Prayer

What is prayer? What are the types of

prayer?

What is prayer?

We start with memorized prayer. As you mature you find your own

way to talk to God. Approach prayers as “talking to

God.” Besides talking to God we need to

listen.

A Classic Definition of Prayer

“Prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God”

Prayer includes insight and affection

The Experience of Prayer

Insight Your intellect is sharpened and you

will learn to appreciate.

Prayer as Covenant, Communion, and Gift

The heart is where your relationship with God unfolds.

We need to approach God in prayer with humility in order to receive a vital and personal relationship with him.

Humility means that we are honest about who we are, that we acknowledge our weaknesses and sins as well as our gifts.

Everyone is Called to Prayer

God is built into us; we called to encounter him through prayer.

God reveals himself to you, and you learn a lot about yourself.

Types of Prayer

Blessing and Adoration Petition Intercession Thanksgiving Praise

Blessing

A prayer asking that God care for a particular person, place, or activity.

We should respond with joy and gratitude.

Adoration

The prayerful acknowledgement that God is God and Creator of all that is.

Petition

A prayer form in which one asks God for help and forgiveness.

Intercession

A prayer on behalf of another person or group.

Thanksgiving

A prayer of gratitude for the gift of life and the gifts of life.

Praise

A prayer of acknowledgment that God is God, giving God glory not for what he does, but simply because he is.