Different Types Of Prayers Series

DIFFERENT TYPES OF PRAYERS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Philippians 4:6

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

Supporting Texts: James 5:16, Matthew 6:9-13, Luke 11:1-4, 1 Timothy 2:1-2

INTRODUCTION:

Prayer is an essential practice for the believer, as it is the primary way we communicate with God. There are different types of prayers, each serving a specific purpose and addressing different needs. This message will discuss the various types of prayers, showing how each one helps us connect with God, strengthen our faith, and fulfill His will.

1. THE PRAYER OF ADORATION

The prayer of adoration focuses on praising and worshipping God for who He is, without asking for anything in return.

a) Acknowledging God’s greatness (Psalm 145:3)

We adore God for His infinite greatness, majesty, and power.

b) Worshipping Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24)

True adoration comes from a heart that worships God sincerely, recognizing His worth.

c) Focusing on God's attributes (Psalm 103:1-5)

In adoration, we reflect on God's attributes such as His holiness, love, mercy, and faithfulness.

d) Honouring God’s supremacy (Revelation 4:11)

We honour God’s position as the Creator and King of all creation.

e) Biblical Example: The Prayer of King David (Psalm 8:1-9)

David praises God for His majesty, acknowledging the greatness of His name and His creation.

2. THE PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Confession is a prayer where we admit our sins before God, asking for forgiveness and restoration.

a) Acknowledging our sinfulness (1 John 1:9)

We must come before God with a repentant heart, acknowledging our wrongdoings and shortcomings.

b) Seeking forgiveness and cleansing (Psalm 51:1-2)

Confession brings forgiveness and cleansing from all unrighteousness, restoring us to fellowship with God.

c) Embracing God’s mercy (Psalm 103:12)

We confess knowing that God is merciful and will forgive us, casting our sins far from us.

d) Turning away from sin (Acts 3:19)

True confession involves repentance—a turning away from sin to live a life pleasing to God.

e) Biblical Example: David’s Confession (Psalm 51:1-17)

David, after his sin with Bathsheba, offered a sincere confession, asking for God’s forgiveness and mercy.

3. THE PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

This prayer is offered to express gratitude to God for His goodness, blessings, and answered prayers.

a) Recognizing God’s provision (Psalm 107:8-9)

Thanksgiving acknowledges God’s provision in our lives, whether material or spiritual.

b) Thanking God for His grace and mercy (Ephesians 5:20)

We thank God for His unmerited grace and mercy, which He freely gives us each day.

c) Celebrating answered prayers (Luke 17:15-16)

Gratitude should follow when God answers our prayers, as we remember His faithfulness.

d) Recalling God’s past faithfulness (Psalm 103:2)

We offer thanks for what God has done in the past, which strengthens our trust in His future provisions.

e) Biblical Example: Jesus’ Thanksgiving Prayer (John 11:41-42)

Before raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus prayed a prayer of thanksgiving for what God had already done.

4. THE PRAYER OF SUPPLICATION

This is a prayer in which we ask God for our needs, desires, and the needs of others.

a) Asking for personal needs (Matthew 7:7)

In supplication, we bring our personal needs before God, trusting Him to provide according to His will.

b) Interceding for others (1 Timothy 2:1)

We are called to pray for others, asking God to meet their needs and intervene in their lives.

c) Recognizing God’s ability to provide (Philippians 4:19)

Supplication reflects our trust in God’s ability to meet all of our needs, physical, emotional, and spiritual.

d) Asking with faith (Mark 11:24)

Supplication involves asking God with confidence and faith, believing that He will answer according to His will.

e) Biblical Example: Hannah’s Supplication (1 Samuel 1:9-20)

Hannah prayed earnestly for a child, and God answered her prayer with the birth of Samuel.

5. THE PRAYER OF INTERCESSION

Intercessory prayer is when we stand in the gap for others, praying on their behalf for their needs and concerns.

a) Praying for the salvation of others (Romans 10:1)

We intercede for the lost, asking God to bring salvation and transformation into their lives.

b) Asking for God’s intervention in others’ lives (Ezekiel 22:30)

Intercessors pray for God's intervention, asking for His mercy and guidance in the lives of individuals, communities, and nations.

c) Pleading for God's mercy (Exodus 32:11-14)

Intercessors plead for God’s mercy on behalf of others, asking for His forgiveness and grace.

d) Standing in the gap in times of crisis (Nehemiah 1:4-11)

Intercessory prayer is crucial in times of national or personal crisis, where we seek God's help and mercy.

e) Biblical Example: Abraham’s Intercession for Sodom (Genesis 18:23-33)

Abraham interceded on behalf of Sodom, pleading with God to spare the city for the sake of the righteous.

6. THE PRAYER OF CONSECRATION