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