Do you have a prayer life? Do you pray every day? If not, you’re missing out on one of God’s greatest blessings, the ability to communicate with Him in heaven and change things on earth.

See, as Christians, as believers in Christ, we’ve been given direct access to the Father but many of us choose not to use the access that we have. We know that prayer is essential but most of us can’t even fathom how powerful it really is. This is why it’s necessary to read the Bible and learn from it.

Throughout the God's Word, you’ll find examples of different peopleLike this Content on Facebook praying in different ways and for different reasons. From prayers of thanksgiving and worship to prayers of supplication and intercession, there are many different types of prayer. In fact, the Bible mentions prayer over 600 times, showing just how important it is in our relationship with God. Isn’t it amazing to know that God Himself wants us to speak with Him through prayer and that there are so many unique types of prayers we can offer? 

Each prayer offers a different way to connect with God and pour out our hearts to Him. Whether you’re praying for yourself, for others, or for the world around you, prayer has the power to change things and transform lives. 

So as you take a look at some of the prayers found in the Bible,  I pray that you would be inspired to deepen your own prayer life and seek new ways to connect with God, remembering that prayer is a gift and a privilege and that there is no right or wrong way to pray. May this give you the confidence to come before God with an open heart and mind, ready to be transformed by His love and grace through the power of prayer.

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Why Pray Different Types of Prayer

Prayer is not just a Christian habit or ritual, it’s so much more than that, it’s a multi-faceted conversation with God and it contains immense power. Prayer is also an opportunity to draw close to your Creator and experience His love, grace, and mercy in different ways. 

There are many different types of prayers but every single one of them has the power to transform you from the inside out. 

Through prayer, you can express your deepest desires, ask for forgiveness, seek guidance, and find comfort in times of need. You can also give thanks, worship God, and intercede on behalf of others. When you choose to pray in different ways, you begin to open yourself up to new experiences with God while deepening your relationship with Him. It's like discovering a new facet of a precious gem, each time you engage in a different kind of prayer.

So, why pray different types of prayer? Because it will help you to fully encounter God, and experience the depth and breadth of His love for you. It's also a beautiful journey of exploration, self-discovery, and spiritual growth. 

Ready to level up your prayer life? Keep reading to discover 12 types of prayer and how you can incorporate them into your life.

What are 12 Different Types of Prayer?

Most people know that prayer is the most powerful way to connect with God, seek His guidance, and find comfort in His presence. But many don’t know that there are different types of prayer. 

Each prayer offers its own unique way to communicate with God and deepen your relationship with Him. Whether you want to praise God for His goodness, confess your sins and seek forgiveness, or intercede for others, there is a type of prayer that can meet your needs. 

In this article, we'll dive into 12 different types of prayer that you can incorporate into your life. Keep in mind that these 12 are just our top picks and there are many other types of prayers that you can explore and discover as you journey through your faith. Here are our top 12:

1. Prayer of Invocation

The prayer of invocation is the prayer that calls on God’s presence. This prayer ushers us into the Lord’s holy presence and recognizes that He is the source of all power and authority. You’d usually hear this kind of prayer at the beginning of a service or gathering to invite God in.

One example of an invocation prayer in the Bible is found in Psalm 67. The Psalmist prays, "May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations." This prayer puts emphasis on God's goodness and His desire for all people to know Him. It also requests for His presence to be with us so that we may reflect His glory to others.

While the prayer of invocation is a powerful way to start any gathering, it’s important to know that you can invite God's presence into your life at any time. You can even pray this type of prayer as a personal invitation for God to be with you throughout your day, to guide you, and give you wisdom in all that you do.

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2. Prayer of Appreciation

The prayer of appreciation is a powerful way to express gratitude to God for all the blessings He has given us. It is a reminder that all that we have, from the air we breathe to the relationships we cherish, is indeed a gift from God. When we take the time to thank God for these blessings, we are acknowledging His goodness and inviting more blessings into our lives.

In the book of Psalms, King David provides a beautiful example of the prayer of appreciation. He writes, "I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High" (Psalm 9:1-2). 

David's words serve as a reminder that we should not only appreciate the blessings we have but also take the time to recount them and sing praises to God for His goodness. By doing so, we will invite His presence into our lives and create a spirit of joy and thanksgiving.

3. Intercessory prayer

Intercession is the act of praying on behalf of others. It involves lifting up the needs, concerns, and struggles of other people to God. This kind of prayer is powerful because it requires putting the needs of others before our own and seeking God's help and intervention on their behalf. 

Intercession requires us to have a gracious heart and a desire to see others thrive and succeed.

One example of intercession in the Bible is when Abraham chose to intercede for the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. In Genesis 18:16-33, Abraham pleads with God to spare the cities from ruin, asking Him to save the righteous and spare the wicked. Despite the fact that there were very few righteous people in those cities, God obliged. 

Abraham's prayers prove the power of intercession and the importance of praying for others, even when it seems hopeless. Through intercession, you too can be a catalyst for change in the lives of those around you.

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4. Prayer of Supplication

The prayer of supplication is also known as the prayer of petition, is merely asking God for help in a specific area of need. This is an extremely common type of prayer, one that most people do all the time. This type of prayer may seem self-serving but it’s important to remember that we can bring our requests to God and ask Him for help at any time, this is what He wants.

An excellent example of a prayer of supplication is found in the book of Daniel when he prayed to God for understanding and wisdom regarding the vision he had seen. In Daniel 9:17-18, he says, "Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, Lord, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary. Give ear, our God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy." 

In this prayer, Daniel humbly asks God to give him insight and understanding while recognizing his own weakness and God’s greatness. You can follow his example and bring your own supplications to God, trusting that He hears and answers your prayers according to His will.

5. Prayer of Authority

The prayer of authority is one of the most powerful types of prayer, this prayer involves commanding a situation or circumstance to align with God's will. This prayer is not based on our own power or abilities, but rather on the authority that we’ve been given as children of God. When we pray with authority, we speak as agents of God and declare His will over a situation.

An example of the prayer of authority can be found in John 11:42-44. In this passage, Jesus arrives at the tomb of his friend Lazarus, who’d been dead for 4 days. Jesus Christ prays to the Father, thanking Him for hearing his prayer, and then commands Lazarus to come out. Lazarus rises from the dead and comes out of the tomb, demonstrating the power of the prayer of authority.

It's important to remember that the prayer of authority is not about controlling or manipulating things to our own liking, but rather surrendering to God's will and allowing His power to work through us. This type of prayer requires faith, humility, and a deep trust in God's sovereignty.

6. Prayer of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Prayer is a type of prayer that expresses thankfulness to God for His blessings and provision in our lives. It’s a powerful tool that helps us shift our focus from our problems to God's goodness, mercy, and love. When we thank the Lord for what He has done, our hearts are automatically filled with joy and peace, and our faith is strengthened.

We see countless examples of thanksgiving prayers in the Bible. For example, Psalm 100:4 says, "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name." This verse reminds us to come to God with a heart of gratitude, recognizing His greatness and love for us. When we give thanks to God, we are not only showing our appreciation but also acknowledging His sovereignty and faithfulness. 

Whether it's for answered prayers, spiritual blessings, relational blessings, or material blessings, there’s always something to be thankful for which is why we should get into the habit of thanking God.

7. Prayer of Faith

The prayer of faith is a beautiful prayer that’s rooted in complete trust in God. This type of prayer demands a faith strong that you know without a doubt that God will answer your prayer. When you pray with faith, you believe that God is able to do the impossible and you trust that He will provide for you according to His will.

James 5:13-16 emphasizes the importance of the prayer of faith in our lives. It says, “Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” This passage highlights the power of faith in healing, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal.

Another example of someone who prayed with great faith is the woman with the issue of blood who touched the hem of Jesus’ garment in Mark 5:25-34. This woman suffered for 12 years with her issue yet still had enough faith to believe that Christ Jesus could heal her. When she touched His garment, she was healed instantly. Jesus then confirmed her faith by saying, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” This example is proof that when you pray with faith, you can expect to receive miracles and blessings from God.

8. Prayer of Adoration (i.e. Worship Prayer)

The prayer of adoration, also known as worship prayer, is the act of praising and honoring God for who He is. It's a prayer that expresses gratitude and awe for God’s greatness and majesty. Adoration is the type of prayer that enables us to focus on God's character and shifts our thoughts from ourselves to Him.

An example of an adoration prayer in the Bible is found in Psalm 145. The psalmist begins by declaring his praise for God's greatness and mercy, "I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable". This prayer continues with the psalmist praising God for His goodness, compassion, and faithfulness.

In your own prayer life, you can also take time to adore God. You can use Scripture, songs of worship, or simply speak from your heart. Whatever form you choose to do it in, adoration will help you come into the presence of God with reverence and praise.

9. Prayer of Consecration

The prayer of consecration is the type of prayer you pray when you’re ready to dedicate yourself to God's purposes and commit your life to His service. In this prayer, you acknowledge that you are not your own, but that you belong to God, and that you are ready to surrender your will and desires to His will for your life.

This prayer is often associated with significant moments in our spiritual lives, such as baptism or ordination. But it can also be a regular part of our daily prayers as we seek to live a life that is pleasing to God. 

An example of the prayer of consecration can be found in Romans 12:1-2. This is the scripture where Paul urges believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, he also tells them not to conform to the pattern of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds.

Through this prayer, you can invite God to work in you and through you, to use you for His purposes, and to mold you into the person He created you to be.

10. Prayer of the Holy Spirit

The prayer of the Holy Spirit is a personal type of prayer that requires surrendering yourself to the guidance and leading of the Holy Spirit. This type of prayer will allow you to connect with the Spirit in a deeper way, enabling Him to direct your thoughts, emotions, and actions. 

One example of a prayer of the Holy Spirit can be found in the life of the Apostle Paul. In his letter to the Romans, Paul writes, "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God" (Romans 8:26-27).

This scripture reveals Paul’s profound trust in the Holy Spirit's ability to intercede on our behalf, even when we may not know how to pray or what to ask for. 

This type of prayer involves being open to the leading of the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to guide our thoughts and actions. By surrendering yourself to the Spirit's guidance, you can experience a deeper level of intimacy with God and a greater sense of purpose in your life.

11. Prayer of Repentance 

The prayer of repentance is a crucial type of prayer that requires us to acknowledge our sins and ask for God's forgiveness. It’s an important step towards reconciliation with God and the restoration of our spiritual lives. Repentance demands a genuine admission of wrongdoing, a longing to turn away from sin, and a commitment to live in obedience to God's will. In addition, Romans 8:1 reminds us "if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

One example of the prayer of repentance is found in Psalm 51. This is the scripture where King David decided to pray for forgiveness after he had committed adultery with Bathsheba and killed her husband. In his prayer, David acknowledged his sins and pleaded for God's mercy and forgiveness. He recognized that his sins were not only against Bathsheba and Uriah but also against God, who alone had the power to forgive him. 

David's prayer of repentance is a powerful illustration of how we can approach God in humility and seek His forgiveness.

12. Prayer of Blessing

The prayer of blessing is one that enables us to speak favor, prosperity, and abundance over ourselves, our loved ones, and our enemies. This type of prayer recognizes that God is the ultimate source of all blessings and that we are simply the vessels through which His blessings flow. When we pray for blessings, we’re actually aligning our hearts with God's will and opening ourselves up to receive the good things He has in store for us.

An example of the prayer of blessing can be found in Numbers 6:24-26, where God instructs Moses to tell Aaron and his sons to bless the Israelites with these words: "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." This prayer acknowledges that God is the source of all blessings and that we are His beloved children, deserving of His favor and protection. When you pray this prayer of blessing over yourself and others, you remind yourself of God's goodness and invite His abundance and favor into your life. 

You can also use this kind of prayer to bless those who have hurt you or those you may consider your enemies. By speaking blessings over them, you release them into God's hands, trusting that He will work all things together for good.

Final Thoughts on Different Types of Prayer 

There are other types of prayers in the Bible (i.e., corporate prayer, lament prayer, the Lord's prayer, etc.). As you begin your journey praying the many different types of prayer, remember that prayer is not just a ritual or obligation, but an opportunity to pour your heart out to God and listen to His voice. It’s a reminder that you are not alone in this journey of life and that God is always with you, guiding you and providing for you. So, don't be afraid to try new types of prayers or to be vulnerable in your conversations with God.

Each type of prayer in this post has a unique purpose, and by incorporating them into your prayer life, you will grow in your faith and understanding of God's will for your life.

As you continue to pray, may you be filled with the joy that comes from knowing that you’re loved. May your prayers be a source of strength and solace in both good times and bad. And may you always remember that prayer is a gift from God and that He longs to hear from you.

Author's note: The above article was inspired by a recent message I heard preached at Change Church by Dr. Dharius Daniels.  You can listen his sermon on different type of prayers below:

 

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About the Author: 

Corine Williams, Ph.D. is Clinical Psychologist that is currently seeing clients in the States of Maryland, New Jersey, and New York. You can find out more about her practice by visiting www.therapyforchristians.com/corinewilliams.  In addition to providing individual therapy, Dr. Williams is also passionate about writing books and designing merchandise that educate, uplift, and normalize mental health subject in the Christian community. You can find out more about her at  www.booksbycorine.com or by visiting her amazon profile here: https://www.amazon.com/Corine-Hyman/e/B00AWZ5FL2

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Disclaimer: the information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this article are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are looking for a Christian counselor near you, please check out our directory located here:  Christians Therapist Near Me

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