Definition of prayer
Prayer is the opening of the mind to the Lord as to a friend. Not that it is necessary to make known to Him what we are, but to enable us to receive His love. Thus, Prayer does not bring the heavenly Father to us, but lifts us up to Him.
Model prayer
Jesus taught His disciples how to pray. He showed them to present their daily needs before their maker, and to cast all their burdens upon Him. And He gave them the confirmation that their requests will be heard.
He said, “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” (Matthew 6:9-13). The Lord’s prayer is the model prayer which expresses more perfectly than any other prayer the fundamental needs of the human heart. But there are also different other types of prayer.
Types of prayer
Thanksgiving: “With thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6).
Faith: “And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up” (James 5:15).
Worship: “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).
Supplication: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6). “Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication” (Ephesians 6:18).
Dedication: “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’” (Matthew 26:39).
Intercession: “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men” (1 Timothy 2:1).
Deliverance: “O LORD my God, in You I put my trust; save me from all those who persecute me; and deliver me” (Psalm 7:1).
Corporate prayer: “all (the disciples) joined together constantly in prayer” (Acts 1:14). And they “devoted themselves” to prayer (Acts 2:42).
God’s desire to bless us
Our heavenly Father wants to give us the fullness of His blessing. Hence, it is our privilege to receive His infinite love. Jesus said, “you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you; for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God” (John 16:26, 27). “I have chosen you: … that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it you” (John 15:16). To pray in the name of Jesus means more than simply mentioning His name. It means to pray in the mind and spirit of Jesus, while we believe His promises, rely upon His grace, and obey His commands.
Therefore, let us make known our wants, our joys, our sorrows, our cares, and our fears to God. For He who numbers the hairs of our head is not indifferent to the needs of His children. “The Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy” (James 5:11).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
