Different types of prayer 1Tim.2:1-8 Prayer is a spoken or unspoken address to God, it may express praise, thanksgiving, confession, or a request for something such as help or somebodys well-being, an addressing of God or the act or practice of making spoken or unspoken addresses to God. The Bible reveals many types of prayers and employs a variety of words to describe the practice. Here, all four of the main Greek words used for prayer are mentioned in one verse. Types of prayers in the Bible: (1). The prayer of faith: Isa.33:24; Matt.9:2; Jam.5:15. Prayer is offered in faith for someone who is sick, asking God to heal. When we pray, we are to believe in the power and goodness of God (Mk. 9:23). (2). The prayer of agreement or corporate prayer: Rom.12:12; Eph.6:18; Col.4:2; Heb.10:25. After Jesus’ ascension, the disciples “all joined together constantly in prayer” (Act.1:14). Later, after Pentecost, the early church “devoted themselves” to prayer (Act.2:42). Their example encourages us to pray with others. (3). The prayer of request or supplication: Ps.55:22; Pro.16:3; Matt.6:25; Lk.12:22; 1Pet.5:7. We are to take our requests to God. Phi.4:6 Part of winning the spiritual battle is to be “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication” (Eph.6:18). (4). The prayer of thanksgiving: 2Thess.2:2; Heb.10:25; Jam.5:8-9; 1Pet.4:7; 2Pet.3:8-9. We see another type of prayer in Phi.4:5: 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. (5). 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). (6). The prayer of consecration. Matt.20:22; Mk.14:36; Lk.22:42; Jn.5:30; 6:38; 12:27; Phi.2:8; Heb.5:7. 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’” (Matt.26:39). (7). The prayer of intercession: Many times, our prayers include requests for others as we intercede for them. We are told to make intercession “for everyone” in 1Tim.2:1. Jesus serves as our example in this area. The whole of Jn.17 is a prayer of Jesus on behalf of His disciples and all believers. (8). 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 surety of His judgment. Jesus teaches us to pray for blessing on our enemies, not cursing (Matt.5:44-48). (9). Praying in the Spirit (1Cor.14:14-15) and prayers when we are unable to think of adequate words (Rom.8:26-27). In those times, the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us. Prayer is conversation with God and should be made without ceasing (1Thess.5:16-18). As we grow in our love for Jesus Christ, we will naturally desire to talk to Him. For more... bfmworldwide.org
Posted on: Mon, 10 Mar 2014 09:50:50 +0000
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