Prayer is the heartbeat of Christian life: speaking to God and listening for his voice. Scripture shows Jesus at prayer and invites us to ask, seek, and knock with childlike trust.

These Bible verses and saint quotes about prayer can renew your desire to pray. Use them when words feel dry or when you want to begin again.

Verses & quotes: Bible Verses About Prayer

Scripture selections come from the Catholic Bible editions used in Catholic Daily; saint quotes are from the Catholic tradition.

Psalm 122:1-2

I rejoiced when they said to me, Let us go to the house of the LORD. And now our feet are standing within your gates, Jerusalem.

James 1:5

But if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and he will be given it.

Psalm 52:10-11

But I, like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God, I trust in God’s mercy forever and ever. I will thank you forever for what you have done. I will put my hope in your name—for it is good—in the presence of those devoted to you.

Jeremiah 33:3

Call to me, and I will answer you; I will tell you great things beyond the reach of your knowledge.

Matthew 7:7-8

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Mark 11:24

Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours.

Luke 11:9-10

And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Hebrews 4:16

So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.

Matthew 21:22

Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.

St. Agatha

Jesus Christ, Lord of all things! You see my heart, you know my desires. Possess all that I am—you alone. I am your sheep; make me worthy to overcome the devil.

St. Alphonsus Liguori

What does it cost us to say, 'My God help me! Have mercy on me!' Is there anything easier than this? And this little will suffice to save us if we be diligent in doing it.

St. Benedict of Nursia

He who labors as he prays lifts his heart to God with his hands.

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