Quotes on Prayer
God has one Son who lived without sin, but he has no Son who lived without prayer. Unknown
Prayer is the voice of our lives…as a man lives, so he prays. Andrew Murray
BRIDGES
When anything in life brings pain,
Or anyone upsets my day,
If I can build a bridge to God
His peace will chase my fears away.
When problems leave me tense, unstrung,
And peace of mind cannot be found,
If I can build a bridge of faith,
He’ll lift me up to higher ground.
If I can build a bridge of trust
To span the tensions of my day,
God’s grace and understanding love
Will be a light upon my way.
No difficulty large or small,
Can come between my Lord and me
If I can build a bridge of prayer
To feel His presence constantly.
Unknown
“Were I a preacher, I should preach above all other things, the practice of the Presence of God….
Those who have the gale of the Holy Spirit go forward, even in sleep.” Brother Lawrence
God is perfect love and perfect wisdom. We do not pray in order to change His Will, but to bring our wills into harmony with His. William Temple
A.W. Tozer once wrote “For it is not mere words that nourish the soul, but God Himself, and unless the hearers find God in personal experience they are not the better for having heard the truth”.
Prayer allows us to wait without worry. John Ortberg
Lift up your heart to Him, sometimes even at your meals, and when you are in company: the least little remembrance will always be acceptable to Him. You need not cry very loud, He is nearer to us than we are aware of. Brother Lawrence
If Christ Himself needed to retire from time to time to the mountain-top to pray, lesser men need not be ashamed to acknowledge that necessity. B. H. Streeter
“I never turn down prayer because that one prayer may be the one you really need.” Marsha Sollenberger
If you have never had any distractions you don’t know how to pray. Thomas Merton
As we cultivate a life of prayer, we continually come into a more intimate relationship with God that satisfies not only our hearts, but His as well. Dr. Fuchsia Pickett
“I began to realize that praying for the sick is more than intervening for a specific problem. Actually it is reaching out with one hand to touch the risen Christ while holding on to the sick with the other hand. Robert L. Wise
He prayeth best
Who loveth best
All things both great and small.
For the dear God
Who loveth us,
He made and loveth all. Samuel Taylor Coleridge
“There’s no such thing as a coincidence in a prayer chapel.” Karen Barber
We pray because we believe that God is our fundamental reality. Dr. Bob Moon
Prayer is not our last resort. As the people of God, we affirm that prayers is our first resort. We do not go to God when all else fails. We’re in a world where everything else has failed. This is why we go to the One who will never fail us. Dr. Bob Moon
“Prayer is not about getting things from God. It is about getting God – and then we have all things.” Unknown.
“Prayer is best seen as relationship.” Tom Albin (Director of Upper Room Ministries.)
“…Prayer is not always petition, sometimes it is just communion. It is the exquisite ministry of friendship.” J.H. Jowett
“Prayer is nothing less than intimacy with God.” Dick Eastman
“It is in the field of prayer that life’s critical battles are lost or won…In prayer we bring our spiritual enemies into the Presence of God and we fight them there.” J.H. Jowett
“The altar is a point of departure from sin, a point of contact with God, a place of revelation from God, a place of discovering truth, a place to die to self, a place to find refuge, a place of total surrender, a place of meeting the Advocate, and above all, a place of worship.” Dr. Bob Moon
“Sin’s nature clamors for people to live isolated, self-reliant lives. Prayer teaches that life need not be lived in isolation but in communion with God and people. Prayer becomes an avenue for reconciliation with God and for connection with others.” Dr. Bob Moon
The disciples did not just ask Jesus to teach them how to pray but to teach them to pray – to actually do it. Dr. Bob Moon
Jesus asked the Father for his disciples’ security, sanctity and unity. Jesus still intercedes for us so fervently because we live in a world that is deceived, dangerous, defiled and divided. Warren Wiersbe
It would be easier to conceive a city without electricity, transportation, telephone service, water and police protection, than it would be to conceive of the Church without prayer. Yet the unhappy truth is that many churches have “supper rooms” for eating and drinking, but no “upper rooms” for payer and waiting on God. William Evans
Only once did Jesus say his house was to be a place for a particular thing. He proclaimed it must be a house of prayer for all nations. (Mark 11:17, Matt. 21:13, Luke 19:46) He did not make this proclamation quietly with sweet words. He spoke with passionate zeal and holy fury. He made sure his words echoed with overturned tables and scattered animals. His message rang out as clearly as the clatter of coins crashing onto the floor. He drove his point home emphatically with a homemade whip as an exclamation point. Here was no meek, and mild Jesus. Here as a Jesus full of fire for the purpose of his Father’s house. If it were not a house of prayer, it was nothing at all. Dr. Bob Moon
The devil is perfectly willing that the Church should multiply its organization and its deftly contrived machinery for the conquest of the world for Christ, if it will only give up praying… Satan laughs softly, as he looks at the Church today, and says under his breath: “You can have your Sunday schools, your YMCAs…your grand choirs, and your fine organs, and your brilliant preachers…as long as you do not bring into them the power of Almighty God, sought and obtained by earnest, persistent, believing, mighty prayers. R.A. Torrey
Ray Fulenwider’s blueprint for change:
C – cause for unhappiness
H – Hard work
A – a new vision
N – new plans with a good chance of success
G – good communication
E – everyone prays
God does nothing save in answer to prayer. John Wesley
The spiritual truth is that People are often not yet prepared to receive what God wants to give them. Not until people ask do they finally grasp what God wants to give. Therefore, God has chosen not to barge into people’s lives but to wait for their intercession. Dr. Bob Moon
The confession of our sins is a key to effective intercession. In intercession we seek to be channels through which our love and concern and God’s love and power can flow into the lives of others. Maxie Dunnam
In prayer we cease leaning on the staff of self-will and put all our confidence in God. Maxie Dunnam
Before believers can ever be with people before God, they must be alone with God. Andrew Murray
Andrew Murray offers the picture of intercessors as a pipeline. The intercessors do not actually give the Living Water, but they are conduits that enable the Living Water to flow to thirsty souls. As pipelines, they do not create the water but they channel the flow to reach those in need.
The only logical answer to the question of why Elijah needed to pray is to imply that God has chosen to work through people. Even when it is the Lord himself initiating something, earnestly desiring to do it, He still needs us to ask.” Dutch Sheets
God’s giving is inseparably connected with our asking…Only by intercession can that power be brought down from heaven that will enable the Church to conquer the world. Andrew Murray
In warfare prayer, believers must learn to use their position in Christ. They never actually battle and defeat the devil. He is already defeated. Dr. Bob Moon
Believers need neither deny the heat of the battle nor its great cost. However, “believers should grasp the deep truth that those nearest to Jesus in the battle are the least subject to defeat.” J.M. Winger as quoted by Dr. Bob Moon
Thou art coming to a King;
Large petitions with thee bring.
For His grace and power are such
None can ever ask too much. John Newton
Prayer works. Prayer moves the hand of God. When you stop to think about the fact that Jesus intercedes on your behalf before the Father….it should reassure you that in the “spiritual realm”, there is some holy intercession going on. Never give up. Merissa Kelley
“Ok, God…I’m letting go and giving you control.” “Good, it’s about time.” (Time lapse) “Helloooooo? Um, God, when are you going to do something?” “When are you going to completely let go?” “Oh yeah, completely…forgot about that…” (Time lapse) “Well? I’m waiting God…how ’bout changing some stuff?” “How about letting go?” “Oh. Yeah…” Merissa Kelley
When I grasped the truth, that whatever concerns me (no matter how trivial it may seem to others)…concerns the Father…I was forever changed. To know that the Creator of the Universe, Almighty God, the Everlasting Father wants to spend time with me, one-on-one, to listen to my heart and my cares, is a priceless treasure. Comprehend this and you will be transformed… Merissa Kelley
Do not let us fail one another in interest, care and practical help; but supremely we must not fail one another in prayer. Michael Baughen
We are always in the presence of God, yet it seems to me that those who pray are in his presence in a very different sense. Teresa of Avila
Scientific research is showing that prayer is a vital component to create a space for healing and balance. Dr. Caroline Leaf
We pray with our eyes on God and not on the difficulties. Oswald Chambers
Prayer is the rope that pulls God and man together. But it doesn’t pull God down to us; it pulls us up to Him. Billy Graham
Brain scans show prayer increases that part of our brain that helps us to be more positive. Dr. Caroline Leaf
A single grateful thought raised to heaven is the most perfect prayer. Gotthold Ephraim Lessing
Brethren, we shall never see much change for the better in our churches in general till the prayer meeting occupies a higher place in the esteem of Christians. Charles Spurgeon
We should spend as much time in thanking God for his benefits as we do in asking Him for them. Saint Vincent de Paul
Prayer is – keeping company with God. Philip Yancey
Prayer is – not just bowing your head a few times a day, it pervades all of life. Philip Yancey
Prayer enters the pool of God’s love and widens outward. Philip Yancey
Only in prayer can we learn to love God with all our heart, mind and soul. Philip Yancey
Prayer is a place where God and humans meet. Philip Yancey
Prayer unfolds in the stillness of the soul. Philip Yancey
The purest form of love is given with no expectation of return. Measured by this standard, earnest prayer for others is a magnificent act of love. David Hubbard
Prayer is – a weapon in a prolonged battle. Like 18:1 (parable of The Persistent Widow)
Prayer is – a means of uniting us unto Himself. Richard J. Foster
Prayer is – loving conversation with the One who has invited us into His embrace. Richard Foster
Prayer is – listening for the still small voice of God. Listening with the “ear of our hearts.” Richard Foster
The greatest tragedy in life is not unanswered prayer, but unoffered prayer. F. B. Meyer
Prayer is the key discipline whereby all spiritual work is done. Chuck Pierce
Prayer is more than thoughts and feelings expressed in words. It is the opening of mind and heart – our whole being to God our Abba Father. It is Divine Union. Richard Foster
The men who have most fully illustrated Christ in their character and have most powerfully affected the world for Him have been men who spend so much time with God as to make it a notable feature in their lives. E. M. Bounds
The process of praying isn’t about letting God know what you need, it’s about letting you know more completely how much you need God and how vital having a relationship with Him is. Karen Barber
More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of. Tennyson
Prayer is resting in the joy of who thou art. Sophia Pigott
Prayer is simply saying “thank you, bless you, praise you.” Richard Foster
Prayer is seeing His greatness to the extent we can receive it. Richard Foster
Prayer us giving your most intense attention to His still small voice within. Madame Jeanne Guuyon
Prayer is magnifying the Lord and exalting His name together. Psalm 34:3
Prayer is inviting God to walk with us. Unknown
Prayer is laying before Him what is in us, not what ought to be in us. C. S. Lewis
Prayer is bowing in His presence in endless wonder and ceaseless praise. Unknown
Prayer allows us to see as He sees.
Prayer is a conversation of the heart, a transformation of the Spirit.
Prayer is a place where growth happens.
Prayer is resting in the hollow of God’s hand.
Prayer is a place where we receive heavenly manna.
Prayer is a love response to the burdens of others.
Prayer makes a way for God to act on Earth. Mt. 6:10
Prayer is giving thanks for who He is and for what He has done.
Prayer is our strongest weapon against invisible foes.
In prayer, the veil is lifted from our hearts and we enter the Holy of Holies.
Prayer is heavenly conversation.
True whole prayer is nothing but love. Augustine
Prayer starts and ends with God.
Prayer is the inner bath of love into which the soul plunges itself. St. John Vianney
A prayer makes sense only if it is lived. Anthony Bloom
Our prayers are vain, empty repetitions without faith behind them.
Prayer – a call to war and an invitation to rest.
The real business of your life as a saved soul is intercessory prayer. Oswald Chambers
Prayer is giving thanks for what He has done. Prayer is giving thanks for who He is.
We cannot really know God if we do not pray. Mother Teresa
The most important lesson we can learn is how to pray. Prayers do not die, prayers live before God, and God’s heart is set on them. E. M. Bounds
Prayer opens us to the transforming grace of God. Jesus’ life was shaped by and steeped in prayer. We must learn from Jesus. He sought to dwell in the presence of God. Christopher Webb
Prayer in the sense of petition, asking for things, is a small part of it; confession and penitence are its threshold, adoration its sanctuary, the presence and vision and enjoyment of God its bread and wine.
C. S. Lewis
P.U.S.H. – Pray Until Something Happens
A day without prayer is a boast against God. Owen Carr
The greatest good and the most profitable gain come when we are up against a blank wall. Then we learn to pray in plain language. Arthur Lynip
None can believe how powerful prayer is, and what it is able to effect, but those who have learned it by experience. Martin Luther
“Pray, and let God worry.” —Martin Luther
Wherever thou shalt be, pray secretly within thyself. If thou shalt be far from a house of prayer, give not thyself trouble to seek for one, for thou thyself art a sanctuary designed for prayer. If thou shalt be in bed, or in any other place, pray there; thy temple is there. St. Bernard of Clairvaux
When a people prays, there is the church; and where the church is, there is never loneliness. Dietrich Bonhoeffer
It is much easier for me to imagine a praying murderer, a praying prostitute, than a vain person praying. Nothing is so at odds with prayer as vanity. Dietrich Bonhoeffer
“Children do not find it difficult or complicated to talk to their parents nor do they feel embarrassed to bring the simplest need to their attention. Neither should we hesitate to bring the simplest requests confidently to the Father.” Richard J. Foster
“If we truly love people, we will desire for them far more than it is within our power to give them, and this will lead us to prayer: Intercession is a way of loving others.” —Richard Foster
He who avoids prayer is avoiding everything that is good. —St. John of the Cross
Quotes From Saint Philip Neri (1515-1595)
“It is an old custom with the servants of God always to have some little prayers ready and to be darting them up to heaven frequently during the day, lifting their minds to God out of the filth of this world. He who adopts this plan will get great fruit with little pains.” St. Philip Neri
“Watch me, O Lord, this day; for, abandoned to myself, I shall surely betray thee.” St. Philip Neri
Pray often, for prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge for Satan. —John Bunyan
No insistence in the Scripture is more pressing than that we must pray…How clear it is, when the Bible is consulted, that the almighty God is brought directly into the things of this world by the prayers of His people.
—E.M. Bounds
However softly we speak, God is so close to us that he can hear us; nor do we need wings to go in search of him, but merely to seek solitude and contemplate him within ourselves, without being surprised to find such a good Guest there. —St. John of the Cross
I think it very wrong to pray for people while they are in distress and then not to continue praying,
now with thanksgiving, when they are relieved. —C.S. Lewis
Many people think their prayers are never answered because it is the answered ones they forget. —C.S. Lewis
In order to grow in grace, we must be much alone. It is not in society that the soul grows most vigorously. In one single quiet hour of prayer it will often make more progress than in days of company with others. It is in the desert that the dew falls freshest and the air its purest.
Horatius Bonar
Prayer is request. The essence of request, as distinct from compulsion, is that it may or may not be granted. And if an infinitely wise Being listens to the requests of finite and foolish creatures, of course He will sometimes grant and sometimes refuse them.
—C.S. Lewis
“Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance, but laying hold of his willingness.”
—Martin Luther
“When a Christian shuns fellowship with other Christians, the devil smiles. When he stops studying the Bible, the devil laughs. When he stops praying, the devil shouts for joy.” —Corrie Ten Boom
“In prayer it is better to have a heart without words than words without a heart.”
—John Bunyan
“Prayer is not so much an act as it is an attitude—an attitude of dependency, dependency upon God.” —Arthur W. Pink
“Prayer does not change God; it changes me.” —C.S. Lewis
Every time we pray our horizon is altered, our attitude to things is altered, not sometimes but every time, and the amazing thing is that we don’t pray more.
Oswald Chambers
“It is good to have a prayer on your lips wherever you go. There are so many moments in life when you are free to pray. When you are waiting for the cashier in the supermarket, getting mad because he or she doesn’t hurry, say a little prayer: ‘Lord, Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.’ Take that prayer with you wherever you go.” —Henri J. M. Nouwen
And let them remember that prayer should accompany the reading of Sacred Scripture, so that God and man may talk together; for “we speak to Him when we pray; we hear Him when we read the divine saying.” St. Ambrose
When we rely upon organization, we get what organization can do; when we rely upon education, we get what education can do; when we rely upon eloquence, we get what eloquence can do. And so on. But when we rely upon prayer, we get what God can do. A.C. Dixon
Someone asked me whether I was aware of all the people out there who were praying for the President. And I had to say, “Yes, I am. I’ve felt it. I believe in intercessory prayer.” But I couldn’t help but say to that questioner after he’d asked the question that — or at least say to them that if sometimes when he was praying he got a busy signal, it was just me in there ahead of him. Ronald Reagan
“Adoration, as it more deeply possesses us, inevitably leads on to self-offering. Charity is the live wire along which the power of God, indwelling our finite spirits, can and does act on other souls and other things, rescuing, healing, giving support and light. Such secret intercessory prayer ought to penetrate and accompany all our active work. It is the supreme expression of the spiritual life on earth. It moves from God to others through us, because we have ceased to be self-centered units, but are woven into the great fabric of praying souls, the ‘mystical body’ through which the work of Christ on earth goes on being done.” Evelyn Underhill
“Very rarely does our first prayer hit the bull’s-eye of God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will. Most prayer requests have to be refined…Maybe we need to change our prayer approach from as soon as possible toi as long as it takes.” Mark Batterson
“Men may spurn our appeals, reject our message, oppose our arguments, despise our persons, but they are helpless against our prayers.” Sidlow Baxter
The things, good Lord, that we pray for, give us the grace to labor for. Amen. Thomas Moore
Prayer will make a man cease from sin; or sin will entice a man to cease from prayer. Bunyan
Prayer is not a mere telephoning to God to ask him to do things, but a developing life, an expanding, a deepening, a heightening, an intensifying of the whole being. A. H. McNeile
