Five Types of Prayer in the Bible

Biblically there are several different types of prayer—yet all are important to incorporate into our prayer lives.

Whether you use a method to pray like “ACTS” (adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication), or if you pray Scripture, or merely declare what’s on your heart, this episode will give you a global understanding of prayer in the Bible as we examine five key types of prayer … one of which you may not think to include.

Listen to and Download the Episode

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Episode 52 Overview

In this episode …

• you will discover that the Bible has a LOT to say on the topic of prayer
  you will learn the five types of prayer found in God’s Word
• we will give a simple illustration to help you undestand each type and how you can incorporate it into your own prayer life

Show Notes / Additional Resources

Scripture Verses Mentioned:

• 1 John 5:14-15 – Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.
• Ephesians 6:18 – [right after armor of God] – praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints …
• James 5:13-16 – Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
• Matthew 5:44 – But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, …
• Matthew 6:5-13 – And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. In this manner, therefore, 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 this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
• Psalm 102:17 – He shall regard the prayer of the destitute, [poor, humble, lowly], And shall not despise their prayer.
• Romans 12:12 – … [we are to] continue steadfastly in prayer …
• Luke 18:1 – Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart,

[then Jesus gives the parable of the persistent widow with the unrighteous judge … if the unrighteous judge will hear the plea of the widow’s persistence, how much more will our righteous God hear our persistence plea?]

• 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
• Philippians 4:6-7 – Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

5 Types of Prayer in the Bible

1. Supplication

• making requests and petitions
• Illustration: a wife asking her husband to do something for her  – “Honey would you go to the store and buy some milk?”

2. Intercession

• outward focus – praying for others
• Intercessor: one who stands in the gap
• Illustration: wife ask her husband to do something or someone else – “Honey, would you mow Miss Betsie’s lawn, she is getting so old she has a hard time doing it herself.”

3. Thanksgiving

• giving thanks for something done
• Illustration: wife thanks her husband for something – “Honey, thanks for vacuuming the house today”

4. Praise

• praising God for Who He is, what He’s done, His promises, His work in your life, etc
• contains the idea of thanksgiving and appreciation but also suggests an awe, admiration, approval, commendation, respect and special recognition … a bubbling forth of exaltation that can’t be contained
• Illustration: wife complements and commends her husband for something – “You’ve done such a great job with this project” 

5. Fellowship

• perhaps the highest form of prayer
• enjoying and purposeful spending time with another for purpose of relationship and intimacy
• Illustration: wife enjoys the company of her husband, longs for him when he’s gone, listens to his heart, beholds him, delights in sharing life, love, and intimacy together
• not always “talking” – sometimes just “being together”
  

Additional Resources

• Episode 5: Five Ways to Grow in your Spiritual Life: Prayer
  
• Episode 30: What is Your Obsession?
  
• Episode 48: The Christian Life in One Word: Obsessed (sermon by Stephen Manley)
  
• Episode 168: Do You Lack a Passion for Prayer?
  
• Episode 169: Prayer: Hearing the Voice of the Shepherd
  

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Question: How do you cultivate a rich prayer life?

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About NRJohnson & the Deeper Christian Podcast

NRJohnson (Nathan Johnson) is a Christian who has an overwhelming passion for Jesus, the Gospel, and Studying God’s Word. He is a writer, teacher, and communicator who helps other believers understand and apply the Bible as they grow and mature in their faith—desiring that they gain greater intimacy with Christ, experience the victorious Christian life, and transform the world through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Read more about him here.

The Deeper Christian Podcast is the podcast to help you study God’s Word, know Jesus intimately, and discover how you can build your life around Jesus Christ. This weekly audio program, hosted by NRJohnson, dives into Scripture and encourages Christians to keep their focus upon Jesus Christ—equipping believers in how to study the Bible and know God’s Word, grow in their spiritual lives, and change the world. Main discussion topics center around practical advice on Christian living, Bible study, prayer, the Gospel, freedom from sin, evangelism and how to share your faith, the Christian disciplines, and the lives and messages from the Christian heroes from yesteryear such as A.W. Tozer, Charles Spurgeon, Major Ian Thomas, Oswald Chambers, Hudson Taylor, Amy Carmichael, Corrie Ten Boom, C.T. Studd, George Müller, Andrew Murray, Leonard Ravenhill, E.M. Bounds, and others. Learn more about the deeper Christian life.