What are some examples of prayers in the Bible?

The Bible contains numerous examples of prayers that provide guidance on how to pray in different circumstances. Here are a few examples:

1 - The Prayer of Jabez: * 1 Chronicles 4:10 NKJV: "And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, 'Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!' So God granted him what he requested." * This prayer reflects a desire for God’s blessing, guidance, and protection, along with a recognition of one’s dependence on God.

2 - Hannah’s Prayer for a Child: * 1 Samuel 1:10-11 NKJV: "And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the Lord and wept in anguish. Then she made a vow and said, 'O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.'" * Hannah’s prayer demonstrates deep emotion, sincerity, and a commitment to dedicating her child to God.

3 - Solomon’s Prayer for Wisdom: * 1 Kings 3:9 NKJV: "Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?" * Solomon’s prayer for wisdom rather than wealth or power pleased God, highlighting the value of seeking God’s guidance and discernment.

4 - The Prayer of Hezekiah: * 2 Kings 19:15-19 NKJV: "Then Hezekiah prayed before the Lord, and said: 'O Lord God of Israel, the One who dwells between the cherubim, You are God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. Incline Your ear, O Lord, and hear; open Your eyes, O Lord, and see; and hear the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to reproach the living God. Truly, Lord, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands, and have cast their gods into the fire; for they were not gods, but the work of men’s hands—wood and stone. Therefore they destroyed them. Now therefore, O Lord our God, I pray, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You are the Lord God, You alone.'" * This prayer reflects Hezekiah’s trust in God’s power to deliver Israel from its enemies and his desire to see God’s name glorified.

5 - Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer: * John 17:1-5 NKJV: "Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: 'Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.'" * In this prayer, Jesus prays for Himself, His disciples, and all future believers, asking for unity, protection, and sanctification.

6 - The Prayer of Repentance (Psalm 51): * Psalm 51:1-2 NKJV: "Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin." * David’s prayer of repentance after his sin with Bathsheba is a profound expression of sorrow for sin and a plea for God’s mercy and cleansing.

These examples show the diversity of prayers in the Bible—ranging from requests for personal needs, to prayers of repentance, to intercessions for others, to prayers of praise and worship. Each provides insight into how we can approach God in different situations, trusting in His love, wisdom, and power.