What are the different types of prayer?

Answer

The Bible reveals various types of prayers and uses different words to explain the practice. For instance, 1 Timothy 2:1 states, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people.” In this verse, all four primary Greek words for prayer are mentioned.

Here are the main prayer types found in the Bible:

The prayer of faith: James 5:15 declares, “And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up.” This type of prayer involves having faith when praying for the healing of someone who is sick. When we pray, we must believe in the power and goodness of God «Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. », (Mark 9:23).

The prayer of agreement (also known as corporate prayer): Following Jesus’ ascension, the disciples “all joined together constantly in prayer” «These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. », (Acts 1:14). Subsequently, after Pentecost, the early church “devoted themselves” to prayer «And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. », (Acts 2:42). Their example encourages us to pray together with others.

The prayer of request (or supplication): We are encouraged to bring our requests before God. Philippians 4:6 advises, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and supplication, withIn everything, through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Part of winning the spiritual battle is to be “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication” «praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; », (Ephesians 6:18).

The prayer of thanksgiving: We see another type of prayer in Philippians 4:6: thanksgiving or thanks to God. “With thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Many examples of thanksgiving prayers can be found in the Psalms.

The prayer of worship: The prayer of worship is similar to the prayer of thanksgiving. The difference is that worship focuses on who God is; thanksgiving focuses on what God has done. Church leaders in Antioch prayed in this manner with fasting: “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off” (Acts 13:2-3).

The prayer of consecration: Sometimes, prayer is a time of setting ourselves apart to follow God’s will. Jesus made such a prayer the night before His crucifixion: “And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will’” «And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. », (Matthew 26:39).

The prayer of intercession: Many times, our prayers include requests for others as we intercede on their behalf. We are told toMake intercession “for everyone” in 1 Timothy 2:1. Jesus serves as our example in this area. The entirety of John 17 is a prayer of Jesus on behalf of His disciples and all believers.

The prayer of imprecation: Imprecatory prayers are found in the Psalms (e.g., 7, 55, 69). They are used to invoke God’s judgment on the wicked and thereby avenge the righteous. The psalmists use this type of appeal to emphasize the holiness of God and the certainty of His judgment. Jesus teaches us to pray for blessings on our enemies, not cursing (Matthew 5:44-48).

The Bible also speaks of praying in the Spirit (1 Corinthians 14:14-15) and prayers when we are unable to think of adequate words (Romans 8:26-27). In those times, the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us.

Prayer is a conversation with God and should be made without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). As we grow in our love for Jesus Christ, we will naturally desire to talk to Him.