; 1 Tim 4:3-5)

When in anguish or bitterness of soul (1 Sam 1:10,12)

When grieving (1 Sam 15:11)

When in affliction (Ps 18:6; 106:44; Isa 19:20; 26:16; 30:19-20; Jas 5:13)

In a time when God may be found (Ps 32:6)

When in trouble or danger (Ps 77:1-4; 88:1-9; 116:3-4; Acts 27:29)

When spitefully used or persecuted (Mt 5:44)

When you have shut your door (Mt 6:6)

At the hour of incense (Lk 1:10)

When commissioning (Lk 6:12; Acts 1:24; 6:6; 13:3; 14:23)

When someone else is alone praying (Lk 9:18)

Always (Lk 18:1; 21:36; Acts 10:2; Eph 6:18; 1 Thess 5:17)

• All night (1 Sam 15:11; Lk 6:12)

• In the morning (Ps 5:3; 88:13; 119:147; Mk 1:35)

• Day and night (Neh 1:6; Ps 22:2; 88:1; Lk 2:37; 18:7; 1 Tim 5:5; 1 Thess 3:10; 2 Tim 1:3)

• Evening and morning and at noon (Ps 55:17; Dan 6:10; Acts 10:9)

• Every day (Ps 88:9)

Before death (Lk 23:46; Acts 7:59)

At an appointed time (Acts 3:1)

On the Sabbath day (Acts 16:13)

Falling on the face (Num 16:22; Josh 5:14; 1 Chr 21:16; Ezra 10:1; Mt 26:39)

Falling or lying prostrate (Deut 9:25)

Standing (1 Sam 1:26; 1 Kgs 8:22; Mt 6:5; Mk 11:25; Lk 18:11,13)

Sitting down (2 Sam 7:18; Neh 1:4)

Spreading or lifting up the hands (1 Kgs 8:22; 2 Chr 6:13; Ps 28:2; 88:9; Lam 2:19; 1 Tim 2:8)

Kneeling on the knees (1 Kgs 8:54; 2 Chr 6:13; Ps 95:6; Dan 6:10; Lk 22:41; Acts 9:40; 20:36; 21:5; Eph 3:14)

Society

• All who are in authority (Ezra 6:10; Ps 72:15; Acts 26:27-29 [LEB]; 1 Tim 2:1-2)

• Those who have yet to become Christians (Acts 26:27-29 [LEB]; cf. Jn 17:9-26)

• All men (1 Tim 2:1-2)

Those in Need

• The poor, helpless, fatherless, and oppressed (Ps 10:8-18)

• Those who are suffering or sick (Acts 28:8; Jas 5:13-14)

Friends (Job 42:10)

• Those who have committed folly or have not spoken of God what is right (Job 42:8)

• Those whom we love in truth (3 Jn 1:1-2)

Family

• Our spouse (Gen 25:21)

• Our children (Gen 17:18-20; 2 Sam 12:16; Job 1:5; Mt 15:22)

• Our siblings (Num 12:13; Deut 9:20)

• Our household (2 Sam 7:29)

People of God

• All believers (Num 6:22-26; Rom 1:9; 2 Cor 13:7-9; Eph 1:16; Col 1:9; 2 Thess 1:11; 2 Tim 1:3; Phm 1:4)

  • The saints (Rom 8:27,34; Eph 6:18)

  • One another (Jas 5:16)

• The people whom God has saved or redeemed (Ex 32:11-14; Deut 9:26)

• The remnant that is left of God’s people (2 Kgs 19:4; Isa 37:4)

• Those who belong to God and will believe in Jesus through their word (Jn 17:9-26)

• The workers of God (Acts 14:23; Rom 15:30-32; 2 Cor 1:11; Eph 6:19-20; Phil 1:19; Col 4:3-4; 1 Thess 5:25; 2 Thess 3:1-2; Heb 13:18-19)

• Israel (Rom 10:1)

• Those who have yet to receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:15; 19:6)

• Those who are angry with us (Ex 17:4)

• Those who have committed sins (Ex 32:31-32; Deut 9:18-20; 1 Jn 5:16), spoken against the Lord (Num 21:7), or have been punished by Him (Num 12:11-13)

Enemies (Jer 29:7; Acts 7:60; 2 Tim 4:16)

• Those who curse, spitefully use, and persecute us (Mt 5:44; Lk 6:28; 23:34)

• Those who trespass against us (Job 42:10)

A child (Gen 15:1-6; 25:21; 1 Sam 1:27; 2:20; Lk 1:13)

A city (Gen 18:23-33)

Guidance or success (Gen 24:12-14; Neh 1:11; Ps 118:25)

• “enlarge my territory” (1 Chr 4:10)

• “Your hand would be with me” (1 Chr 4:10)

• “You would keep me from evil” (1 Chr 4:10)

• “I may not cause pain” (1 Chr 4:10)

Daily or temporal needs (Gen 28:20; Ex 15:25; Prov 30:8; Mt 6:11)

The promises of God (Gen 32:9-12; Ex 32:13; 2 Sam 7:25-28; 1 Kgs 8:26; Ps 119:49)

The forgiveness of sins (Ex 32:31-32; 34:9; Num 14:13-19; Judg 10:10; 2 Sam 24:10; 2 Chr 6:21,25,27,39; Ps 25:7,11,18; 39:8; 51:1-14; Jer 14:20; Dan 9:3-20; Hos 14:1-2; Jon 1:14; Mt 6:12; Lk 11:4; Lk 23:34; Acts 7:60; 8:22,24; Jas 5:15)

Blessing (Gen 32:26,29; Num 6:23-27; Deut 1:10-11; 33:1-29; 1 Sam 2:20; 2 Sam 7:29; 1 Chr 4:10; Ps 20:1-5; 67:1; 3 Jn 1:1-2)

Displeasure or complaints (Num 11:10-23)

Death (Num 11:11-15; 1 Kgs 19:4; Job 6:8-9; Jon 4:3,8)

Victory (Num 21:2-3; 2 Chr 13:14-16; 14:11)

A new leader (Num 27:15-17)

Signs (Judg 6:36-40; 2 Kgs 20:8-11)

Favor of the Lord (1 Kgs 13:6)

People to know that the LORD is God (1 Kgs 18:36-37)

Rain (1 Kgs 18:42; Jas 5:18)

Wisdom (2 Chr 1:7-12; Dan 2:20-23; Jas 1:5)

Atonement (2 Chr 30:18-19)

Mercy from God (Neh 1:11; Ps 4:1; 27:7; 30:8,10; 51:1; 57:1; 86:3; 119:58; 142:1; Lk 18:10,13; Heb 4:16)

Judgment on the wicked (Neh 4:4-5; Ps 5:10; 10:15; 28:4; 31:17-18; 55:9,15,19,23; 69:22-28; 94:1-3; 129:5; Jer 11:18-20; 12:1-4; 15:15; 17:18; 18:19-23; Lam 1:22; 3:64-66; Lk 18:7-8; 2 Tim 4:14-15; Rev 6:9-10)

Favor in old age (Ps 71:9)

Deliverance (Ps 116:4; 119:146,170)

• From God’s wrath (Gen 18:23-33; Ex 32:11-13; Num 11:1-2; 21:7; Deut 9:25-29; Dan 9:16; Jon 3:7-10)

• From enemies (Gen 32:11; Ex 14:10; Deut 33:7; Josh 24:7; Judg 3:7-9,15; 4:3; 6:6-7; 10:10-16; 1 Sam 7:4-11; 12:10; 2 Kgs 19:10-19; 2 Chr 14:11; Neh 4:9; 9:27-28)

• From bondage (Ex 2:23-25; 3:7,9; Num 20:16; Deut 26:7; 1 Sam 12:8)

• From perils (Ex 8:8-13,28-31; 9:28-33; 10:17-19; Acts 27:29)

• From distress or trouble (2 Sam 22:7; Ps 4:1; 18:6; 25:17; 34:4,6,17; 40:1-2; 50:15; 77:1-4; 81:7; 91:15; 107:6,13,19,28; 118:5; Jon 2:1-10; Acts 12:5)

• From the great tribulation (Mt 24:20; Mk 13:18)

The peace of Jerusalem (Ps 122:6; Jer 29:7)

Laborers to be sent (Mt 9:37-38)

The Father’s will (Mt 26:39,42)

Healing (Mk 6:56; Acts 28:9; Jas 5:13-16)

• The infertility of Abimelech’s wife and female slaves (Gen 20:17-18)

• The leprosy of Miriam (Num 12:10-13)

• The sickness of David’s illegitimate son (2 Sam 12:16)

• The withered hand of Jeroboam (1 Kgs 13:4-6)

• The widow of Zarephath’s son who had died (1 Kgs 17:21-22)

• The Shunnamite woman’s son who had died (2 Kgs 4:33-35)

• The sickness of Hezekiah (2 Kgs 20:1-7; 2 Chr 32:24)

• The man full of leprosy (Mt 8:2; Mk 1:40; Lk 5:12)

• The sickness of the centurion’s servant (Mt 8:5-6; Lk 7:1-5)

• Jairus’ daughter who was dying (Mt 9:18; Mk 5:22-23; Lk 8:41-42)

• The Canaanite woman’s daughter who was oppressed by a demon (Mt 15:22; Mk 7:25-26)

• The seizures of a father’s only child (Mt 17:14-15; Mk 9:24; Lk 9:38)

• A deaf and dumb man (Mk 7:32)

• A blind man (Mk 8:22)

• The ten lepers (Lk 17:12-13)

• The nobleman’s son who was dying (Jn 4:46-47,49)

• Lazarus who became ill and died (Jn 11:1-44)

• Tabitha who became ill and died (Acts 9:36-40)

• The fever and dysentery of Publius’ father (Acts 28:7-8)

The Holy Spirit (Lk 11:13; Acts 8:15)

To be counted worthy (Lk 21:36; 2 Thess 1:11)

Spiritual qualities

• That one’s faith should not fail (Lk 22:32)

• Boldness to speak God’s word (Acts 4:29; Eph 6:19)

• To do no wrong, but to do what is good (2 Cor 13:7)

• To be complete or mature (2 Cor 13:9)

• The spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him (Eph 1:17-19)

• To be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man (Eph 3:16)

• That Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith (Eph 3:17)

• To comprehend the love of Christ (Eph 3:18)

• To be filled with all the fullness of God (Eph 3:19)

• That love may abound in knowledge and all discernment (Phil 1:9)

• To be filled with the knowledge of His will (Col 1:9)

• To walk worthy of the Lord (Col 1:10)

• To be fruitful in every good work (Col 1:10)

• That one may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God (Col 4:12)

• To be established in every good work and word (2 Thess 2:16-17)

Ability to interpret a tongue (1 Cor 14:13)

Removal of the thorn in the flesh (2 Cor 12:7-8)

Everything (Phil 4:6)

The word of the Lord

• That God would open a door for the word (Col 4:3)

• That the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified (2 Thess 3:1)

Physical and spiritual health (3 Jn 1:1-2)

Appeal to God

• His attributes (Gen 18:25; 2 Chr 20:6-7)

• His promise (Gen 32:9,12; Ex 32:13; Deut 9:27-28; 2 Sam 7:21,28; 2 Chr 20:8-10; Ps 119:58; Jer 14:21)

• His sovereignty (2 Sam 7:22-24; Jer 14:22)

• His glory (2 Sam 7:26; 2 Kgs 19:19)

• His mercy (Dan 9:18)

With humility (Gen 18:27; 32:10; 1 Sam 1:11; 2 Sam 7:18-20; 2 Chr 7:14; 33:12; Ps 35:13; Mt 8:5-13; 15:21-28; Mk 7:24-30; Lk 7:2-10; 18:13-14)

With importunity and perseverance (Gen 32:26; Mt 15:22-28; 20:30-31; Lk 11:5-10; 18:1-8; Rom 12:12; Eph 6:18)

• With a sense of urgency (Ps 102:2; 141:1; 143:7; Dan 9:19; Lk 11:5-10) 

• Always and without losing heart (Lk 18:1)

• Without ceasing (Rom 1:9; 1 Thess 5:17)

With devotion

• Wholeheartedly (Deut 4:29; Ps 119:58,145; Jer 29:13; Lam 3:41)

• Steadfastly (Acts 1:14; 2:42; 6:4; Rom 12:12; Col 4:2)

• With the giving of oneself (Ps 109:4; 1 Cor 7:5)

• Earnestly (Lk 22:44; Jas 5:17)

• Continually (Ps 72:15)

With confession of sins (Judg 10:10; 1 Sam 12:10; 2 Sam 24:17,25; 1 Kgs 8:33-50; Ezra 9:5-10:1; Neh 1:5-11; 9:1-3; Ps 32:5; 35:13; 51:1-14; Jer 14:7-10,19-22; Dan 9:4-20; Jon 3:3-9; Mt 5:23-24; Lk 18:9-14; Jas 5:16)

From the heart (2 Sam 7:27)

With thanksgiving (1 Chr 16:7-10,34; Neh 11:17; Ps 107:8,15,21-22,31; 116:17; Dan 2:23; 6:10; Jon 2:9; Jn 11:41; Acts 27:35; 1 Cor 1:4; Eph 1:15-16; Phil 1:3-5; 4:6; Col 1:3-4; 4:2; 1 Thess 1:2; 1 Tim 2:1; 2 Tim 1:3; Phm 1:4-5)

With desire to be heard or answered

• “Have regard to the prayer of your servant” (1 Kgs 8:28; 2 Chr 6:19; Dan 9:17)

• “Let Your ear be attentive to the prayer” (2 Chr 6:40; 7:15; Neh 1:6,11; Ps 130:2)

• “Answer me” (Ps 4:1; 27:7; 55:2; 102:2; 108:6; 119:145; 143:1,7)

• “Hear my prayer, O Lord” (Ps 4:1; 39:12; 54:2; 61:1; 84:8; 102:1; 143:1)

• “Give ear to my prayer” (Ps 17:1; 55:1; 86:6)

• “Incline Your ear to me” (Ps 17:6; 88:2; 102:2; Dan 9:18)

• “Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy” (Ps 28:2; 140:6)

• “Attend to my prayer” (Ps 66:19)

• “Let my prayer come before you” (Ps 88:2; 119:169-170)

• “O Lord, hear my voice” (Ps 130:2)

• “Give ear to my voice” (Ps 141:1)

• “Attend to my cry” (Ps 142:6)

• “Do not close your ear to my cry for help” (Lam 3:56)

• “O Lord, pay attention and act” (Dan 9:19)

With submission (Job 1:20-22; Mt 26:39; Lk 22:42; 2 Cor 12:7-9)

With holiness

• With purity (Job 16:17)

• By lifting holy hands, without wrath and doubting (1 Tim 2:8)

Not from deceitful lips (Ps 17:1)

In truth (Ps 145:18; Jn 4:24)

With accompanying good works (Prov 21:13; Isa 58:6-9; Acts 10:2-4,31)

In secret (Mt 6:5-6)

With vigilance or watchfulness (Lk 21:36; Col 4:2; 1 Pet 4:7)

• With seriousness or discipline (1 Pet 4:7)

In the name of the Lord Jesus (Jn 14:13-14; 15:16; 16:23-27; Col 3:17)

With one accord (Acts 1:14)

In the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:26-27; Jude 1:20)

With the spirit and understanding (1 Cor 14:15)

With boldness (Heb 4:16)

With faith (Mt 8:5-13; Lk 7:2-10; Heb 11:6; Jas 1:6-8; 5:15)

• With the belief that nothing is too hard for God (Jer 32:17)

• With the belief that you receive whatever you ask (Mt 7:8; 21:22; Mk 11:24; Jn 16:23-24)

According to God’s will (1 Jn 5:14-15)

• According to God’s righteousness (Dan 9:16)

• According to the Lord’s Prayer (Mt 6:9-13; Lk 11:2-4)

To subside the wrath of God (Gen 18:23-33; Ex 32:11-14; Num 11:2; 21:7; Deut 9:19-20,25-29; 10:10; Jer 26:19; Dan 9:16; Amos 7:1-6; Jon 3:7-10)

To receive physical or spiritual healing (Gen 20:7,17-18; Num 12:10-13; 2 Sam 12:16; 1 Kgs 13:4-6; 17:21-22; 2 Kgs 20:1-7; 2 Chr 32:24; Mt 8:2,5-6; 9:18; 15:22; 17:14-15; Mk 6:56; 7:32; 8:22; Lk 17:12-13; Jn 4:46-47,49; 11:1-44; Acts 9:36-40; 28:7-9; Jas 5:13-16)

To ask or inquire something of God (Ex 8:30-31; Judg 1:1; 18:5; 20:18,23,27; 1 Sam 1:17,20,27; 10:22; 14:37; 22:10,13,15; 23:2,4; 28:6; 30:8; 2 Sam 2:1; 5:19,23; 21:1; 1 Kgs 3:5,10,11; 19:4; 1 Chr 4:10; 14:10,14; 2 Chr 1:7,11; Job 6:8; Ps 2:8; 21:4; 27:4; 105:40; Prov 30:7; Isa 45:11; 58:2; Dan 2:22-23; Jon 4:8; Zech 10:1; Mt 7:7-11; 21:22; Mk 11:24; Lk 11:9,13; Jn 16:23-24; 1 Jn 3:22)

To be forgiven of sins (Ex 32:31-32; 34:9; Num 14:13-19; Judg 10:10; 2 Sam 24:10; 2 Chr 6:21,25,27,39; Ps 25:7,11,18; 39:8; 51:1-14; Jer 14:20; Dan 9:3-20; Hos 14:1-2; Jon 1:14; Mt 6:12; Lk 11:4; Lk 23:34; Acts 7:60; 8:22,24; Jas 5:15)

To gain information, instruction or guidance (Josh 7:7-9; Judg 13:8,11,12,17; 1 Sam 23:10-11; 1 Kgs 17:20)

To praise and adore God (Judg 5:3; 1 Sam 2:1–10; 2 Sam 7:22; Ps 51:15; 63:3,5; 66:17; Isa 12:1-2; Jer 20:11-13; Dan 2:23; Hab 3:1-19)

To confess of our sins (Judg 10:10; 1 Sam 12:10; 2 Sam 24:17,25; 1 Kgs 8:33-50; Ezra 9:5-10:1; Neh 1:5-11; 9:1-3; Ps 32:5; 51:1-14; Jer 14:7-10,19-22; Dan 9:4-20; Jon 3:3-9; Mt 5:23-24; Lk 18:9-14)

To repent of our sins (Judg 10:10-16; 1 Kgs 8:33-50; 2 Chr 7:14; Ps 51:1-17; Jer 36:6-7; Jon 3:8-10)

To be remembered by the Lord (Judg 16:28; Lk 23:42)

To keep us from sinning against the Lord (1 Sam 12:23)

To open one’s spiritual eyesight (2 Kgs 6:17)

To give thanks to God (1 Chr 16:7-10,34; Neh 11:17; Ps 116:17; Dan 2:23; 6:10; Jon 2:9; Jn 11:41; Acts 27:35; 1 Cor 1:4; Eph 1:15-16; Phil 1:3-5; 4:6; Col 1:3-4; 4:2; 1 Thess 1:2; 1 Tim 2:1; 2 Tim 1:3; Phm 1:4-5)

To obtain mercy and grace (Neh 1:11; Ps 4:1; 27:7; 30:8,10; 51:1; 57:1; 86:3; 119:58; 142:1; Lk 18:10,13; Heb 4:16)

To know our sins (Job 13:23; Ps 26:2; 139:23-24)

To be delivered (Ps 116:4; 119:146,170)

• From God’s wrath (Gen 18:23-33; Ex 32:11-13; Num 11:1-2; 21:7; Deut 9:25-29; Dan 9:16; Jon 3:7-10)

• From enemies (Gen 32:11; Ex 14:10; Deut 33:7; Josh 24:7; Judg 3:7-9,15; 4:3; 6:6-7; 10:10-16; 1 Sam 7:4-11; 12:10; 2 Kgs 19:10-19; 2 Chr 14:11; Neh 4:9; 9:27-28)

• From bondage (Ex 2:23-25; 3:7,9; Num 20:16; Deut 26:7; 1 Sam 12:8)

• From perils (Ex 8:8-13,28-31; 9:28-33; 10:17-19; Acts 27:29)

• From distress or trouble (2 Sam 22:7; Ps 4:1; 18:6; 25:17; 34:4,6,17; 40:1-2; 50:15; 77:1-4; 81:7; 91:15; 107:6,13,19,28; 118:5; Jon 2:1-10; Acts 12:5)

• From the great tribulation (Mt 24:20; Mk 13:18)

To make one seek the Lord (Dan 9:3)

To be saved (Ps 55:16; Joel 2:32; Rom 10:1,13)

To keep us from entering into temptation (Mt 26:41; Mk 14:38; Lk 22:40,46)

To cast out evil spirits (Mk 9:29)

To be counted worthy to escape and stand before Jesus (Lk 21:36)

To make something known to God (Phil 4:6)

To labor or fight (Col 4:12)

To be sanctified (1 Thess 5:23)

To lead a quiet and peaceable life (1 Tim 2:1-2)

To sanctify foods that God created to be received (1 Tim 4:3-5)

To be equipped to do God’s will (Heb 13:20-21)

To save the sick (Jas 5:15)

To build people up on their faith (Jude 1:20)

Prayer can be requested of others (Ex 8:8,28; 9:28; 10:17; Num 21:7; 1 Sam 7:8; 12:19; 1 Kgs 13:6; 2 Kgs 19:4; Jer 37:3; 42:2,20; Acts 8:24; Rom 15:30; 2 Cor 1:11; Eph 6:18-19; 1 Tim 2:1-2)

Prayer is a gift and privilege (Deut 4:7)

Prayer can be for whatever reason (Deut 4:7; Mt 21:22; Mk 11:24; 1 Jn 3:22)

Prayer can be accompanied by repentance (Judg 10:10-16; 1 Kgs 8:33-50; 2 Chr 7:14; Ps 51:1-17; Jer 36:6-7; Jon 3:8-10)

Prayer can be accompanied by weeping (1 Sam 1:10; Ezra 10:1; Ps 39:12; Jer 31:9; Hos 12:4; Heb 5:7)

Prayer can be silent (1 Sam 1:13; Neh 2:4-5)

Prayer can be stood up from (1 Kgs 8:54; Lk 22:45)

Prayer can be lifted up (2 Kgs 19:4; Isa 37:4; Jer 7:16; 11:14)

Prayer can be accompanied by fasting (1 Sam 7:5-6; Ezra 8:23; Neh 1:4; Jer 14:12; Dan 9:3; Mk 9:29; Lk 5:33; Acts 13:2-3)

Prayer can return to our own hearts (Ps 35:13)

Prayer can be completed (Ps 72:20)

Prayer can be accompanied by joy (Isa 56:7)

Prayer can be refrained from (Jer 7:16; 11:14; 14:11)

Prayer can include speaking (Dan 9:21)

Prayer can remain or continue night and day (Lk 6:12; 1 Tim 5:5)

Prayer requires rising up from sleep (Lk 22:46)

Prayer is to be offered or made (Acts 12:5; 16:13; 1 Tim 2:1; Phm 1:4; Rev 8:3)

Prayer requires the initiative or action to go (Acts 16:16)

Prayer can be a collaborative effort (Rom 15:30)

Prayer is allowed through Jesus (Eph 2:18; Heb 10:19)

Negative Results

• Prayer can be denied (Deut 3:25-26; 2 Cor 12:8-9)

• Prayer can be not listened to by God (Deut 3:25-26; Job 27:9; Isa 1:15; Jer 7:16; 11:11,14; 14:11-12; Ezek 8:18; Zech 7:13)

• Prayer can be not answered by God (1 Sam 14:37; 28:6; Ps 22:2; Prov 1:28; Mic 3:4;)

• Prayer can be turned away (Ps 66:20)

• God can be angry against certain prayers (Ps 80:4)

• Prayer can become sin or an abomination (Ps 109:7; Prov 28:9)

• Many prayers can be made without effect (Isa 1:15)

• Prayer can be shut out (Lam 3:8)

• Prayer can be stopped from passing through (Lam 3:44)

• Prayer can be hindered (1 Pet 3:7)

Positive Results

• Prayer can grant pleas (Gen 25:21; Phm 1:22)

• Prayer can be heard by God (Deut 26:7; 2 Sam 22:7; 1 Kgs 8:45,49; 9:3; 2 Kgs 19:20; 20:5; 2 Chr 6:35,39; 7:12; Neh 1:6; Job 22:27; Ps 4:1,3; 6:9; 17:6; 18:6; 22:24; 34:6,17; 39:12; 54:2; 55:17; 65:2; 66:19; 84:8; 102:1; 143:1; Isa 38:5; 58:9; Jer 33:3; Lam 3:55-57; Jon 2:2; Jn 11:41-42; Acts 10:31)

• Prayer can be heeded (2 Sam 21:14)

• Prayer can go up before God (2 Chr 30:27; Ps 88:2; Jon 2:7; Acts 10:4; Rev 8:4)

• Prayer can make God delight in us (Job 33:26; Prov 15:8)

• Prayer can be received or accepted by the Lord (Ps 6:9)

• Prayer can be answered (Ps 34:4; 91:15; 99:6; 118:5; 138:3; Isa 58:9; Jer 29:12; Jon 2:2)

• God can do above all that we ask or think (Jer 33:3; Eph 3:20)

Those who have been disobedient (Deut 1:43-45; 3:26; Prov 1:28-30; 28:9; Jer 7:3-24; 11:10-15; Lam 3:41-42; Mic 3:4; Zech 7:12-13)

Hypocrites (Job 27:8-10; Ps 78:36-37; Mt 6:5)

Those who are proud or exalt themselves (Job 35:12-13; Lk 18:9-14)

Those with deceitful lips (Ps 17:1)

Those who are enemies of God’s people (Ps 18:41; Mic 3:2-4)

Those who live in sin (1 Sam 2:25; Ps 66:18; Isa 1:15; 59:1-2; Jer 11:10-15; 14:10-12; Lam 3:42-44; Ezek 8:15-18; 14:1-3; 20:31; Jn 9:31; 1 Pet 3:12)

Those who have not confessed or repented of their sins (Ps 66:18; Jas 4:8)

Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor (Prov 21:13)

Those who provoke the Lord to anger (Jer 7:16-20; Lam 3:42-44; Ezek 8:17-18; Zech 7:12-13)

Those who have been evil in their deeds (Mic 3:4)

Those who pray where they may be seen (Mt 6:5)

Those who use vain repetitions (Mt 6:7)

Those who do not forgive others who have trespassed against them (Mt 6:14-15; Mk 11:25-26)

Those whose hearts are far from God (Mt 15:8-9)

Those who make long prayers for a pretense (Mk 12:40)

Those who doubt (Jas 1:5-7)

Those who ask amiss, for their pleasures (Jas 4:3) 

Husbands who have not rendered understanding and honor to their wives (1 Pet 3:7)

Those who put their trust in God (1 Chr 5:20)

Those who return to God (2 Chr 7:14; Job 22:23,27)

The servants who desire to fear God’s name (Neh 1:11)

The afflicted (Ps 9:12; 10:17)

Those who seek God (Ps 34:4; Jer 29:12-13)

The righteous (Ps 34:15,17; Prov 15:29; Jas 5:16; 1 Pet 3:12)

Those who wait patiently for God (Ps 40:1)

Those who have set their love upon God (Ps 91:14-15)

The destitute (Ps 102:17)

Those who fear God (Ps 145:19; Acts 10:2-4; Heb 5:7)

The upright (Prov 15:8)

Those who do good or are charitable (Isa 58:6-9; Acts 10:2-4,31)

Those who are poor and needy (Isa 41:17)

Those who forgive others who have trespassed against them (Mt 6:14-15; Mk 11:25-26)

Those who have faith (Mt 8:5-13; 21:22; Mk 11:24; Lk 7:2-10; Heb 11:6; Jas 1:6-8; 5:15)

Those who are worthy or deserving (Lk 7:4-5)

Those who are godly or devout (Jn 9:31; Acts 10:2-4)

Those who keep God’s commandments and do His will (Jn 9:31; 15:7; 1 Jn 3:21-22)

Bless God (Gen 24:26-27,48; Deut 8:10; Judg 5:2,9; 1 Kgs 8:15,56; 1 Chr 29:10,20; 2 Chr 6:4; Neh 8:6; 9:5; Ps 28:6; 34:1-3; 66:20; 103:1-22; Dan 2:19-20)

Praise God (Judg 5:3; 1 Sam 2:1–10; 2 Sam 7:22; Ps 40:1-3; 51:15; 63:3,5; 66:17; Isa 12:1-2; Jer 20:11-13; Dan 2:23; Hab 3:1-19)

Love God (Ps 116:1)

Thank God (Ps 116:17; 118:21,28-29; Dan 2:23; Jon 2:1-9; Jn 11:41; Phil 4:6; Col 4:2)

Glorify God (Lk 17:17-18)