The Bible is full of faithful prayers of petition to God and prayers answered by God. The act of prayer is one of submission and reliance on our Heavenly Father. “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us” (1 John 5:14). Billy Graham once said, “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.”

Below, we’ve listed our 10 favorite quotes from Billy Graham on the importance of prayer.

• “In the morning, prayer is the key that opens to us the treasures of God’s mercies and blessings; in the evening, it is the key that shuts us up under His protection and safeguard.” from Till Armageddon

• “We should not pray for God to be on our side, but pray that we may be on God’s side.” from Hope for the Troubled Heart

• “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.” from Hope for the Troubled Heart

• “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.” from Hope for the Troubled Heart

• “No matter how dark and hopeless a situation might seem, never stop praying.” from Hope for the Troubled Heart

• “When troubles come may prayer be your automatic response.” from Wisdom for Each Day

• “Prayer is key to our effort to communicate the Gospel and win men and women to Christ.” from Wisdom for Each Day

• “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.” from Hope for the Troubled Heart

• “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.” from Hope for the Troubled Heart

• “You cannot afford to be too busy to pray.” from Day by Day

Read more quotes from Billy Graham.