Ways to Pray
What images or ideas come to mind when you hear the word, Prayer? Do you think of God, images of folded hands, or perhaps you hear Jesus teaching His disciples the Lord’s Prayer? Maybe you think about the movie, War Room with Priscilla Shirer who fights for her marriage in her prayer closet. Whatever the images, or practices, prayer as a topic is an extensive idea.
In this blog, I’d like to focus on Ways to Pray. The following are examples of biblical demonstrations of prayer. One example is, “A woman’s prayer” by Hanna found in 1 Samuel 2:1-10. Hanna exalts the Lord in a cause/effect, compare/contrast type prayer over her son who she prayed for, and the Lord answered. (1 Samuel 1:27) In addition to that prayer, some pray the Psalms. Philip Yancey states, “The book of Psalms demonstrates so well, prayer does not mean retreating away from life, but rather bringing the stuff of our world---the rhythms of nature, harassing problems, disturbed emotions, personality conflicts---before God.” Fervent, humble, honest prayers avail much!
Considering the previously mentioned prayers, I discovered several other Ways to Pray. Some familiar to me, but a few are new ideas to me.
Private Prayer
Private prayer means to pray alone. This is considered very important to Christians, as it is a time when you can personally connect with God.
Prayer, meditation, Bible study and singing hymns may all be done at home. Christians can unite themselves with the Church of God as they pray while not actually going to a physical church. Some Christians belong to the house church movement and meet for worship in each other’s homes.
Most Christians use the Bible in private worship. They may read it all over a number of years, or they may reflect on specific parts of it. Some use a study guide to learn how scholars interpret the Bible. Others may read the psalms as they pray.
Extemporaneous prayer
Extemporaneous prayers are prayers that are said without prepared words. An example of this might be after someone has heard some bad news, they will say a prayer for those who are involved. Some Christians believe this type of prayer to be more heartfelt as the prayers are not arranged.
Informal prayer
Informal prayer refers to prayers that speak to God in more simple, everyday language.
Communal prayer
Communal prayer means to pray with others. This can take place during church services, or it could be a structured meeting of Christians who have arranged to pray together. This type of prayer can help Christians connect with each other as well as God, thereby helping to strengthen the Christian community.
Set prayer
Set prayers are prayers that are well-known, such as the Lord’s Prayer which most Christians will know by heart. These prayers often have significant meaning and importance for Christians and are helpful for communal prayer and collective worship. The Lord’s Prayer is recited in most Christian services and is a prayer which Jesus used to teach his followers to pray.
Continuous/Constant prayer
It is the practice of prayer, or communication with God that demonstrates a person’s conscientiousness of God presence! Knowing that God is omnipresent, or near and present at all times, everywhere makes this kind of prayer critical for any believer.
Then there are Prayer Cards, which reminds me of the Prayer Journal, but cards are used in a more specific, intentional manner. To learn more about Prayer cards reference Paul Miller’s book, or see the link below.
Prayer Card
In his book, A Praying Life Paul Miller explains that prayer cards can help your prayer life be more focused on the principle more than the method of prayer. For examples of prayer cards refer to the link: https://www.gospelrelevance.com/2018/03/19/learning-how-to-pray-using-index-cards/
Finally, Ephesians 6:18 states, “And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests, with this in mind, be alert and always keep praying for all the Lord’s people.” NIV
References:
https://www.gospelrelevance.com/2018/03/19/learning-how-to-pray-using-index-cards/
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