It is important that we know the importance in prayerful communication and to do this we much know the different types of prayer.
Type 1 prayer is through Worship and Praise. This prayer acknowledges God for what He is. It does so by showing the love, respect, and admiration we have for him. Go to any church on a Sunday morning, and you'll be sure to witness the praising and worshiping at the beginning of most services.
Type 2 prayer is through Petition and Intercession. This prayer is exercised when we are not concerned with our own needs but rather others' needs. Intercession causes us to internalize God's word and exercise his power to change what we ask for.
Type 3 prayer is Supplication. This prayer involves the action of asking or begging for something earnestly or humbly through kneeling or bending down in the form of a plea. This is the most humbling of prayer types and takes total surrender and loss of control.
Type 4 prayer is Thanksgiving. This is when we express gratitude for having food, shelter, family, friends, employment, and all philosophies value health. This type of prayer can be seen exercising in the morning when one wakes, during meals when one eats, or at night when one sleeps.
Type 5 prayer is Spiritual Warfare. This is when we deal with the battles within ourselves and others, we use prayer to guard us against attacks, maintain focus, or receive deliverance. This prayer involves us asking God's word to protect us and defend us against any harm.
With all these prayer types, how can we know that what we ask for is heard? Daniel 9:18 says: "We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy." This means that God answers our prayers because of His mercy, not our good works. And while God does call us to live holy lives, it is not our obedience that moves God to answer our prayers; it is his great mercy toward us.
What are your thoughts on the five types of prayer?
Reference Scriptures: Daniel 9:18 | Philippians 4:6 | Colossians 4:2 | Matthew 15:36; 26:26, 27; | Luke 22:19 | 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Podcast #2: The Five Types of Prayer