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Monday, April 28, 2025

The Power of Focus

 

It's wonderful to delve into the foundational verses on prayer! Here are ten significant passages from the King James Version Bible that highlight different aspects of prayer:

  1. Matthew 6:6: "But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly."1

    • This verse emphasizes the importance of private and sincere prayer to God.

     

  2. Matthew 7:7: "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:"

    • This is a powerful invitation to persistent prayer, assuring believers that their requests will be heard and answered.

     

  3. Mark 11:24: "Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have2 them."

     This verse underscores the3 crucial role of faith in prayer – believing that God will grant what is asked.

  4. Romans 12:12: "Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;"

    • This highlights the need for consistent and persevering prayer, especially during difficult times.

     

  5. Philippians 4:6: "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto4 God."

    • This encourages us to bring all our anxieties and needs to God with gratitude.

  6. 1 Thessalonians 5:17: "Pray without ceasing."

    • This doesn't necessarily mean constant verbal prayer, but rather a continuous attitude of prayerfulness and dependence on God throughout the day.

     

  7. James 5:16: "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."5

    • This verse emphasizes the power of heartfelt prayer offered by those living in righteousness, as well as the importance of intercessory prayer.

  8. 1 John 5:14: "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:"6

    • This provides assurance that God listens to our prayers, especially when they align with His will.

     

  9. Psalm 55:17: "Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice."

    • This demonstrates the practice of regular and frequent prayer throughout the day.

     

  10. Psalm 62:8: "Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah."

    • This encourages us to be open and honest with God in our prayers, trusting in Him as our refuge and strength.

These verses offer a rich foundation for understanding the nature, importance, and practice of prayer in the Christian faith. Is there anything else about these verses or prayer in general that you'd like to explore?

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 James 5:16

16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. 
 
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Ten Foundational Verses on Prayer from the King James Version Bible

I. Introduction: The Centrality of Prayer in the KJV Bible

A. Overview of Prayer's Significance

Within the corpus of the King James Version (KJV) of the Holy Bible, prayer emerges not merely as a prescribed religious observance but as the vital artery of communication and relationship between humanity and the Divine. It is depicted as a multifaceted engagement encompassing petition, supplication, intercession, confession, adoration, and thanksgiving. Throughout both the Old and New Testaments, prayer functions as the primary conduit through which believers seek divine guidance 1, express their dependence upon God 2, access spiritual strength and power 2, find solace and peace amidst life's tribulations 4, and endeavor to align their personal desires and actions with the revealed will of God.4 Verses such as Philippians 4:6-7 explicitly connect the practice of prayer, particularly when coupled with thanksgiving, to the reception of God's peace, illustrating its profound practical and spiritual benefits.4 Furthermore, the potential efficacy of prayer, especially when offered in faith and righteousness, is underscored in passages like James 5:16 and Matthew 21:22.2

B. Report Objective and Scope

This report presents a curated selection of ten foundational verses drawn exclusively from the King James Version of the Bible. These verses have been chosen to illuminate key facets of prayer, including its nature, proper practice, attendant conditions, and the outcomes promised to those who engage in it faithfully. The selection process prioritized verses that offer explicit instruction or theological insight into prayer as understood within the KJV textual tradition. The accuracy of each verse's transcription has been meticulously verified against established digital biblical resources.9 The objective is to provide a reliable and focused resource for the study and contemplation of prayer according to this historically significant translation.

II. Ten Key KJV Verses on Prayer

A. Presentation Format

The ten selected verses are presented below in a table format for clarity and ease of reference. Each entry includes the full KJV text of the verse and its corresponding biblical citation. Following the table, brief scholarly annotations are provided for each verse, offering context and exploring its theological implications concerning the doctrine and practice of prayer.

B. Table: Foundational KJV Verses on Prayer

Verse #

Full KJV Text

Biblical Reference

1

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

Matthew 7:7

2

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Philippians 4:6

3

Pray without ceasing.

1 Thessalonians 5:17

4

...The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

James 5:16b

5

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

Matthew 21:22

6

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

1 John 5:14

7

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

Matthew 6:6

8

Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

Jeremiah 29:12

9

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.

Colossians 4:2

10

Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.

Luke 6:28

C. Selected Verses and Scholarly Annotations

  1. Matthew 7:7 (KJV): "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:"

  • Annotation: Situated within the Sermon on the Mount, this verse employs a distinct triad of verbs—Ask, Seek, Knock—to advocate for a proactive and persistent approach to prayer.11 The progression suggests an increasing intensity in the petitioner's engagement. "Asking" may represent the initial verbal request, "seeking" implies a more active and diligent search (perhaps for God Himself or His wisdom), and "knocking" conveys determined persistence, like one demanding entry at a closed door.3 This structure portrays prayer not as a passive expression of desire, but as an earnest, sustained pursuit of God and His provision. The parallel structure, linking each human action (Ask, Seek, Knock) with a corresponding divine response (Given, Find, Opened), strongly communicates God's readiness and willingness to respond to those who approach Him with sincerity and perseverance.11 It fosters confidence that such prayers are heard and attended to by a receptive Father. Some linguistic analyses propose the Greek verb tenses imply continuous action—"keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking"—further reinforcing the theme of persistence.13

  1. Philippians 4:6 (KJV): "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."

  • Annotation: This passage directly addresses the human experience of anxiety, offering prayer as the divinely prescribed antidote. The command "Be careful for nothing" translates to "Do not be anxious about anything".15 Instead of succumbing to worry, believers are instructed to engage in communication with God concerning every situation ("in every thing"). The verse specifies the components of this communication: "prayer" (general communion and worship), "supplication" (specific petitions addressing needs), and crucially, "with thanksgiving".15 This combination—presenting specific needs to God while maintaining an attitude of gratitude for His past and present faithfulness—is presented as the alternative to anxiety. Making requests known "unto God" emphasizes the direct, personal nature of this address. The inclusion of thanksgiving prevents prayer from devolving into a mere recitation of demands; it cultivates trust and acknowledges God's sovereignty and goodness even amidst perceived lack or difficulty.15 Thus, prayer is positioned as a primary spiritual discipline for managing anxiety and fostering inner peace through reliance on God.5

  1. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV): "Pray without ceasing."

  • Annotation: This remarkably concise injunction encapsulates the ideal of a life permeated by prayer. "Without ceasing" is generally understood not as uninterrupted vocal prayer, which would be impractical, but rather as maintaining a constant state of prayerfulness, an unceasing awareness of God's presence, and a readiness to commune with Him throughout the course of daily life.7 It suggests integrating prayer into the very fabric of one's existence, fostering a continual fellowship and dependence on God.4 This command, nestled between exhortations to "Rejoice evermore" and "In every thing give thanks" 4, portrays prayer as part of a holistic posture of faith, joy, and gratitude that should characterize the believer's life. It broadens the concept of prayer beyond formal, scheduled times to encompass an ongoing, relational orientation towards God.

  1. James 5:16b (KJV): "...The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."

  • Annotation: This latter part of James 5:16 highlights the potential potency of prayer. It asserts that prayer, when characterized by certain qualities, yields significant results ("availeth much"). Two key qualifiers are mentioned: the prayer must be "effectual fervent," implying sincerity, earnestness, and intensity, rather than being lukewarm or mechanical; and it must be offered by a "righteous man," indicating someone whose life is generally aligned with God's standards and who lives in a right relationship with Him.2 This connection between the petitioner's character, the manner of praying, and the prayer's effectiveness suggests that prayer's power is not arbitrary or magical. Rather, its efficacy is linked to the spiritual state of the one praying and the genuineness of their approach to God.6 This verse serves as a powerful encouragement regarding the impact prayer can have, particularly in contexts like seeking healing, as mentioned in the first part of the verse.2

  1. Matthew 21:22 (KJV): "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."

  • Annotation: Echoing similar statements by Jesus (e.g., Mark 11:24 4), this verse places strong emphasis on the role of faith in petitionary prayer. It presents belief as a critical condition for receiving what is asked. The structure—asking in prayer while believing—leads directly to the promise: "ye shall receive".2 This highlights faith not merely as passive assent but as an active trust and confidence in God's power and willingness to act in response to prayer. It positions belief as a necessary catalyst within the dynamic of asking and receiving.2 While seemingly offering an unlimited scope ("all things, whatsoever"), this promise is often understood theologically in conjunction with other scriptural principles, such as the necessity of praying according to God's will (as seen in 1 John 5:14) and with right motives (James 4:3 3). Nevertheless, the verse powerfully underscores the indispensable connection between faith and answered prayer within the teachings of Jesus.

  1. 1 John 5:14 (KJV): "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:"

  • Annotation: This verse provides a vital theological framework for understanding prayer, particularly petition. It explicitly links the believer's confidence (parreˉsia, boldness or assurance 7) in approaching God to the condition of praying "according to his will".4 The assurance is not that God hears every vocalization, but that He attentively hears requests aligned with His own character, purposes, and revealed commands.7 This principle acts as a crucial qualifier to seemingly broader promises about answered prayer (like Matthew 21:22). It shifts the focus of prayer from merely fulfilling personal desires to discerning and aligning with God's intentions. Confidence in prayer, therefore, stems not from the fervency of the request alone, but from the assurance that the request resonates with the divine will. Knowing God "heareth us" when we pray this way forms the basis for the subsequent assurance in verse 15 that we possess the petitions desired of Him.4

  1. Matthew 6:6 (KJV): "But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly."

  • Annotation: In direct contrast to the hypocritical practice of praying ostentatiously in public merely "to be seen by others" (Matthew 6:5 7), Jesus instructs His followers on the value of private prayer. The imagery of entering a "closet" (a private room) and shutting the door signifies seeking seclusion and eliminating distractions to focus solely on communion with God.4 This practice emphasizes sincerity and intimacy, directing the prayer to the "Father which is in secret." The motivation shifts from seeking human approval to engaging in genuine fellowship with God, who is fully aware of this secret devotion ("seeth in secret"). The promise of an open reward suggests that God acknowledges and honors such sincere, private communion, though the reward itself is unspecified.4 This verse champions authenticity and relational depth in prayer over performative religiosity.

  1. Jeremiah 29:12 (KJV): "Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you."

  • Annotation: Delivered by the prophet Jeremiah to the Israelites exiled in Babylon, this verse forms part of a larger promise of restoration and hope.6 It contains a direct assurance from God: when His people initiate contact through prayer ("call upon me," "pray unto me"), He promises to listen attentively ("I will hearken unto you").4 This declaration underscores God's accessibility and responsiveness. Despite the context of judgment and exile, God presents Himself as available and willing to engage with those who turn to Him in prayer. This promise, coupled with the subsequent verse emphasizing seeking God wholeheartedly (Jeremiah 29:13 6), provides profound encouragement for prayer, grounding it in God's own stated character and willingness to hear His people.

  1. Colossians 4:2 (KJV): "Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving."

  • Annotation: This exhortation combines several crucial elements of a robust prayer life. Firstly, it calls for persistence: "Continue in prayer," echoing the sentiment of 1 Thessalonians 5:17.2 Secondly, it adds the dimension of watchfulness: "watch in the same." The Greek term suggests vigilance, alertness, or wakefulness.6 This implies that prayer should not be a passive or drowsy exercise but requires mental and spiritual alertness—perhaps being attentive to God's leading, aware of spiritual dangers, or perceptive of the needs around oneself. Thirdly, it reiterates the importance of gratitude: "with thanksgiving," reinforcing the balanced approach seen also in Philippians 4:6.2 Together, these elements depict dedicated prayer as requiring steadfastness, vigilance, and a thankful heart.

  1. Luke 6:28 (KJV): "Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you."

  • Annotation: This command from Jesus radically extends the scope and purpose of prayer. It moves beyond praying for oneself or fellow believers to include actively praying for enemies and persecutors—those who verbally curse or physically mistreat ("despitefully use") believers.4 This instruction is paired with the command to "Bless them that curse you," positioning prayer as a concrete expression of the difficult ethic of enemy-love taught by Jesus (Luke 6:27 4). Praying for persecutors is not merely an internal sentiment but an action taken towards demonstrating grace and seeking God's intervention even in the lives of those exhibiting hostility. It showcases prayer as a tool for enacting radical forgiveness and love, reflecting the character of God Himself.

III. Note on Verification

A. Methodology

The transcription of the King James Version text for each of the ten verses presented in this report has been carefully verified. Primary verification was conducted using the comprehensive online Bible resource, Bible Gateway, which is known for its accurate representation of various Bible versions, including the KJV.5 Where applicable, cross-references were made with other digital biblical tools such as Bible Hub 23 and DailyVerses 2 to ensure consistency and fidelity to standard KJV printings, such as the common 1987 reference printing.10

B. Significance

This verification process ensures that the biblical texts cited in this report accurately reflect the specific wording and punctuation of the King James Version, fulfilling the user's requirement for KJV-specific references. This commitment to textual accuracy provides a reliable foundation for personal study, teaching, citation, or devotional use of these significant verses on prayer.

IV. Conclusion: Reflections on Prayer in the KJV

A. Synthesis of Themes

The ten selected KJV verses, when considered collectively, paint a rich and multifaceted portrait of prayer. It is presented not as a monolithic activity but as a dynamic interaction with God, involving persistent engagement—asking, seeking, and knocking (Matthew 7:7). This engagement is optimally grounded in unwavering faith (Matthew 21:22) yet regulated by a desire to align with God's revealed will (1 John 5:14). Prayer emerges as a vital spiritual resource, offered as the primary antidote to anxiety (Philippians 4:6) and ideally cultivated as a continuous state of communion (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Effective prayer requires not only persistence but also spiritual alertness ("watchfulness") and a heart filled with gratitude (Colossians 4:2). Its potential power is significant, particularly when offered with fervency by those living in right relationship with God (James 5:16). The practice of prayer spans the spectrum from intimate, private devotion (Matthew 6:6) to the challenging, outward-focused act of interceding even for one's enemies (Luke 6:28).

B. Enduring Relevance

These foundational scriptures from the King James Version continue to offer profound guidance for understanding and practicing prayer. They provide both instruction and encouragement, outlining the attitudes (faith, persistence, thanksgiving, submission to God's will) and actions (asking, seeking, knocking, watching, praying for others) that characterize biblical prayer. Crucially, they offer assurances of God's attentiveness (Jeremiah 29:12) and His willingness to respond. Underlying these diverse instructions and promises is the consistent theme that prayer is fundamentally relational. It transcends mere technique or formula; it is the language of dependence, the expression of trust, the alignment of human will with divine purpose, and the challenging enactment of love. Viewing prayer through this relational lens, as depicted across these KJV verses, encourages authenticity, perseverance, and a focus not solely on receiving desired outcomes, but on deepening the communion and relationship between the believer and God.

Works cited

  1. Top 10 Bible Verses About PRAYER [KJV] With Inspirational Explanation - YouTube, accessed April 29, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXbIpbyy5Vo

  2. 100 Bible Verses about 'Power of prayer' - KJV - DailyVerses.net, accessed April 29, 2025, https://dailyverses.net/search/Power%20of%20prayer/kjv

  3. What did Jesus mean when He told us to ask, seek, and knock? | GotQuestions.org, accessed April 29, 2025, https://www.gotquestions.org/ask-seek-knock.html

  4. 66 Bible Verses about Prayer - KJV - DailyVerses.net, accessed April 29, 2025, https://dailyverses.net/prayer/kjv

  5. Philippians 4:6-7 KJV - Be careful for nothing; but in every - Bible ..., accessed April 29, 2025, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%204%3A6-7&version=KJV

  6. Ten encouraging Bible verses about prayer, accessed April 29, 2025, https://www.opendoors.org.hk/en-US/news/latest/encouraging-bible-verses-prayer/

  7. 10 Key Bible Verses on Prayer | Crossway Articles, accessed April 29, 2025, https://www.crossway.org/articles/10-key-bible-verses-on-prayer/

  8. Philippians 4:6-8 KJV - Be careful for nothing; but in every - Bible Gateway, accessed April 29, 2025, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%204%3A6-8&version=KJV

  9. BibleGateway.com: A searchable online Bible in over 150 versions and 50 languages., accessed April 29, 2025, https://www.biblegateway.com/

  10. King James Version (KJV) - Version Information - BibleGateway.com, accessed April 29, 2025, https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/King-James-Version-KJV-Bible/

  11. Matthew 7:7-8 KJV - Bible.com, accessed April 29, 2025, https://www.bible.com/bible/1/MAT.7.7-8.KJV

  12. Matthew 7:7-8 KJV - Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, - Bible ..., accessed April 29, 2025, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%207%3A7-8&version=KJV

  13. What does Matthew 7:7 mean? - BibleRef.com, accessed April 29, 2025, https://www.bibleref.com/Matthew/7/Matthew-7-7.html

  14. Matthew 7:7-11 - Ask, seek, knock... continually? : r/AcademicBiblical - Reddit, accessed April 29, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/AcademicBiblical/comments/f8pksc/matthew_7711_ask_seek_knock_continually/

  15. Philippians 4:6 New King James Version Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; : r/Bible - Reddit, accessed April 29, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/Bible/comments/ikks3i/philippians_46_new_king_james_version_be_anxious/

  16. Philippians 4:6-7 - Bible verse (KJV) - DailyVerses.net, accessed April 29, 2025, https://dailyverses.net/philippians/4/6-7/kjv

  17. Philippians 4:6 KJV - "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by pray..." | Bible Study Tools, accessed April 29, 2025, https://www.biblestudytools.com/kjv/philippians/4-6.html

  18. Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. - Bible Hub, accessed April 29, 2025, https://biblehub.com/philippians/4-6.htm

  19. 50 of the Most Popular King James Bible Verses, accessed April 29, 2025, https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/popular-king-james-bible-verses/

  20. What Does the Bible Say About The Power Of Prayer-kjv? - OpenBible.info, accessed April 29, 2025, https://www.openbible.info/topics/the_power_of_prayer-kjv

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  22. Psalm 143 KJV - Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my - Bible Gateway, accessed April 29, 2025, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20143&version=KJV

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  26. Philippians 4:6 KJV: Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. - Bible Hub, accessed April 29, 2025, https://biblehub.com/kjv/philippians/4-6.htm

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