Opening a time of prayer with scripture sets the tone for inviting God’s presence into the moment. The Bible is full of powerful verses that inspire worship, reverence, and a heart of gratitude as we begin to seek God in prayer. These verses serve as a reminder of God’s greatness, faithfulness, and love, helping to focus our minds on Him before we pray. Here are 30 Bible verses that can be used for opening prayers, each with a reflection to help guide your time with God.
Bible Verses For Opening Prayer
1. Psalm 100:4
“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”
This verse encourages us to start prayer with a heart full of thanksgiving and praise. It reminds us that when we approach God, we should come with gratitude, recognizing all that He has done. Offering praise and thanks prepares our hearts to connect with God in a meaningful way. As we open in prayer, let our hearts be filled with gratitude for His love, faithfulness, and blessings.
2. Philippians 4:6
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
This verse invites us to bring all our cares and concerns to God in prayer, with thanksgiving. It encourages us to open prayer by trusting God with our worries, knowing He hears us. As we begin our prayer, we can come confidently, thanking God for His listening ear and ready to lay down our burdens before Him. Thanksgiving shifts our focus from our problems to God’s provision.
3. Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
This verse reminds us that when we gather in prayer, God is present among us. As we begin our prayer, we can be assured that God is near, listening, and ready to move in our midst. This powerful truth encourages us to open prayer with faith and expectation, knowing that God is present when we come together in His name. His presence brings peace, guidance, and assurance.
4. Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”
This verse calls us to pause and recognize God’s sovereignty. Before we begin praying, it’s a reminder to quiet our hearts and acknowledge that He is in control. As we open our prayer time, we can find peace in knowing that God is powerful and worthy of praise. By being still, we create space for God to move and speak to us. It sets a reverent tone for prayer.
5. Jeremiah 29:12
“Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.”
This verse reassures us that God is attentive to our prayers. When we open in prayer, we can have confidence that God hears us when we seek Him. It’s a promise that when we call on His name, He is listening and ready to respond. As we begin our prayer, we can trust that God is near, ready to hear our petitions and desires. His willingness to listen brings comfort and assurance.
6. Psalm 145:18
“The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.”
This verse highlights God’s nearness to those who seek Him sincerely. As we open our prayer, we can be comforted by the fact that God is close to us when we call upon Him in faith. It encourages us to pray with honesty and openness, knowing that God draws near to those who approach Him with genuine hearts. Let our prayers be filled with truth and trust, as God is always near.
7. Hebrews 4:16
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
This verse invites us to approach God’s throne with boldness and confidence. As we open our prayer time, we can come before God without fear, knowing that He offers grace and mercy. This verse encourages us to pray with the assurance that God is ready to help and provide for our needs. It sets a tone of confidence and trust as we bring our requests before God, knowing His grace is sufficient.
8. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
This verse encourages constant prayer and thanksgiving. As we begin our time of prayer, we are reminded to have a heart of joy and gratitude. Praying without ceasing means to have a continual attitude of prayer, always seeking God’s presence in every moment. This verse calls us to open our prayers with praise and thankfulness, knowing that it pleases God and aligns us with His will.
9. Matthew 6:9-10
“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”
Jesus teaches us to begin prayer by honoring God’s name and seeking His will. This opening line of the Lord’s Prayer reminds us to start by acknowledging God’s holiness and aligning ourselves with His purposes. As we begin our prayer, we can focus on God’s kingdom and His will, asking for His reign to be evident in our lives. It’s a way of surrendering our desires and seeking God’s perfect plan.
10. Colossians 4:2
“Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.”
This verse encourages us to be persistent in prayer, watching with a heart of gratitude. As we open in prayer, we are reminded to be alert, watchful, and thankful for God’s blessings. It invites us to start our prayers with thanksgiving and to remain vigilant, trusting in God’s faithfulness. This verse calls us to pray consistently, always with a heart full of gratitude and anticipation for God’s work in our lives.
11. Psalm 34:1
“I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”
This verse sets a tone of continual praise and worship. As we open in prayer, we are reminded to bless God at all times, no matter the circumstances. Starting our prayer with praise is a powerful way to focus on God’s goodness and faithfulness. It shifts our perspective from our problems to God’s greatness. Let our prayers begin with a spirit of worship, continually praising God for who He is.
12. Ephesians 6:18
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”
This verse encourages us to pray in the Spirit at all times, with perseverance. As we begin our prayer, we are reminded to pray not only for ourselves but also for others. Opening prayer with a focus on the needs of others and asking for the Spirit’s guidance helps align our hearts with God’s love and care for His people. It sets the stage for a prayer filled with purpose, perseverance, and intercession.
13. James 5:16
“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
This verse reminds us of the power of prayer when offered earnestly and with faith. As we open in prayer, it encourages us to pray with passion and conviction, knowing that our prayers can bring about powerful results. When we come before God in righteousness and sincerity, He hears and responds. This verse motivates us to begin our prayer with confidence, believing that God will move through our heartfelt petitions.
14. Isaiah 55:6
“Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near.”
This verse calls us to seek God while He is near. As we open our prayer, we are reminded to take advantage of every opportunity to connect with God. It encourages us to seek Him diligently, knowing that He is always available to hear us. Starting prayer with this mindset reminds us of the urgency and privilege of prayer, inviting us to draw close to God and call on Him with confidence.
15. Psalm 66:17
“I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue.”
This verse speaks of lifting up prayers to God and praising Him with our words. As we open in prayer, we can follow this example by raising our voices in praise and calling out to God. It reminds us to combine our requests with adoration, acknowledging God’s greatness as we seek His help. Beginning our prayer with praise sets a reverent and worshipful tone, focusing on God’s goodness before presenting our needs.
16. Psalm 18:6
“In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.”
This verse reassures us that God hears our cries, even in times of distress. As we begin our prayer, we can be comforted by the knowledge that God is always listening, ready to respond to our needs. It encourages us to approach God with confidence, knowing that He is attentive to our prayers. Opening prayer with this assurance helps us feel connected to God, no matter what we are facing.
17. Romans 8:26
“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”
This verse reminds us that even when we don’t know how to pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf. As we open our prayer, we can trust that the Spirit is guiding our words and thoughts, even when we feel uncertain. It’s a comforting reminder that God understands our hearts, even when we can’t fully express ourselves. Opening prayer with this mindset invites the Spirit to take control and lead us in our time of prayer.
18. Psalm 145:3
“Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.”
This verse reminds us of God’s greatness and worthiness of praise. As we begin our prayer, it encourages us to focus on God’s majesty and power. Starting with praise for God’s greatness helps us to approach Him with reverence and awe. It sets the tone for a prayer filled with worship, reminding us that we serve a mighty and unsearchable God who is worthy of all honor and praise.
19. 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.”
This verse gives us confidence that God hears our prayers when we align them with His will. As we open in prayer, we can trust that God is listening and ready to respond when we seek His will. It encourages us to pray with boldness, knowing that God is faithful to hear and answer. Starting our prayer with this assurance helps us approach God with faith, believing that He will act according to His perfect plan.
20. Psalm 141:2
“Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.”
This verse likens prayer to incense, rising up to God as a pleasing offering. As we begin our prayer, we can visualize our prayers as a fragrant offering to God, pleasing and acceptable in His sight. It encourages us to approach prayer with reverence and devotion, offering our words and hearts to God as a sacrifice of praise. Starting prayer with this imagery helps us focus on the beauty and significance of our connection with God.
21. Matthew 7:7
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”
This verse encourages us to approach prayer with expectation, knowing that when we ask, seek, and knock, God responds. As we open our prayer, we are reminded to seek God wholeheartedly, trusting that He is ready to answer. It sets a tone of faith and persistence, encouraging us to approach God with boldness and confidence, knowing that He will open doors and provide according to His will.
22. John 15:7
“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of abiding in Christ when we pray. As we begin our prayer, we are reminded that our connection to Jesus is key to effective prayer. When we align ourselves with His words and will, our prayers become powerful and effective. This verse encourages us to open prayer with a heart that abides in Christ, trusting that when we remain in Him, our prayers are answered.
23. Psalm 86:5
“For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.”
This verse reminds us of God’s goodness and readiness to forgive. As we open in prayer, we can be confident in God’s mercy and kindness. It encourages us to approach God with trust, knowing that He is always willing to forgive and extend grace. This verse sets a tone of humility and gratitude as we begin prayer, focusing on God’s abundant mercy and His desire to respond to those who call on Him.
24. James 1:5
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
This verse invites us to ask God for wisdom, knowing that He gives generously. As we open our prayer, we can seek God’s guidance and wisdom for every situation we face. It reminds us that God is willing to provide the wisdom we need when we ask in faith. Starting prayer with this request for wisdom helps us align our thoughts with God’s perspective, trusting that He will lead us in the right direction.
25. Psalm 5:3
“My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.”
This verse speaks of starting the day with prayer, directing our hearts to God in the morning. As we open prayer, we can focus on giving God the first moments of our day, seeking His guidance and direction. It sets the tone for a day filled with God’s presence, as we begin by looking up to Him in prayer. This verse encourages us to make prayer the foundation of our day, trusting God to lead us.
26. Proverbs 15:29
“The Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.”
This verse reassures us that God hears the prayers of the righteous. As we open in prayer, it encourages us to approach God with confidence, knowing that He is attentive to those who seek Him with a pure heart. This verse motivates us to live righteously, knowing that our prayers reach God when we walk in His ways. Opening prayer with this verse reminds us of the power of living in alignment with God’s will.
27. Isaiah 65:24
“And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.”
This verse highlights God’s readiness to answer even before we call on Him. As we open our prayer, we can be encouraged that God is already aware of our needs and is prepared to respond. It reassures us that God hears us, even before we speak, and that He is attentive to every detail of our lives. Starting prayer with this verse helps us approach God with faith and expectation, knowing He is always ready to listen.
28. Psalm 63:1
“O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is.”
This verse expresses a deep longing for God’s presence, reminding us to seek Him earnestly. As we begin our prayer, we can come with a thirst for God, desiring to experience more of Him. It sets the tone for a prayer of deep connection, where we seek to be filled by God’s presence. This verse encourages us to open prayer with a hunger for God, trusting that He will satisfy our spiritual thirst.
29. Psalm 19:14
“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”
This verse is a prayer in itself, asking God to accept our words and thoughts. As we open in prayer, it reminds us to offer our words and meditations to God with a desire for them to be pleasing to Him. It sets a humble tone for prayer, where we seek to honor God with our speech and our hearts. This verse encourages us to approach prayer with sincerity and a desire to align ourselves with God’s will.
30. Lamentations 3:22-23
“It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”
This verse highlights God’s unfailing mercy and faithfulness. As we open in prayer, we can begin by acknowledging His constant compassion and faithfulness. It reminds us that every day is a new opportunity to experience God’s mercy and grace. Starting prayer with this verse encourages us to reflect on God’s goodness, thanking Him for His daily faithfulness and mercy that sustain us through every challenge.
These Bible verses provide a foundation for opening prayer with a heart of gratitude, praise, and faith. They remind us of God’s greatness, His readiness to listen, and His desire to connect with us in prayer. By using these scriptures, we can begin our prayers with a sense of reverence, trust, and expectation, knowing that God is near and attentive to our every word.
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