Ten Shortest Answered Prayers

Text: What makes a good prayer? Is it length and eloquence or a heart that trusts in a mighty God? How long does a prayer have to be in order to be heard? God did not forbid long legitimate prayers but vain repetitions and heartless babblings. Some of the answered prayers of the saints like Solomon were long (I Kgs. 8:12-53) but some were short. Today we survey 10 of the shortest prayers with instant answers in the Bible.

1. The Prayer of Abraham’s Servant (Gen. 24:12-14)

“And he said O Lord God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham. Behold, I stand here by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water: And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master.” [Ans: Gen. 24:15-21]

2. The Prayer of Elijah (I Kgs. 18:36-37)

“And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word. Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the Lord God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again.”

[Ans: 1 Kgs. 18:38-39]

3. The Prayer of Jabez (I Chron. 4:10a)

“And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me!” [Ans: 1 Chron. 4:10b]

4. The Prayer of King Asa (II Chron. 14:11)

“And Asa cried unto the Lord his God, and said, Lord, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O Lord our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O Lord, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee.”

[Ans: II Chron. 14:12]

5. The Prayer of Peter (Matt. 14:30)

“But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.”

[Ans: Matt. 14:31]

6. The Prayer of the Canaanite Woman (Matt. 15:22, 25) “And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil…Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.” [Matt. 15:26-28]

7. The Prayer of Bartimaeus (Mark 10:51)

“And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.” [Ans: Mark 10:52]

8. The Prayer of the Ten Lepers (Luke 17:13)

“And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” [Ans: Luke 17:14]

9. The Prayer of the Publican (Luke 18:13)

“And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.” [Ans: Luke 18:14]

10. The Prayer of the Thief at the Cross (Luke 23:42)

“And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” [Ans: Luke 23:43]

CONCLUSION: You see, you don’t have to pray very long in order to pray with power and direct results. Do you need to go to the Lord today with some specific request? Don’t beat around the bush, folks. Tell God exactly what’s on your mind.

Take it to the Lord in prayer. Say it just like the way you’d say it to any other friend. The secret ingredient of prayer that God answers starts with praising God, a clear statement of your request and submission to God, and reliance in His power!