12 Types of Prayer: When and How to Effectively Use Them

In this article, you will:

• Discover 10 types of prayer
• Determine their uses
• Learn how to implement them

See an example for each

But before that, let’s define prayer.Let’s begin!

Prayer is a direct line of communication with God. It enables you to share your heart to Him and listen to His guidance (Jeremiah 29:12).

It is a medium by which you can seek His wisdom in making decisions and dealing with your challenges (James 1:5).It is also an expression of your faith, trusting that He hears your words and knows your deepest desires (Matthew 21:22).In the Old Testament, prayer was a structured and ritualistic communication with God. As such, it often involved offerings and sacrifices (Daniel DeWitt Lowery, 2014, Lexham Theological Wordbook, “Prayer”).In the New Testament, it was a more personal and direct communion with Him. It served as a means of deepening people’s relationship with Him and aligning their lives with His will (Walter Elwell and Barry Beitzel, 1988, Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible, “Prayer”).

Its purpose

This type of prayer serves the purpose of worshiping and honoring God for His greatness and attributes. It is to exalt Him for who He is (Psalm 95:1-6).It is the first part of the ACTS Prayer. Specifically, it is the A part which stands for Adoration (Cindi McMenamin, 2022, Crosswalk, “What is the ACTS Prayer Method and How Do You Pray It?”).Its procedure a. Address God with words of praise and adoration. b. Reflect on His attributes, such as His holiness, love, and majesty. c. Express your admiration using scriptures, hymns, or your personal words.An example"Almighty and everlasting God, I come before You in humble adoration.You are the Creator of the universe, the Source of all beauty and wonder. Your majesty and holiness leave me in awe. I adore You for Your boundless love and grace that sustain me.May my life be a constant testament to Your greatness. Amen."

When to use it

As the name implies, this type of prayer is used when acknowledging your sins. You recognize your areas of disobedience or distance from God and seek forgiveness for those (Psalm 51:2-4).Representing C in the ACTS Prayer, it comes after Adoration (Cindi McMenamin, 2022, Crosswalk, “What is the ACTS Prayer Method and How Do You Pray It?”).How to execute it a. Recognize and acknowledge the specific sins in your life. b. Express genuine sorrow and remorse for those sins. c. Ask God for forgiveness and cleansing.An example"Gracious Lord, I humbly come before You, acknowledging my shortcomings. I confess the times I have fallen short of Your perfect standards.Please forgive my sins, cleanse my heart, and renew my spirit. Help me walk in Your ways, guided by Your love and grace.In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen."

What is it used for?

This type of prayer is used in expressing gratitude for God's blessings, provisions, and acts of kindness. It is to acknowledge and appreciate His goodness (1 Thessalonians 5:18).Since it stands for T in the ACTS Prayer, it follows Confession (Cindi McMenamin, 2022, Crosswalk, “What is the ACTS Prayer Method and How Do You Pray It?”).How is it practiced? a. Reflect on specific blessings you have received. b. Thank God for His love and provisions, especially on answered prayers.Here’s an example."Heavenly Father, I lift my heart in gratitude to You.I am thankful for the countless blessings You've bestowed upon me. I thank You for the gift of life, the love of my family and friends, and Your unending mercy. I am grateful for Your constant presence and guidance in my life.May my thanksgiving be a reflection of my deep appreciation for Your goodness. Amen."

What is its motive?

The motive of this type of prayer is to present your personal needs, desires, and requests before God. It is to ask for His guidance, help, or provision (Philippians 4:6-7).As it stands for S in the ACTS Prayer, it is obviously the last part (Cindi McMenamin, 2022, Crosswalk, “What is the ACTS Prayer Method and How Do You Pray It?”).How should you do it? a. Clearly articulate your requests to God. b. Trust that He hears and answers prayers. c. Acknowledge and surrender to His will.Here’s an example."Lord, I come before You with a humble heart, laying my petitions at Your feet.I earnestly seek Your guidance and strength in [your specific request(s)]. Please grant me wisdom, courage, and grace to navigate this/these challenge(s).In a special way, I also pray for the needs of [name(s) of (a) specific person(s)] and ask for Your healing touch and provision in his/her/their lives.Lord, please hear my supplications and grant them according to Your will. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen."

Its function

This type of prayer functions as an intercession on behalf of others. It seeks God's intervention and blessings for them, especially when they are facing challenges or needing some support (1 Timothy 2:1-2).Its execution a. Identify individuals or groups you want to intercede for. b. Present specific requests for their well-being, guidance, or healing. c. Ask God to work in their lives according to His perfect plan.An example"Lord, I come before You as an intercessor on behalf of [name(s) of (an) individual(s) or group(s)].I pray for his/her/their well-being, guidance, and blessings. May Your love and grace surround him/her/them, providing comfort in times of need.I also ask for healing, strength, and wisdom to be poured upon him/her/them. May Your perfect will be done in his/her/their life/lives.In Jesus' name, I intercede. Amen."

What is its purpose?

The purpose of this type of prayer is to let you express your grief, sorrow, and pain in times of suffering, distress, loss, or emotional struggles (Psalm 13:1-2).How should you execute it? a. Express your feelings honestly to God, holding nothing back. b. Seek comfort and solace, asking Him to be near.Here’s an example."Dear God, my heart is heavy with sorrow and pain.I bring before You the anguish I feel about [describe the situation]. The weight of this burden is too much to bear alone.I cry out to You, seeking comfort and solace. Please draw near, and in Your mercy, grant me strength and peace amid the storm.Lord, I place my trust in Your unfailing love, even in the midst of this lament. Amen."

What is it for?

This type of prayer is for deeper communion with God and spiritual growth. It engages you in quiet reflection, listening to His voice and seeking spiritual insight (Psalm 46:10).How is it done? a. Find a quiet place for reflection. b. Meditate on a specific Bible verse or truth. c. Listen to God's promptings or insights amid the silence.Here’s an example."Lord, in this moment of quiet reflection, I seek Your presence and wisdom. I let go of the distractions of the world to listen to Your still, small voice.As I meditate on Your Word, may Your truth and light illuminate my path. Help me understand Your will for my life and grant me the patience to wait upon Your guidance.In this contemplative silence, may Your peace and understanding fill my soul. Amen."

When should you use it?

This type of prayer is used when invoking God's blessings and favor upon specific individuals, events, or situations (Numbers 6:24-26).How should you do it? a. Speak blessings of favor, peace, and God's presence. b. Pray that His grace would be upon those people or situations.Here’s an example."Heavenly Father, as we gather here today, we ask for Your blessings to rest upon us. May Your favor be upon each person in this gathering, guiding them in their journeys. We pray for unity, love, and grace to abound in our midst.May Your presence go before and behind us, leading us in righteousness.In the name of Jesus, we ask for Your benediction upon our lives. Amen."

Its purpose

This type of prayer lets you yield your desires and will to God's plan and purpose.This is especially when you’re facing challenges, seeking direction, or making important decisions in life (Luke 22:42).Its mechanics a. Acknowledge God's sovereignty and wisdom. b. Surrender your desires, plans, and decisions to His will.An example"Lord, I come before You with an open heart, surrendering my will and desires to Your perfect plan.I acknowledge Your sovereignty over my life and trust in Your wisdom. I relinquish my fears and uncertainties, knowing that You are in control.May Your will be done in every aspect of my life. May I find strength in Your guidance.I surrender all to You, placing my faith and trust in Your loving hands. Amen."

How does this prayer help you?

This type of prayer encourages you to seek God's intervention and provision with unwavering trust in His power and goodness (Mark 11:24).Through it, you can express a firm belief that He answers prayers according to His will and promises (Hebrews 11:6).How do you execute it? a. Approach God with confidence in His ability to answer your prayer. b. Declare your faith in His goodness and promises.An example"Heavenly Father, I come before You in unwavering faith, believing that You hear my prayers.I trust in Your power to work miracles and provide for my needs. With confidence, I lay my requests before You, knowing that You are faithful to Your promises.Strengthen my faith, Lord, and let Your will be done in my life.In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen."

We've uncovered 10 distinct types of prayer, each offering a unique way to connect with God.

Whether in praise, confession, intercession, or whatnot, prayer is a deeply personal journey that allows you to seek God's guidance. It lets you express gratitude and deepen your relationship with Him.May this understanding empower your spiritual journey.

Which type of prayer do you need the most right now? Why?

To read more, browse through this page and find courses about prayer.