May my enemies die before their time; may they go down alive into the world of the dead! Evil is in their homes and in their hearts.

Morning, noon, and night my complaints and groans go up to him, and he will hear my voice.

and they say evil things about me, attacking me for no reason.

They oppose me, even though I love them and have prayed for them.

When Daniel learned that the order had been signed, he went home. In an upstairs room of his house there were windows that faced toward Jerusalem. There, just as he had always done, he knelt down at the open windows and prayed to God three times a day.

But when you pray, go to your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you.

Very early the next morning, long before daylight, Jesus got up and left the house. He went out of town to a lonely place, where he prayed.

and he said to them, "The sorrow in my heart is so great that it almost crushes me. Stay here and keep watch."

"Father," he prayed, "my Father! All things are possible for you. Take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet not what I want, but what you want."

In his life on earth Jesus made his prayers and requests with loud cries and tears to God, who could save him from death. Because he was humble and devoted, God heard him.

but he stayed behind, alone. Then a man came and wrestled with him until just before daybreak.

The man said, "Let me go; daylight is coming." "I won't, unless you bless me," Jacob answered.

During the day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer; I call at night, but get no rest.

After sending the people away, he went up a hill by himself to pray. When evening came, Jesus was there alone;

Between three and six o'clock in the morning Jesus came to the disciples, walking on the water.

After saying good-bye to the people, he went away to a hill to pray.

Be persistent in prayer, and keep alert as you pray, giving thanks to God.