Prayer Billy Graham Quotes & Sayings

We have not yet learned that we are more powerful on our knees than behind the most powerful weapons that can be developed. — Billy Graham

[God] says to pray for our enemies. How many of us have ever spent time praying for our enemies? — Billy Graham

Prayer is crucial in evangelism: Only God can change the heart of someone who is in rebellion against Him. No matter how logical our arguments or how fervent our appeals, our words will accomplish nothing unless God's Spirit prepares the way. — Billy Graham

The Book of Psalms is the Bible's hymnbook. It will show you what it means to walk with God in prayer and praise. — Billy Graham

Whether prayer changes our situation or not, one thing is certain: Prayer will change us! — Billy Graham

If [Jesus] felt that He had to pray, how much more do we need to pray! — Billy Graham

A survey reported that the majority of the seminaries [in the United States] had no classes on prayer. That really shouldn't surprise us when we consider how many local churches offer classes on gardening and the "Art of Conversation" instead of the study of God's Word and prayer. — Billy Graham

Obedience is the master key to effectual prayer. — Billy Graham

Why do we need to pray? Because the Christian life is a journey, and we need God's strength and guidance along the way. — Billy Graham

No matter how hard we try, words simply cannot express the horror, the shock, and the revulsion we all feel over what took place in this nation on 9/11. My prayer today is that we will feel the loving arms of God wrapped around us, and will know in our hearts that He will never forsake us as we trust in Him. — Billy Graham

Prayer is more than a wish; it is the voice of faith directed to God. — Billy Graham

Prayer never works for me on the golf course. That may have something to do with my being a terrible putter. — Billy Graham

How can you keep your mind from wandering when you pray? Remember what you are doing: talking to God. If you had the opportunity to talk with the president, I doubt if your mind would wander. [We] have the privilege of talking to someone far greater: the King of kings! — Billy Graham

Nothing will drive us to our knees quicker than trouble. — Billy Graham

Our relationship with God involves communication - not just an occasional brief chat, but a deep sharing of ourselves and our concerns with God. In the Bible God speaks to us; in prayer we speak to God. Both are essential - and both are gifts God has given us so we can know Him. He has given us the privilege of prayer because He loves us and wants our fellowship. BILLY GRAHAM The Journey — Billy Graham

True prayer is a way of life, not just for use in cases of emergency. Make it a habit, and when the need arises you will be in practice. — Billy Graham

Parents need much wisdom in relating to their grown children - and much prayer. Children likewise have much to learn about relating to their parents as the years pass. — Billy Graham

Long after you and I are gone, God will still be at work - and many of the things we prayed for will finally come to pass. — Billy Graham

A life taught in the Scriptures, and tuned in to God in prayer, produces an outflowing of grace and power. — Billy Graham

By a simple prayer of faith, you can give your life to Him today. — Billy Graham

Sometimes I'm asked to list the most important steps in preparing for an evangelistic mission, and my reply is always the same: prayer ... prayer ... prayer. — Billy Graham

Pray because Christ died to give us access to the Father. Pray because God is worthy of our praise. Pray because we need His forgiveness, cleansing, guidance, and protection. Pray because others need our prayers. — Billy Graham

Prayer serves a dual purpose; the blessing of man and the glory of God. — Billy Graham

A prayerless Christian is a powerless Christian. — Billy Graham

No matter where we are, God is as close as a prayer. He is our support and our strength. He will help us make our way up again from whatever depths we have fallen. — Billy Graham

Make it your goal to build strong foundations for your life - foundations constructed from prayer and the truths of God's Word. — Billy Graham

Prayer is spiritual communication between man and God, a two-way relationship in which man should not only talk to God but also listen to Him. Prayer to God is like a child's conversation with his father. It is natural for a child to ask his father for the things he needs. — Billy Graham

Prayer is speaking to God - but sometimes He uses our times of prayerful silence to speak to us in return. — Billy Graham

It is not the posture of the body, but the attitude of the heart that counts when we pray ... The important thing is not the position of the body but the condition of the soul. — Billy Graham

I listened to a discussion of religious leaders on how to communicate the Gospel. Not once did I hear them mention prayer. And yet I know of scores of churches that win many converts each year by prayer alone. — Billy Graham

The most eloquent prayer is the prayer through hands that heal and bless. — Billy Graham

Many times I have been driven to prayer. When I was in Bible school I didn't know what to do with my life. I used to walk the streets ... and pray, sometimes for hours at a time. In His timing, God answered those prayers, and since then prayer has been an essential part of my life. — Billy Graham

Be careful before leaving someone in a sorrowing situation. Say a word of prayer with them and share even a brief word of encouragement from the Scriptures. — Billy Graham

The men upon whose shoulders rested the initial responsibility of Christianizing the world came to Jesus with one supreme request. They did not say, "Lord, teach us to preach"; "Lord, teach us to do miracles"; or "Lord, teach us to be wise" ... but they said, "Lord, teach us to pray. — Billy Graham

When troubles come may prayer be your automatic response. — Billy Graham

I firmly believe God continues to answer the prayers of His people even after He has taken them to heaven. Never forget that God isn't bound by time the way we are. We see only the present moment; God sees everything. We see only part of what He is doing; He sees it all. — Billy Graham

God urges us to bring our concerns to Him - not just petitions about our own needs, but also intercessions for others. [The apostle] Paul said ... "Brothers, pray for us" [1 Thessalonians 5:25 NIV]. — Billy Graham

We have so many battles going on in America today that we should be a people of prayer. Our government needs prayer. Our leaders need prayer. Our schools need prayer. Our youth need our prayers. Our families need our prayers. — Billy Graham

Have you ever said, "Well, all we can do now is pray"? ... When we come to the end of ourselves, we come to the beginning of God. — Billy Graham

Prayer is for every moment of our lives, not just for times of suffering or joy. Prayer is really a place, a place where you meet God in genuine conversation. — Billy Graham

Too often we use petty little petitions, oratorical exercises, or the words of others rather than the cries of our inmost being. When you pray, pray! — Billy Graham

Before three thousand people were brought into the church on the day of Pentecost, the disciples had spent fifty days in prayer, fasting, and spiritual travail. — Billy Graham

We must repent of our prayerlessness. We must make prayer our priority. Even our churches today have gotten away from prayer meetings. — Billy Graham

When you are unsure whether or not something is wrong, ask yourself these questions: Does this glorify God? Can I offer a prayer of thanksgiving for it? Does it draw me closer to Christ, or does it make me preoccupied with this world? Will it harm my health or hurt me in some other way? Will it cause someone else to stumble spiritually or morally? I have never forgotten what a wise Christian said to me many years ago: When in doubt - don't! — Billy Graham

Jesus demonstrated the importance of prayer by His own example. His whole ministry was saturated with prayer. — Billy Graham

The world's sewage system threatens to contaminate the stream of Christian thought. Satan will contest every hour you spend in Bible reading or prayer. — Billy Graham

The reason many ... close their eyes while praying is to shut out the affairs of the world so that their minds can be completely concentrated on God ... it certainly lends itself to the attitude of prayer. — Billy Graham

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

God Himself is the power that makes prayer work. — Billy Graham

Prayer is the Christian's greatest weapon. — Billy Graham

I have never met anyone who spent time in daily prayer, and in the study of the Word of God, and was strong in faith, who was ever discouraged for very long. — Billy Graham

Remember that you can pray any time, anywhere. Washing dishes, digging ditches, working in the office, in the shop, on the athletic field, even in prison - you can pray and know God hears! — Billy Graham

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

When brothers and sisters in Christ unite in the common bond of the Word of God and prayer, they are strengthened in their faith and witness. — Billy Graham

The best way to pray is to open the Bible and pray Scripture back to the Lord, claiming His promises and asking that He strengthen and guide [us] in obeying His Word. — Billy Graham

Prayer by itself is like a diet without protein! Prayer is important to our spiritual growth - but of even greater importance is God's Word, the Bible. — Billy Graham

As I close my eyes in prayer, let me see the faces of those who need to know You, beloved Savior. — Billy Graham

I realize more than ever that this ministry has been a team effort. Without the help of our prayer partners, our financial supporters, our staff, and our board of directors - this ministry and all of our dreams to spread the Good News of God's love throughout the world would not have been possible. — Billy Graham

If ever we are to study the Scriptures, if ever we are to spend time in prayer, if ever we are to win souls for Christ, if ever we are to invest our finances for His kingdom - it must be now. — Billy Graham

God welcomes our prayers. He is much more concerned about our hearts than our eloquence. — Billy Graham

Prayer should not be merely an act, but an attitude of life. — Billy Graham

Spend more time in study and prayer. That's the secret of successful evangelism. — Billy Graham

Family prayer is a fourth vital link in the chain of spiritual strength - a strength we are trying to build to protect us from a world gone mad. Practicing prayer as a family, not just a flippant blessing before a meal, can give us the security we need. — Billy Graham

To get nations back on their feet, we must first get down on our knees. — Billy Graham

Prayer is simply a two-way conversation between you and God. — Billy Graham

The self-life manifests itself in self-indulgences, such as self-love, self-will, self-seeking, self-pride ... It takes self-denial to turn off the television and spend [time] in prayer ... and read the Scriptures ... the only object in life is that Christ may be honored. — Billy Graham

We should not pray for God to be on our side, but pray that we may be on God's side. — Billy Graham

Prayer is powerful, but if our prayers are aimless, meaningless, and mingled with doubt, they will be of little hope to us. — Billy Graham

[Jesus] had only three years of public ministry, but He was never too hurried to spend hours in prayer ... No day began or closed in which He was not in communion with His Father. — Billy Graham

Prayer shouldn't be casual or sporadic, dictated only by the needs of the moment. Prayer should be as much a part of our lives as breathing. — Billy Graham

When I have a problem of deciding right from wrong, I always give it three tests.
First, I give it the common-sense test, and ask if it is reasonable. Then, I give it the prayer test. I ask God if it is good and edifying. Then, I give it the Scripture test. I see if the Bible has anything to say for or against it. — Billy Graham

When that glorious day comes, sin and death will be destroyed and Satan will be banished. All the strife and hatred and suffering and death that twist and scar this world will vanish, and the Lord's Prayer will be fulfilled: God's will will be done on earth as it is in heaven. — Billy Graham

Pray frequently as you read [the Bible] and you will discover a fellowship with God. — Billy Graham

Often, we try to tell God what we want Him to do - but ask Him to help you guard against this, and to seek His will instead of your own. Pray and ask God to guide you. — Billy Graham

God, our Heavenly Father, loves us, His children - and one of our greatest privileges is coming to Him in prayer. And because He already knows our needs, we can be confident His answer will be best. If He didn't know our needs, why bother to pray? But He does, and this should give us confidence in prayer. Thank God that He knows your needs and wants you to come to Him in prayer. Remember: His Son gave His life "that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16). — Billy Graham

Prayer is not our using of God; it more often puts us in the position where God can use us. — Billy Graham

We are to pray in times of adversity, lest we become faithless and unbelieving. We are to pray in times of prosperity, lest we become boastful and proud. We are to pray in times of danger, lest we become fearful and doubting. We need to pray in times of security, lest we become self-sufficient. — Billy Graham

The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes, and say, 'O God, forgive me,' or 'Help me.' — Billy Graham

The devil will tremble when you pray. — Billy Graham

The devil is alive and kicking. But if you are in Christ and follow the rules of daily Bible study, prayer, and witnessing, he has no power over you. — Billy Graham

Prayer is not just asking. It is listening for God's orders. — Billy Graham

Prayers have no boundaries. They can leap miles and continents and be translated instantly into any language. — Billy Graham

Prayer shouldn't be a burden but a privilege - God wants our fellowship. — Billy Graham

Prayer is not an option but a necessity. — Billy Graham

Don't forget: Without fuel, a fire grows cold - and without the "fuel" of the Bible, prayer, and Christian fellowship, our faith grows cold. — Billy Graham

Our prayers must be in accordance with [God's] will. He knows better what is good for us than we know ourselves. — Billy Graham

As for the world system of evil, we are to be separated from it. This then is our problem: to associate with and love those who are involved in the world without being contaminated, influenced, or swayed by them. This distinction can be achieved only by a close walk with Christ, by constant prayer, and by seeking the Holy Spirit's leadership every hour of the day. We are in the world, but the world is not to be in us. — Billy Graham

This should be the motto of every follower of Jesus Christ. Never stop praying no matter now dark and hopeless it may seem. — Billy Graham

Before prayer changes others, it first changes us. — Billy Graham

It is not easy to shut out the world, set aside a few minutes by yourself, and spend time in God's Word and prayer. But it is essential if we are to grow in our relationship with God and be strengthened for the battles ahead. Don't delay. Begin now to spend time alone with God every day. — Billy Graham

The most eloquent prayer is often prayed through hands that heal and bless. — Billy Graham

Prayer is the companion of Bible study. — Billy Graham

Those you know the least may need your prayers the most. Don't let the fact that you don't know someone keep you from praying for them. — Billy Graham

With a twinkle in his eyes, my friend says that his favorite prayer is, Lord, give me patience - and give it to me right now! — Billy Graham

Thousands of Christians compromise their faith in Jesus Christ by denying Him. Even some clergymen neglect or deliberately refuse to close a public prayer in the name of Jesus for fear of offending an unbeliever. They cannot endure the persecution that may follow an acknowledgment of Jesus Christ. — Billy Graham

If we are to have our prayers answered, we must give God the glory. — Billy Graham

Ask God to give you a greater hunger for Himself and a deeper desire for His fellowship. Then be honest about whatever is keeping you from prayer, and ask God to help you deal with it. — Billy Graham

We can change the course of events if we go to our knees in believing prayer. — Billy Graham

I never pray on a golf course. Actually, the Lord answers my prayers everywhere except on the course. — Billy Graham

I hope the day will never come when the church abandons the "class meeting" and the prayer service ... The old-fashioned "testimony" meeting should be revived, for through this medium we can share with others our faith and triumphs as well as our needs and mistakes. — Billy Graham