προσεύχομαι (proseuchomai)
proseuchomai
to pray
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 82 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb proseuchomai refers to the act of praying directly to God or, in classical contexts, to deities. It is the standard New Testament term for this communication, appearing eighty-two times across the Gospels and Acts. The word carries a sense of earnest supplication, often describing moments where Jesus withdraws to solitary places to pray (Mark 1:35) or when believers intercede for others (Colossians 1:9).
Its etymology combines a preposition meaning "toward" with a root related to speaking or calling upon. This structure highlights the directional nature of the act: turning one’s attention and voice toward the divine. Unlike general requests, it implies a relational engagement where the speaker seeks God’s will or intervention, as seen when Jesus prays for his disciples in John 17 or when Paul asks for prayer regarding his ministry (Ephesians 6:19).
Translators consistently render this word as "pray," capturing its straightforward yet profound significance. The sources note that it is always used for prayer to a deity, never for casual conversation. This specificity underscores the reverence inherent in the practice, marking it as a distinct spiritual discipline where humans address the Creator with humility and expectation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word proseuchomai describes a direct, personal conversation with God. It is not a ritual performance or a way to impress others. Jesus taught that prayer happens in the quiet of your inner room, where you speak honestly to a Father who sees and cares (Matthew 6:6). This simplicity removes the pressure to perform and invites you into genuine relationship.
Prayer also shapes how we treat others. When Jesus commanded his followers to pray for those who mistreat them, he linked this spiritual discipline with active love (Matthew 5:44). Turning your heart toward God in prayer changes your perspective on people, helping you respond with grace rather than resentment. It is a practical way to align your life with His will.
You do not need perfect words or long speeches to pray. Jesus warned against empty repetition, showing that God values sincerity over volume (Matthew 6:7). Whether you are asking for guidance or simply resting in His presence, this act of turning toward Him is a gift. It reminds us that we are never alone and that our voices matter to the Creator.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 82 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- praying13×
- do pray12×
- having prayed6×
- to pray5×
- praying,5×
- to pray.3×
- He prayed3×
- you may pray,2×
- praying.2×
- do pray;2×
- I will pray2×
- I may pray.2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- προσεύχεσθε11×
- προσηύξατο5×
- προσεύχεσθαι5×
- προσευχόμενοι5×
- προσευξάμενοι5×
- προσευχόμενος4×
- προσευχόμενοι,4×
- προσηύχετο.2×
- προσηύχετο2×
- προσεύχησθε,2×
- προσεύχεσθε·2×
- προσεύξομαι2×
Key Verses
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Matthew 6:6
But you, when you pray, enter into your inner room, and having shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
This verse defines prayer as a private, intimate dialogue with God rather than a public display of piety.
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Matthew 5:44
But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you,
Here the word connects spiritual devotion with ethical action, commanding believers to pray for their enemies.
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Mark 1:35
Early in the morning, while it was still dark, he rose up and went out, and departed into a deserted place, and prayed there.
It illustrates Jesus’ habit of withdrawing to solitude to prioritize communion with the Father before ministry.
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Matthew 6:7
In praying, don’t use vain repetitions as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their much speaking.
This occurrence clarifies that effective prayer relies on heartfelt trust, not on repeating phrases to manipulate outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word proseuchomai mean?
How is proseuchomai different from other Greek words for prayer?
Does this word imply that prayer must be long or formal?
Every Occurrence (82 verses across 15 books)
Matthew 14 verses
But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who…
Matthew 6:5“When you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the…
Matthew 6:6But you, when you pray, enter into your inner room, and having shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret;…
Matthew 6:7In praying, don’t use vain repetitions as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their much…
Matthew 6:9Pray like this: “‘Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.
Matthew 14:23After he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain by himself to pray. When evening had come, he was…
Matthew 19:13Then little children were brought to him that he should lay his hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them.
Matthew 23:14“But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you shut up the Kingdom of Heaven against men; for you…
Matthew 24:20Pray that your flight will not be in the winter nor on a Sabbath,
Matthew 26:36Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go there and…
Matthew 26:39He went forward a little, fell on his face, and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away…
Matthew 26:41Watch and pray, that you don’t enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Matthew 26:42Again, a second time he went away and prayed, saying, “My Father, if this cup can’t pass away from me unless I drink…
Matthew 26:44He left them again, went away, and prayed a third time, saying the same words.