Different Forms of Prayer

VARIOUS FORMS OF PRAYER

1. Praise: We begin by recognizing God’s nature. (Psalm 63:3) “Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.”

2. Waiting: This is a time of silent soul surrender. (Psalm 46:10) “Be still and know that I am God.”

3. Confession: Temple cleansing time. (Psalm 139:23) “Search me, O God and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.”

4. Scripture Praying: This is Word-enriched prayer. (Jeremiah 23:29) “Is not my word like fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?”

5. Watching: Here we develop a holy alertness. (Colossians 4:2) “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”

6. Intercession: Let’s remember the world. (1 Timothy 2:1-2) “I urge then, first of all that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”

7. Petition: Time to share our personal needs. (Matthew 7:7) “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”

8. Thanksgiving: We now confess our blessings. (1 Thessalonians 5:18) “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

9. Singing: Worship in song. (Psalm 100:2) “Worship the Lord with gladness, come before him with joyful song.”

10. Meditation: Here we ponder spiritual themes. (Joshua 1:8) “Do not let this book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

11. Listening: Wait to receive spiritual instruction. (Ecclesiastes 5:2) “Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.”

12. Praise: Conclude by recognizing God’s nature again. (Psalm 52:9) “I will praise you forever, for what you have done. In your name I will hope, for your name is good. I will praise you in the presence of your saints.”