What is Prayer?

QUESTION:

ANSWER:

Prayer is the living relationship between you and God, where your worship, surrender, needs, and fellowship meet in one sacred conversation.

Prayer is one of the most familiar words in the Christian life, and yet for many, it remains one of the most misunderstood. Some see it as a religious routine, others as a desperate last resort in times of trouble. For some, prayer is a list of needs brought before God—but is that all it is?

From the first pages of Scripture to the life of Jesus Christ, prayer is shown not as a formula, but as a living relationship. It is where the heart speaks to the Creator—sometimes with words, sometimes with tears, sometimes in silence. And far beyond asking for help, prayer is a spiritual lifeline through which we worship God, express our hearts, seek His will, and grow in faith.

In this article, let us explore what the Bible teaches about prayer: what it really is, why we pray, and the many ways prayer helps us draw closer to God. Whether you’re just beginning your walk with God or seeking to go deeper, understanding the purposes of prayer can transform how—and why—you pray.

Prayer: Definition

Prayer is, at its heart, talking to God—worshiping Him from your spirit, sharing your thoughts and emotions, asking for His guidance, surrendering your will, bringing your needs to Him, interceding for others, and enjoying His presence. It is how we grow closer to God, trust Him more deeply, and live in harmony with His purpose.

Prayer is Talking to God with Many Purposes

Prayer is literally the act of talking to God—but it’s not a one-dimensional conversation. People pray to worship, to ask for help, to seek forgiveness, to intercede for others, or simply to dwell in God’s presence. In the New Testament, several Greek words were used to express these various aspects of prayer. Each word carries a different shade of meaning that helps us understand what prayer was meant to be.

To truly grasp the depth of biblical prayer, we must return to these original Greek words. This study was done using the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, and all Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version (KJV). These tools help us explore the actual terms used by the New Testament writers to capture the rich purposes behind prayer as God intended.

Greek Words Translated as “Pray” or “Prayer” in the New Testament

1. English Word: Prayer

Greek Word: proseuchē (προσευχή)
Literal Meaning: A petition or devotion directed toward God
Biblical Usage: General term for prayer in a worshipful or spiritual sense
Purpose: To communicate with God in reverence and trust
Verses:
- “My house shall be called the house of prayer.” (Matthew 21:13)
- “In every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” (Philippians 4:6)

2. English Word: Pray / To Pray

Greek Word: proseuchomai (προσεύχομαι)
Literal Meaning: To pray, to offer prayers
Biblical Usage: Verb form describing the act of praying
Purpose: To express worship, gratitude, need, or surrender
Verses:
- “When thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are…” (Matthew 6:5)
- “And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.” (Luke 5:16)

3. English Word: Supplication

Greek Word: deēsis (δέησις)
Literal Meaning: An entreaty, plea, or urgent request
Biblical Usage: Used when someone cries out for personal needs
Purpose: To ask God for something with humility and dependence
Verses:
- “Thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son.” (Luke 1:13)
- “By prayer and supplication with thanksgiving…” (Philippians 4:6)

4. English Word: To Beseech / Beg / Pray

Greek Word: deomai (δέομαι)
Literal Meaning: To implore, plead, beg
Biblical Usage: Used in contexts of emotional need or intense intercession
Purpose: To urgently appeal to God for help or mercy
Verses:
- “Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest…” (Luke 10:2)
- “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” (Luke 22:32)

5. English Word: Intercession

Greek Word: enteuxis (ἔντευξις)
Literal Meaning: A meeting or intervention for someone
Biblical Usage: Prayer on behalf of others
Purpose: To stand in the gap for someone in need
Verses:
- “Intercessions… be made for all men.” (1 Timothy 2:1)
- “Sanctified by the word of God and prayer.” (1 Timothy 4:5)

6. English Word: Vow / Prayer

Greek Word: euchē (εὐχή)
Literal Meaning: A vow or promise made to God
Biblical Usage: Prayers that involve dedication or commitment
Purpose: To offer a pledge or consecration to God
Verses:
- “The prayer of faith shall save the sick.” (James 5:15)
- “Paul… had a vow.” (Acts 18:18)

7. English Word: Ask / Pray

Greek Word: aiteō (αἰτέω)
Literal Meaning: To ask, request, demand
Biblical Usage: When someone seeks something specific from God
Purpose: To bring petitions before God in faith
Verses:
- “Ask, and it will be given to you…” (Matthew 7:7)
- “Let him ask of God…” (James 1:5)

8. English Word: Ask / Request

Greek Word: erōtaō (ἐρωτάω)
Literal Meaning: To ask, request politely
Biblical Usage: Used in intimate or respectful prayer
Purpose: To express a close, respectful request to God
Verses:
- “I pray not that You should take them out of the world…” (John 17:15)
- “I pray for them: I do not pray for the world…” (John 17:9)

The Purposes of Prayer

Prayer is more than a religious act—it is a spiritual lifeline through which we connect with God. Throughout Scripture, we see that people prayed for many different reasons. Understanding these distinct purposes will deepen our appreciation for prayer and reshape how we approach God. Below are the key purposes of prayer, each supported by Scripture.

1. Worshiping God

Prayer is a way of honoring, adoring, and reverencing God for who He is—not just for what He can do.

“Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” (Matthew 6:9)
“Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.” (Psalm 29:2)

Purpose: To exalt God’s holiness, express awe, and align our hearts with His majesty.

2. Sharing Our Thoughts and Emotions

God invites us to pour out our hearts to Him—not just our formal words but our real emotions and thoughts.

“Trust in him at all times… pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us.” (Psalm 62:8)
“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

Purpose: To build an authentic relationship with God by opening up honestly in His presence.

3. Asking for Guidance

One of the most essential purposes of prayer is seeking God’s direction and wisdom.

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God…” (James 1:5)
“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:6)

Purpose: To recognize our need for divine instruction and let God lead our steps.

4. Surrendering Our Will

Prayer is also about submission—not forcing our will upon God, but aligning our hearts to His perfect plan.

“Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” (Luke 22:42)
“Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” (Psalm 37:5)

Purpose: To humble ourselves before God and embrace His will above our own.

5. Bringing Our Needs to God

God desires that we come to Him with our daily needs, both spiritual and physical.

“Give us this day our daily bread.” (Matthew 6:11)
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication… let your requests be made known unto God.” (Philippians 4:6)

Purpose: To express dependence on God for provision, help, and grace.

6. Interceding for Others

Prayer is not only personal; it is also a ministry. We are called to pray on behalf of others—family, friends, leaders, even enemies.

“I exhort therefore, that… intercessions… be made for all men.” (1 Timothy 2:1)
“Pray one for another, that ye may be healed.” (James 5:16)

Purpose: To lift up others before God in love, asking for their help, healing, and salvation.

7. Enjoying God’s Presence

Sometimes, prayer has no request—only presence. We pray simply to be with Him.

“One thing have I desired… to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.” (Psalm 27:4)
“In thy presence is fulness of joy.” (Psalm 16:11)

Purpose: To dwell in God’s nearness, rest in His love, and delight in knowing Him.

How Often Should We Pray?

The Bible doesn’t treat prayer as something reserved only for emergencies or church services. Scripture calls us to a lifestyle of prayer—continual, heartfelt, and consistent. Prayer is part of our daily walk with God, not an occasional event.

Here are several key verses that reveal how often and how consistently we are called to pray:

1. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

“Pray without ceasing.”
This verse is a direct and powerful call to keep a continuous spirit of communion with God. It means maintaining an open heart before Him throughout the day, not just during scheduled prayer times.

2. Ephesians 6:18

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.”
We are commanded to pray at all times in the Spirit—both for ourselves and for others. Prayer is part of our spiritual armor.

3. Luke 18:1

“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart.”
Jesus emphasized that prayer should be regular and persistent, especially in times when we are tempted to give up.

4. Romans 12:12

“Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer.”
The Christian life involves steadfast devotion to prayer, regardless of life’s circumstances.

5. Psalm 55:17

“Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice.”
David modeled a daily rhythm of prayer—morning, noon, and evening. This shows intentionality and consistency.

6. Daniel 6:10

“…he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.”
Daniel’s life of prayer was so consistent that even under threat of death, he did not stop his daily discipline of praying three times a day.

7. Colossians 4:2

“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.”
The call is to be earnest and alert in prayer, treating it as an ongoing, active part of our spiritual life.

Prayer is not a moment; it is a mindset.

Whether it’s throughout the day, at appointed times, or in moments of joy and sorrow, the Bible makes it clear: we are called to live a life of prayer.

Final Thought

“Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.” (Luke 6:12)

The Lord Jesus didn’t just teach us to pray—He lived it. He sought solitude, knelt in secret places, and even prayed through the night. In doing so, He set the example for us to follow. Every time Jesus prayed, He was showing us how we ought to live in constant fellowship with the Father.

For a deeper look into this, see “If Jesus is God, Why Does He Need to Pray to the Father?”
To learn more about how to actually pray, see “How Should I Pray?”

If you want to know God more—pray.

If you want to be closer to God—pray.

If you want to see life through the lens of God’s eyes—pray.

If you want to know God’s will—pray.

If you want to receive God’s guidance—pray.

If you want to ask for something—pray.

If you want God to move in other people’s lives—pray.

The secret to a victorious Christian life—especially in the midst of all spiritual battles—is by kneeling down in prayer and living in total dependence on God!