As a progressive Christian, I believe there are many names for God and many ways to a loving God; this article reflects one of those ways. Take from here what works for you. Celebrate life with joy and peace!
So, what is prayer? Prayer is a solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God. Simply put, prayer is conversation with God.
There are many different kinds of prayer. I Timothy 2:1 says, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be made for all people.” Timothy’s letter is encouraging his readers to use all types of prayer.
1) There’s the prayer of supplication or petition. Asking God for a need we have – not necessarily asking for a good parking place or your favorite sports team to win (that’s more like having a magic genie in a bottle!) My dad used to say, “God promised to meet all of our needs, not all of our greeds.”
2) The prayer of intercession – to plead on behalf of someone else. I often pray for you, for healing, for jobs, for your spiritual renewal, for your relationships, so does our Care Team, and staff, and the Centering Prayer group and the Rosary group. And I love that scripture in Romans 8 that says that Jesus is constantly interceding to God for us!
3) The prayer of faith. The prayer of faith is believing with your whole heart; in Hebrews 11 we read that faith is being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we don’t see it.
It’s interesting, in my research, I found that the two greatest hindrances to prayers of faith are not forgiving and doubt.
4) The prayer of agreement; when people come together in unity, with one purpose. Like when we pray, let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me! That’s powerful!
5) The prayer of praise and thanksgiving. This prayer brings us into the presence of God. This is why worship and coming together is so important. Our corporate praise and thanksgiving allows us to acknowledge the presence of God. And when we do that, miracles can happen!
6) The prayer of contemplation or meditation. Being still and know. Being quiet and listening.
Many times we don’t pray because we worry that we might not know how to pray. Don’t worry, just pray from your heart. Talk from your heart. If you can remember that, it takes the fear away.
It’s not about having the right formula, or using the right words for your prayers. It’s about just being real and authentic and allowing God’s spirit that is already living within you to have voice. God already knows your heart, so you don’t have to craft the perfect prayer. As the Nike commercial says: “Just do it!”
And don’t say “Amen” often. What? Pray continuously. Scripture talks about God’s will for us in three points: rejoice always, pray without ceasing and give thanks in all circumstances. Easier said than done, right?
Continue to offer prayers as you go throughout your day.
Prayers don’t have to be offered just at meals or bedtime or in the morning. Prayers can continually spring up from our hearts. Try this; carry on a conversation with God throughout the day so that you never really close in prayer.
Don’t do all the talking!
Make sure you listen as much as you talk. Too often, we get so wrapped up in what we have on our minds that we don’t even consider listening to God. Have you known someone that when they start talking all you have to do is just say “mmhmm” and “oh my” and “really?” It doesn’t take long before you maybe tune them out, or start doing something else. I’m not saying God is not a good listener. On the contrary, God will listen to us with undivided attention – that’s not the issue.
Maybe God has something to say to us! Something that could save us a lot of grief and heartache. Maybe God has some wisdom to impart, or direction to give or a way to go about dealing with a relationship. Communication with God is a two-way street. Let’s keep the communication open.
Prayer can also take place in many creative ways including painting, sculpting, gardening, singing, dancing, etc. Try and find a way to connect with God in prayer and allow your actions to be an offering of prayer.
And the last point I’d like to make is to try keeping a prayer journal. Marvel at how God moves as you track your prayers, prayer requests and nudges from God. Rejoice as prayers are answered. Let it build your faith. As you keep a journal, you can, over time, see God’s movement, presence and guidance all throughout our lives.
My mom kept prayer journals, especially as she was living with cancer. It was very beautiful to see, in her handwriting, prayer requests for me and others, and then how she was struggling in her dark night of the soul, struggling with God, why weren’t her prayer requests being answered in her way and her time, and then to see later in God’s time and God’s way the answer come.
Again, just try it.
These are all just suggestions and different ways we can develop a healthy habit of prayer in our lives. Only you can know what works best for you. The important thing is, refresh a healthy habit of prayer in your life.
