“Let my prayer be like incense set before you, my uplifted hands like an evening sacrifice” (Psalm 141:2).
The prayers of patriarchs, kings, prophets, the barren, the lost, the repentant, the widow, the poor, the disciples, and the Messiah are found throughout the Scriptures. Apart from the Psalms, the book of Acts recounting the first-century followers of Messiah has more references to prayer than any other book. It is through reading the prayers of those who called on the name of the Elohim of Isra’el that we can enhance our prayers and prayer life.
The gospels and letters contain admonitions about prayer, petitions, and intercession. Yeshua tells his followers to “keep praying and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1). Sha’ul (Paul) says to “continue steadfastly in prayer,” and “persist in prayer” (Romans 12:12, Colossians 4:2) and “pray with joy and thanksgiving” (Philippians 1:4,6). James says we are to pray fervently like Elijah (James 5:17). Mark says we are to have faith that we are in the process of receiving what we ask for in prayer (Mark 11:24).
Yeshua tells his disciples “when you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to the Father in secret” because his Father rewards what is done in secret (Matthew 6:6). Whenever he prayed to his Father, he left his disciples went to a secluded spot or into the hills (Mark 1:35, 6:46).
We are to “pray at all times with all kinds of prayers and requests in the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:18). We are to pray in unity with the Spirit (Jude 20), and we are to pray with our spirit (1 Corinthians 14:15).
We are to “stay awake,’” and “remain alert” so as not be put to the test due to our weak human nature (Mark 14:38, 1 Peter 4:7). We are especially to remain alert and pray in order to have the strength to escape what will happen in the end times and be able to stand in the presence of Yeshua (Luke 21:6).
There are also warnings about prayer. Women are to dress modestly when they pray publicly (and cover their heads) (1 Timothy 2:9, 1 Corinthians 11). A husband is to respect his wife as a fellow heir of the gift of life so their prayers are not blocked (1 Peter 3:7). We are to test our motives or we won’t receive answers (James 4:3).
The first-century followers of Yeshua devoted themselves single-mindedly to prayer and should continue to be our example (Acts 1:14). Sha’ul says to ‘pray regularly’ and so these prayers from the greatest examples of prayer in Scripture.