Prayer is an important part of the Christian faith. Through prayer, believers communicate with and worship God. The Bible describes many different types of prayer and shows how prayer was a vital part of Jesus’ life and ministry. Here is an overview of some of the major types of prayer discussed in Scripture.
1. Praise and Adoration
One key type of prayer is praise and adoration, where believers offer worship and exaltation to God. The book of Psalms contains many beautiful examples of prayers of praise, such as “I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever” (Psalm 145:1). Praising God’s character, qualities, and deeds is an aspect of prayer that recognizes and honors God for who He is.
2. Confession
Confession involves admitting and repenting of sin before God. 1 John 1:9 explains that “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Prayers of confession allow believers to maintain fellowship with God by seeking forgiveness. The Old Testament records many prayers of national confession offered on behalf of the people of Israel (see Ezra 9, Nehemiah 9, Daniel 9).
3. Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving prayers express gratitude to God for His provisions, blessings, and answers to other prayers. The apostle Paul frequently opened his letters with prayers of thanksgiving for churches and individuals (see Romans 1:8, Ephesians 1:16, Philippians 1:3, etc.). Believers can offer prayers of thanksgiving for all circumstances, seen and unseen blessings, and acts of grace from God.
4. Supplication
Prayers of supplication present requests to God. These can be for physical needs, spiritual growth, wisdom and guidance, strength in trials, or a myriad of other matters. The Bible encourages believers to present all their needs and cares to God. As Philippians 4:6 states, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
5. Intercession
Intercessory prayer involves praying on behalf of others. Jesus frequently interceded for His disciples and future believers, praying for their protection, unity, sanctification, and perseverance (see John 17, Luke 22:32). The letters of Paul also illustrate intercessory prayer, as he often assured churches that he continually prayed for them. Intercession recognizes that God is sovereign and able to act on behalf of others in response to prayer.
6. Imprecatory Prayer
Imprecatory prayers call down judgment or curses on enemies. They reflect divine justice and judgment against unrepentant sin. Some of the Psalms contain imprecations, such as Psalm 109, which includes a plea for God to let the psalmist’s accusers be found guilty and calls down curses upon them. However, Jesus taught that believers’ prayers should reflect love, even for enemies (Matthew 5:43-48).
7. Prayers of Faith
Prayers of faith ask God to act based on His promises and ability, not human merit. James 5:14-15 describes praying in faith for the sick. The gospels include multiple examples of Jesus healing in response to bold, trusting prayer (Matthew 8:5-13, 15:21-28, Mark 5:25-34). Faith prayers recognize God’s sovereignty and omnipotence.
8. Prayers of Agreement
Prayers of agreement apply Jesus’ teaching that “if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven” (Matthew 18:19). It indicates that there is special power when believers agree together in prayer. Early Christians “joined constantly in prayer” (Acts 1:14) and Paul often requested prayer that he might speak and act boldly (Ephesians 6:19).
9. Prayers for Healing
Prayers for emotional, spiritual, and physical healing are common types of prayer. James 5:14-15 specifically describes praying for the sick. While God does not promise that every prayer for healing will be answered in the way we hope, Scripture encourages believers to entrust every need and trial to God in prayer.
10. Prayers of Wisdom and Discernment
As James 1:5 encourages, believers can pray to ask God for wisdom and discernment. Jesus also promises that God will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him (Luke 11:13). Prayers for wisdom recognize that human understanding and insight is limited, but God knows all and will generously provide wisdom to those who seek it from Him.
11. Warfare Prayer
Warfare prayer focuses on spiritual battles against demonic forces and Satan’s schemes. Paul describes spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6:10-18 and emphasizes the importance of prayer in taking up “the whole armor of God.” Believers are called to be alert and to pray against evil spiritual forces that seek to attack the church.
12. Contemplative Prayer
Contemplative prayer emphasizes quiet communion with God rather than requests or spoken prayer. Psalms like Psalm 131 illustrate this: “my heart is not proud nor my eyes haughty, I do not engage in great matters or things too wondrous for me” (v.1). Contemplation focuses on adoring God and abiding in His presence rather than speaking.
13. Prayer Walking
Prayer walking combines physical activity with intercessory prayer, praying for people, places, or situations while walking around them. Christians may prayer walk around their neighborhoods, workplaces, cities, or other locations as they present needs to God. Some scriptural examples of prayer walking include Joshua marching around Jericho (Joshua 6) and Jesus praying at Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46).
14. Fixed-Hour Prayer
Fixed-hour prayer follows a schedule of set times for prayer, such as praying every morning, afternoon, and evening. The Old Testament describes Daniel maintaining a strict practice of fixed-hour prayer (Daniel 6:10). Psalms like Psalm 55:17 also illustrate scheduled prayer: “Evening and morning and at noon, I will complain and murmur, and He will hear my voice.” Having regular prayer times can develop discipline.
15. Spontaneous Prayer
Spontaneous prayer involves praying freely whenever the need or desire arises rather than at designated times. These informal prayers can be offered silently throughout the day or spoken aloud. The gospels portray Jesus spontaneously praying at various moments, like thanking God prior to raising Lazarus (John 11:41-42). Spontaneous prayer allows constant communication with God.
16. Unceasing Prayer
Unceasing or continual prayer emphasizes praying persistently and without stopping. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 states to “pray without ceasing.” This can include both scheduled prayer times and spontaneous prayer. Regular communication and focus on God are vital parts of cultivating a heart of continual prayer and abiding in Christ.
17. Fasting with Prayer
Fasting paired with focused prayer was an important spiritual discipline in both the Old Testament and New Testament. Individuals like Moses, David, Elijah, Esther, Anna, and Jesus fasted for spiritual purposes. Fasting with prayer demonstrates humility, repentance, and sincerity in seeking God. It removes distractions and focuses attention on God.
18. Singing Prayer
Singing prayer offers worship to God through song, combining music and lyrics to praise God, give thanks, etc. Many Psalms were originally intended as songs. Paul instructs believers to sing “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” as a way of teaching and admonishing one another (Colossians 3:16). Song can be a powerful way to focus the heart and mind on prayer.
19. Listening Prayer
Listening prayer emphasizes quieting oneself to hear God’s voice. It requires patience to wait silently to discern potential promptings or guidance from the Holy Spirit. Elijah encountered God speaking in a “gentle whisper” rather than loud signs (1 Kings 19:12). Jesus also withdrew to desolate places to pray alone and listen (Luke 5:16).
20. Bold and Persistent Prayer
Bold and persistent prayer refuses to lose heart or relent when answers do not seem immediate. Examples include the persistent widow Jesus described in Luke 18:1-8 and the blind man who kept crying out for Jesus’ help despite attempts to quiet him (Luke 18:35-43). Persistence shows faith that God hears and can act when the time is right.
21. Meditative Prayer
Meditative prayer mulls over and deeply reflects on passages from Scripture or aspects of God’s attributes and acts. It involves focused thought rather than spoken supplication. The psalmist declares, “I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands” (Psalm 143:5). Meditation helps absorb biblical truth.
22. Corporate Prayer
Corporate prayer takes place in group settings, like worship services and prayer meetings. Gathering with other believers enables praying together in agreement and also provides accountability and encouragement. Jesus promised special blessing when “two or three are gathered” in His name (Matthew 18:20). Acts describes early Christians gathering, praying, and praising together.
23. The Prayer of Examen
The daily examen involves reviewing and evaluating one’s heart attitude and actions from the day. This aids confession, gives perspective on progress in holiness, and promotes gratitude. It follows David’s example of self-reflection in the Psalms and Paul’s instruction to “examine yourselves” in 2 Corinthians 13:5. The examen helps believers stay accountable in prayer.
24. Sacramental Prayer
Sacramental prayers are connected to sacred rites like the Lord’s Supper, baptism, marriage, burial, etc. They invoke God’s presence and blessing on these special occasions. The gospels record Jesus praying at Last Supper (Matthew 26:26-27). The early church devoted themselves to “the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42). Sacramental prayer sets apart key moments.
25. Apophatic Prayer
Apophatic prayer, also called negative theology, focuses on describing who God is not rather than who He is. It contrasts human limits with God’s boundless perfection. Resisting defining or conceptualizing God preserves reverence and mystery in worship. It recalls God’s response when Moses asked to see His glory: “You cannot see my face, for no one can see me and live” (Exodus 33:20).
In summary, the Bible contains many examples and instructions about prayer. Different types of prayer cover adoration, supplication, intercession, confession, and more. Understanding the wide variety of ways to pray equips Christians to have a vibrant, well-rounded prayer life that draws them closer to God and enriches their walk with Him day by day.