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The Shapes and Sizes of Prayer: Multiple Forms of Communication with God: Part 2

Continuing last week’s post, today we will further our inspection of the different forms of prayer.  

The Prayer of Intercession

Also Called: Praying for Others, Prayer for Loved Ones, Praying for your Neighbor, Prayer for Intervention
Purpose: This form of prayer involves praying on behalf of others, lifting their needs, concerns, and struggles before God. An intercessory prayer is a selfless act of love and compassion, seeking God's intervention and blessings for others.
Scripture References: Genesis 18:22-33, Exodus 32:11-14, Ephesians 1:15-19

The Childlike Prayer

Purpose: Approach God with childlike faith, simplicity, and honesty, pouring out your heart without pretense.
Scripture References: Matthew 18:3, Luke 18:17

The Prayer of Gratitude

Also Called: Prayer of Thanksgiving, Prayer of Appreciation, Prayer of Thanks
Purpose: Thanksgiving prayer focuses on expressing gratitude to God for His blessings, provisions, and the good things in life. It is a way of acknowledging God's goodness and faithfulness.
Scripture References: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, 1 Samuel 2:1-10, Colossians 3:15-17, Psalm 136

Prayer Through Artistic Expression 

Purpose: Express your prayers through art, whether it's painting, drawing, sculpture, or any other creative form. Use your artistic abilities to communicate with God.
Scripture References: Exodus 35:30-35, Colossians 1:16, Exodus 31:3

The Mealtime Prayer

Also Called: Breaking Bread, Saying Grace
Purpose: Offer thanks to God before meals, recognizing His provision and blessings in your daily sustenance.
Scripture References: Matthew 14:19, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Acts 27:35

The Prayer of Petition

Also Called: Prayer of Supplication, Prayer for Mediation, Prayer for Intervention, Plea for Help
Purpose: The Prayer of Petition is when individuals ask God for specific needs and desires, seeking His help, guidance, and provision in various aspects of life.
Scripture References: 1 Samuel 1:10-20, 1 Kings 3:5-15, 1 Chronicles 4:10

Prayer and Focused Breathing 

Purpose: Choose a short phrase or Scripture verse and synchronize it with your breath as you pray.
Scripture References: Job 32:8, Isaiah 42:5

The Prayer of Repetition

Also Called: Praying without Ceasing
Purpose: Repetitive Prayer involves repeating a short phrase or Scripture throughout the day as a way of maintaining a continuous connection with God.
Scripture References: Matthew 4:4, Psalm 119:11

The Prayer of Contemplation

Also Called: Prayer of Silence, Meditative Prayer, Silent Prayer
Purpose: Contemplative prayer is a form of silent or wordless prayer, where individuals seek to rest in God's presence, listening and meditating on His Word without necessarily using words or requests.
Scripture References: Luke 2:19, Psalm 119:97-104, Psalm 46:10, Psalm 1:2, Romans 8:26-27

The Prayer of Praiseful Song

Purpose: Engage in prayer through worship music or singing. Express your feelings and thoughts to God through melodies and lyrics.
Scripture References: Psalm 100, Luke 1:46-55, 2 Samuel 22:1-51, Psalm 92, Psalm 33:1-3

The Prayer of Protection

Purpose: A prayer of protection is a plea to God for safeguarding from harm, danger, and negative influences.
Scripture References: Psalm 91:1-2, Psalm 91:9-11, Psalm 5:11

The Prayer of Surrender

Purpose: The prayer of surrender involves yielding one's desires, plans, and will to God, seeking His guidance, and submitting to His purpose.
Scripture References: Jonah 2:1-9, Matthew 26:39, James 4:10, Romans 13:14

Praying the Word

Also Called: Responsive Prayer, Scriptural Prayer
Purpose: These prayers involve reading and responding to specific passages of Scripture or prompts, allowing God’s Word to guide the content of the prayer.
Scripture References: Joshua 1:8, Matthew 7:24

The Lord’s Prayer

Purpose: The Lord's Prayer, also known as the "Our Father," is a model prayer given by Jesus to His disciples. It covers various aspects of prayer, including praise, submission to God's will, and seeking forgiveness.
Scripture References: Matthew 6:9-13

Before You Go

We invite you to reflect on your preferred mode of prayer. Are you drawn to contemplative silence, earnest supplication, or perhaps joyful gratitude? Embrace the opportunity to enrich your spiritual journey as you contemplate the prayer that resonates most deeply, explore new horizons, and find the profound meaning that speaks to your soul.

- Torrance Church of Christ

The Shapes and Sizes of Prayer: Multiple Forms of Communication with God: Part 1

In part one of our 3 part discussion, we will begin our investigation into the diverse range of prayer forms and types that are embraced and practiced within the Christian community. We'll explore the various ways in which Christians engage in heartfelt communication with the divine, enriching their spiritual journeys through a multitude of prayerful expressions.

The Prayer of Guidance

Purpose: The prayer of guidance seeks God's wisdom and direction in making decisions and choices in life.
Scripture References: James 1:5, Psalm 121:2, Proverbs 1:5

The Prayer of Confession

Also Called: The Prayer of Repentance, The Prayer of Penitence, The Prayer of Contrition
Purpose: Confessional prayer is when individuals humbly confess their sins and shortcomings before God, seeking forgiveness and cleansing through His grace.
Scripture References: Psalm 51, Luke 18:13, Daniel 9:4-19, 1 John 1:9

The Prayer of Healing

Also Called: The Prayer for Health, The Prayer for Comfort, The Prayer for Restoration
Purpose: Praying for those (self or others) who are sick, hurting, or grieving, asking God to bring healing, comfort, and peace to their lives.
Scripture References: Jeremiah 17:14, James 5:14-15, Psalm 6:2, 3 John 1:2, Jeremiah 17:7-8 

Lamentation

Also Called: The Prayer of Sorrow, The Prayer of Despair
Purpose: The prayer of lament is an honest expression of sorrow, grief, or anguish before God, seeking comfort and hope in times of distress.
Scripture References: Job 3, Book of Lamentations, Psalm 4:1 

The Prayer for the Persecuted

Purpose: These prayers are targeted at lifting those facing persecution, asking for strength, protection, and justice.
Scripture References: Galatians 6:2, Romans 12:15

The Prayer of Hearkening 

Also Called: The Prayer of Listening, Listen for God’s Voice
Purpose: The prayer of hearkening involves taking time to quiet the heart and mind, being receptive to God's voice and guidance through His Spirit.
Scripture References: 1 Samuel 3:1-18, 1 Kings 19:11-13, John 10:27, Isaiah 30:21

Family Prayer

Also Called: Household Prayer, Couples Prayer
Purpose: Family prayer involves gathering together as a family to pray, seeking God's guidance, blessings, and protection over each member and the family as a whole.
Scripture References: Acts 10:24-48, Joshua 24:15, Acts 1:14, Deuteronomy 11:18-19

Prayerful Journaling

Purpose: Write down your prayers in a journal, creating a record of your thoughts, emotions, daily blessings, and conversations with God.
Scripture References: Many of the songs and poems in the Book of Psalms are examples of prayerful journaling. 

The Continuous Prayer

Also Called: Pray Always
Purpose: Continual prayer is an ongoing, constant awareness of God's presence throughout the day. It involves maintaining an attitude of prayer and staying connected to God in every circumstance.
Scripture References: Romans 12:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Luke 18:1

The Shared Prayer

Purpose: Involves praying with others, such as friends, neighbors, or participating in prayer groups. 
Scripture References: Matthew 18:20, Acts 4:23-31

The Prayer of Joy and Celebration

Purpose: Pray with a heart full of joy and celebrate God's blessings and goodness in your life.
Scripture References: Psalm 126:2-3, Psalm 100:1-2, Colossians 1:12

The Nature Prayer

Purpose: Connecting with God through the beauty and serenity of nature, offering praise and gratitude for His creation.
Scripture References: Psalm 96:11-12, Psalm 33:5, Psalm 19:1

The Prayer of Silver Linings

Purpose: Offering gratitude for the challenges and trials in life, recognizing their potential for growth, resilience, and drawing closer to God.
Scripture References: Romans 8:28, James 1:12, James 1:2-4, Hebrews 12:11

The Prayer for Unity

Purpose: This prayer involves seeking God's intervention to heal divisions, reconcile differences, strengthen the bonds of love and fellowship among individuals or groups, and bring people together in harmony.
Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 1-10, John 17:20-23, 1 Timothy 2:8

To End

Each type of prayer serves a unique purpose and allows individuals to approach God in different ways. Individuals may find that different forms of prayer resonate with them at different times in their spiritual journey. Learning about the different types of prayer can profoundly enrich one's spiritual life, providing a diverse toolkit for drawing closer to God, experiencing His presence, and navigating life's journey with faith and purpose.

- Torrance Church of Christ

The Art of Discernment

In a rapidly changing world filled with diverse opinions and conflicting principles, discernment becomes an indispensable compass for Christians seeking to live a life that fits God's will. We will explore the significance of discernment as a guiding principle, empowering believers to make wise decisions, distinguish truth from deception, and deepen their spiritual walk with God.

Traits and Features of Discernment 

Rooted in wisdom, humility, and prayerfulness, discernment draws from a deep knowledge of God's Word, a spirit-filled life, and a disciplined mind to thoughtfully maneuver through trials and adversity with keen perception in accordance with God’s volition. Insight into the various traits and features that consolidate discernment can expand the development and efficiency of which you use it. 

Wisdom: Wisdom is the foundational trait of discernment. It involves the ability to apply knowledge and understanding to real-life situations and make righteous decisions. Proverbs 3:21-24: My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
Prioritizing God's Favor over Man’s: Rather than succumbing to societal pressures or seeking validation from others, discernment involves aligning one's choices with God's will, acknowledging His authority, and seeking to please Him above all else, even if it means going against popular opinions or expectations. 1 Corinthians 10:27-28: If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you without raising questions of conscience. But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, both for the sake of the one who told you and for the sake of conscience.
Unconditional Love: Discernment is not about harsh judgment but about understanding and love. Romans 14:1-3: Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. 
The Fruit of the Spirit: Discernment involves evaluating whether the traits that make up the Fruit of the Spirit are evident in a person's life. Galatians 5:22-23: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Keeping the Right Company: Surrounding yourself with others who continually live out God's will encourages understanding and application of discernment in real-life situations by guarding against individual biases or blind spots, enabling a more well-rounded and spiritually-grounded discernment practice. Proverbs 27:17: As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
A Disciplined Mind: Discernment requires a disciplined mind that can think critically and evaluate situations with conscientious wisdom. Romans 12:2: Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Prayerfulness: Maintain discernment by seeking God in prayer and ask Him for his guidance. Psalm 119:125: I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes.
Practice: Discernment is not a one-time event but a skill that requires continuous practice. Just like any skill, discernment improves over time as you consistently exercise it. Hebrews 5:14: But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
Humility: A discerning person recognizes their need for God’s guidance and does not rely solely on their own understanding. Proverbs 28:11: The rich are wise in their own eyes; one who is poor and discerning sees how deluded they are.
Alertness: Discernment requires spiritual alertness to recognize potential deception or false teachings. 2 Corinthians 11:12-14: And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about. For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.
Knowledge of God's Word: Discernment involves a deep understanding of God's Word, the Bible. Proverbs 8:8-9: All the words of my mouth are just; none of them is crooked or perverse. To the discerning all of them are right; they are upright to those who have found knowledge.
Accountability: Discerning individuals are more likely to hold themselves accountable for their actions. Proverbs 15:31: Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.
Self-control: Those who utilize discernment are able to resist impulsive reflexes that cause contention. Proverbs 15:28: The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.

Discernment is Not Judgment

In John 7:24, Jesus instructs: “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 2:15, Paul states: “The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things.” But in Matthew 7:1-2, we read: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” 

A bit confusing, huh? The confusion comes from the fact that discernment and judgment are closely related, with a very fine line separating them. 

James 3:13-17 sheds some light on the distinction: “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”

As you can see, the key difference between judgment and discernment lies in the motives and approach. The chart below provides insight through comparison: 

In Short

Discernment is essential for knowing and aligning with God's will for your life. It calls for a balanced approach to evaluate situations and others. As you practice discernment, you learn to discern between your own desires, worldly influences, and God's purposes. Regular application of discernment allows you to recognize the subtle movements of the spirit by becoming attuned to the divine promptings. It’s like fine-tuning your spiritual ears to hear God’s voice amidst the noise of the world. It will prevent you from making hasty decisions by enabling you to identify misleading and deceptive influences in your life. It requires humility, seeking God's help, and being open to correction. Ultimately, discernment contributes to a life marked by an unwavering commitment to God’s truth. We encourage you to practice discernment so you are able to use this decisive tool to navigate life's complications and grow in spiritual maturity.

- Torrance Church of Christ