I was taught how to pray when I was very young – before I could even talk, it was part of the routine. Close your eyes, fold your hands, kneel and say your prayers before eating and before bedtime. Of course, I didn’t mind, but it didn’t mean much. In fact, more often than not, prayer was just a mindless routine, a hindrance to devouring the food before me or even a chance to get someone else in trouble – reporting to my mum that my brother’s eyes were open (regardless of her statement that if I knew that, my eyes had to be open too).
But while building prayer as a habit is always good, Jesus implores us in the Bible to make sure that our prayer is meaningful. As we grow older, we gain more of an ability to make prayer personal – or do we? How many times have we, even as teenagers and adults, prayed the same prayer over and over? Where it began as meaningful, it became stagnant. Without growth, we lose meaning.
Types of Prayer
Is there more than one way to pray?
Or what about when we simply don’t know how to pray in a way other than what is traditional – and never really connected with that. Shutting our eyes and sitting still doesn’t really work for everyone – so how are we meant to stay focused on what’s important, when there’s always so much going on? Whether in a family environment, when there’s a million jobs to do and a million questions being asked (we see you, mothers!), we’re constantly rushing to get done the hundreds of tasks we set ourselves everyday (because over-productivity is the goal of the 21st century) or simply struggle to sit still and concentrate for that long (whether its ADHD or social media induced attention span loss).
So, what’s the solution? There’s more than one way to pray. I’m definitely not saying the traditional way is wrong – it’s traditional for a reason. Easy and non-confrontational, prayer as we know it is effective in many settings, and for many people. However, if you’re searching for something that fits better for you, then keep reading.8 Types of Prayer
Journalling
Journalling is perhaps the most popular way of integrating prayer as a mindful habit. It allows us time to consciously think and reflect, while also keeping us focused on the task of prayer. I often prayer journal myself, and find that it allows me to express how I really feel – without the continual distraction of other thoughts getting in the way. This can be as poetic (think David’s Psalms!) or as dot-point oriented as you wish. Think of it like a journal – instead of documenting your thoughts, recent highs and lows, thanksgivings and trials to your future self, you’re sending them straight to God. As a bonus, you can look back on all your memories, and more importantly, how God has ended up answering your prayers. Now that’s a faith boost.Movement
Just as David danced before the Lord in 2 Samuel 6:14, so can we! Although perhaps somewhat unconventional, God encourages us to praise Him with all our heart, soul and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5) – and this definitely classifies! Whether you praise God with joyful movement in song and dance, or you pray during a walk, a run, or even a hike, God made our bodies to reflect His love and power. Don’t be afraid to involve God in those moments of elation.Group Prayer
If you’re wanting to pray with others, but aren’t sure how to get started, we have some ideas for you. First, don’t be afraid to ask a friend or a mentor to start praying with you. This can sometimes make the process a bit easier to get used to – and is one of the best ways to keep habits strong! When we pray in group situations, everyone knows it can sometimes be awkward – when we’re unsure of how to start, or who’s turn is next, or when it’s a new group. Thankfully, there’s been a whole list of strategies created just for this:
1.
Prayer Circles
In this type of prayer, participants form a circle—either standing or sitting—and take turns praying aloud, one by one, around the circle. Each person can offer a short prayer of praise, confession, thanksgiving, or intercession. Often, the circle ends with a designated person closing in prayer. This format encourages community, accountability, and a shared sense of purpose, and it allows each person to contribute in a safe and structured way.“For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” — Matthew 18:20 (NKJV)
2.
Scripture Based Prayer
This type of prayer incorporates Bible passages and verses as a foundation for prayer. It might emerge naturally from a Bible study, with the group praying before or after reading, asking for deeper understanding and practical application of the Word. Alternatively, it may involve weaving scripture directly into the prayer itself—just as Jesus did on the cross in Matthew 27:46, quoting Psalm 22. This practice helps align our prayers with God’s truth and invites scripture to shape our language and perspective in prayer.
3.
Popcorn Prayer
Popcorn prayer is a simple and inclusive method often used in group settings. Each person briefly shares a prayer request or thanksgiving aloud. Then, in a free-flowing and spontaneous rhythm—like popcorn popping—group members pray out loud for one of the items mentioned. There’s no set order or leader during this phase, making it feel organic and participatory. This type of prayer allows space for both vulnerability and mutual care, and ensures that everyone's voice is heard and held in prayer.
Personal Prayer
We’re told in the Bible that Jesus made a habit of praying in solitude (Matthew 14:23) – as did many of God’s followers before Him, such as Daniel, who was so committed to his prayer life that he’d rather get eaten alive by lions than give it up. Wouldn’t it be great to be so strong in our prayer lives, that we take those kinds of risks, knowing God is on our side? This isn’t a relationship that we can just build overnight – this is the kind of long-term friendship and faith that is only created through personal and frequent prayer. While I’m not saying we’ll have to go through anything as terrifying as what Daniel did, we often go through trials of our own. Why face them alone, when we have access to the most powerful Father in the universe? Spending time alone with God gives us not only that space to get to know Him, but also to dive into that deeper kind of connection, where we spend time not only being honest in our communication with God, but learning how to hear it when He speaks back. This kind of prayer can happen anytime, anywhere – whether alone in a set-apart space, silently with others around, out loud or even in our heads. In fact, I encourage you to involve God in every part of your day – as you’ll see in idea 10.Song and Poetry
Just as David did in his Psalms, we can use our artistic abilities to create that space for God. This may be through creating an environment of worship through listening to worship music, or even through your own creative expression by creating music yourself or with others. Poetry is similar – it may be listened to, read or created. Giving yourself freedom to speak to God creatively allows us to be honest with how we feel, getting to that deeper relationship with Him that we’re always seeking.
Bible Reading
Reflecting on God’s word is one of the most essential methods of prayer. Typically, we first begin our study by praying for understanding over the passage we will read. Then, after reading the passage, we’re able to spend time in prayer over its meaning and application into our lives. This simple, yet effective method of prayer allows us to gain deeper insight into learning God’s voice and to trusting Him more and more as we see who He was, and still is today.Nature-Based
Going out into nature has been consistently proven to be good for our health¹. However, it doesn’t just have physical benefits – but it has spiritual ones too! God originally created us to interact with and care for the world we live in. By spending time in nature, we’re in the space that God originally made for us to live and thrive in. Whether reflecting on the intricacies of wild flora and fauna, marvelling at the power of the ocean, or gazing at the stars, we are constantly surrounded by opportunities to dwell in God’s greatness. The more we practice, the better we’ll become at recognising God in every moment – starting just by spending time with God where He always intended, in His nature. ¹ Weir, K., (2025), Nurtured by Nature, APA.org , https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature
Creativity
Whatever your art is, most people understand that the process of creating is most often a reflective one. Whether a sculpture, canvas-based, baking, forming or arranging, allowing our minds to work in a non-strictly analytic manner allows space to focus, and gain that deeper peace, comfort or even satisfaction that we’re often searching for. This is the kind of space that we can easily involve God in – after all, He knows all about creative processes after the creation of the world and everything in it. As you focus on your art next time, try inviting God into that space, and reflect your connection with Him in your work.Prayer, Always.
…pray without ceasing…
1 Thessalonians 5:17, ESV
How is this possible? Surely we need to think about other things at some point, right? Don’t worry – I think most of us have been confused (or even somewhat disheartened) by this seemingly impossible task at some point. This is how a wise and God-driven mentor explained it to me: unceasing prayer isn’t sitting down to pray at every second of every day part of the day. Rather, it’s involving God in our day. This is similar to how you may talk to a close friend or family member on the phone or side by side while you do your errands, work or study. While you’re also focusing on other things, you’re still being in that space with your loved one, asking them questions at times and letting them into the closest areas of your life. Luckily with God, we don’t need to rely on aligning schedules or phone range – He’s there for us 24/7, ready to be involved with whatever we have going on.
So, when you’re struggling with a problem at work, undertaking an exciting adventure or just repeating the mundane of life, give God a moment.
About the Author
Azaria is a passionate young writer devoted to exploring and sharing the truth of God’s Word. With a heart for faith and a love for storytelling, she seeks to inspire and engage readers on their spiritual journeys.
Azaria Jones
NSW, Australia
