Are written prayers supported by the Bible?

Definition of Prayer

Prayer in Scripture is broadly understood as direct communication with God, encompassing praise, thanksgiving, supplication, confession, and intercession. From the earliest chapters of Genesis, people are shown “call[ing] on the name of the LORD” (Genesis 4:26), indicating a personal and communal practice of communication with the Creator. Throughout both the Old and New Testaments, prayers take diverse forms—spoken aloud, offered silently, or presented in written form for public or private devotion.

Evidence of Written Prayers in the Old Testament

Several books of the Old Testament—notably Psalms, Lamentations, and various recorded prayers throughout the historical and prophetic writings—illustrate that many prayers were indeed composed and written. These writings were then used for worship, meditation, and instruction:

1. The Psalms

The Book of Psalms itself is the most obvious collection of prayers and songs compiled for ongoing use. For example, Psalm 51 is deeply personal yet presented in a format accessible to the believing community for confession: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your loving devotion; according to Your great compassion, blot out my transgressions” (Psalm 51:1). This psalm was composed by David, written down, and preserved for all generations to pray and sing.

2. Solomon’s Prayer at the Temple Dedication

In 2 Chronicles 6:14–42, Solomon’s lengthy and specific prayer is not only offered verbally but also recorded in detail, forming a basis for Israel’s reflection on God’s covenant faithfulness. This text has continued through the centuries as part of the Hebrew Scriptures, used for study and, at times, adapted for liturgical prayer.

3. Jonah’s Prayer

Jonah 2:1–9 recounts Jonah’s prayer from inside the fish. Despite its spontaneous origin, it appears in the book as a formal composition, demonstrating the practice of preserving a prayer in written form so others might learn from it and echo its themes of repentance and deliverance.

New Testament Indications of Recorded or Model Prayers

In the New Testament era, the use of written prayers can also be inferred:

1. The Lord’s Prayer

In Matthew 6:9–13, Jesus provides a pattern often referred to as “The Lord’s Prayer.” While believers are encouraged not to employ “vain repetitions” (Matthew 6:7), the passage itself offers a prayer template that has been written down and faithfully used for centuries. Its written preservation in the Gospels has allowed generations to draw on it as a guide for reverent communication with God.

2. Early Church Devotions and Hymns

Many scholars believe that segments of the New Testament contain fragments of early Christian hymns or doxologies that were recited or sung (e.g., Philippians 2:6–11). Although not strictly labeled as “prayers,” they carry the devotional and worshipful character that would be aligned with a prayerful expression. These were written, shared, and cherished across various congregations.

Clarity from Ancient Manuscripts and Archaeological Artifacts

Ancient findings reinforce that written prayers were part of the spiritual life of God’s people:

1. The Dead Sea Scrolls

Discovered in the mid-20th century, these scrolls include multiple biblical manuscripts and extra-biblical writings used by the Qumran community. Among them are prayers and hymns, indicating that the practice of composing and preserving prayers in writing was widespread by the Second Temple period.

2. Ketef Hinnom Silver Scrolls

Dating to the 7th century BC, these artifacts bear the priestly (Aaronic) blessing from Numbers 6:24–26. While the blessing is slightly different in purpose than a typical prayer, it illustrates how scriptural benedictions and related devotions were recorded and worn or carried, confirming that Scripture-based texts (including blessings and prayerful content) were physically inscribed for remembrance and worship.

Addressing Concerns about Written Prayers

Some individuals question whether written prayers go against Jesus’s warning in Matthew 6:7 regarding “empty repetitions.” However, Scripture itself shows that the issue is not the written form but the heart attitude. God emphasizes sincerity and faith, whether a prayer is spontaneously spoken or carefully composed (Psalm 145:18). Moreover, many biblical psalms, which are unquestionably written, were meant for repeated use in congregational worship. Their presence in Scripture underscores that prayer rooted in reverence and truth remains powerful, regardless of how or when it was written.

The Use of Written Prayers for Teaching and Spiritual Growth

Writing down prayers can serve as a method of teaching faith communities. The record of David’s petitions, Daniel’s confessions (Daniel 9:4–19), and Mary’s Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55) all demonstrate that the faithful have often benefited from reading and reflecting on the prayers of others:

• Remembrance and Repetition: Writing preserves significant communal prayers for future generations to learn from.

• Meditation: Reading scriptural prayers fosters deep reflection on God’s character, promises, and work in history.

• Shared Worship: Corporate worship often involves reading or reciting prayers in unison, uniting believers in a common voice before God.

Concluding Remarks

The Bible, through many Old and New Testament examples, both models and supports prayer in written form. From the Psalms and the prophets of ancient Israel to the teachings of the New Testament and archaeological confirmations, there is consistent and enduring evidence that written prayers are part of God’s people’s devotion. Sincerity, truthfulness, and alignment with God’s revealed Word remain the central pillars of any prayer life (John 4:24).

Ultimately, whether one prays extemporaneously or with composed words, the heart’s posture is what matters most: genuine faith, humility, and reverence before the Lord. As the psalmist affirms: “The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call out to Him in truth” (Psalm 145:18).