The most basic definition of prayer is simply “talking to God”. It is our direct path to address our Heavenly Father, bringing to Him whatever is on our hearts and minds.
There are countless ways in which to pray, and none are better or worse than another. Below are some of the more popular types of prayer, along with a brief description (and instructions, as needed) of each.
Breath Prayer
Breath prayer is a method of prayer that helps us to be aware of God’s presence and to draw near to Him.
Breath prayers originated from the contemplative (prolonged thought or prayer) way of life led by the Desert Fathers and Mothers (leaders and pastors that lived at the time of Jesus or the first generation following Jesus).
In the New Testament, Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 to “pray without ceasing.” We can pray throughout the day by making prayer a part of our natural rhythm – just like breathing.
- Short, simple prayers that coincide with inhaling and exhaling.
- Short Bible verses we pray.
- Christian Meditation is not emptying yourself, it is filling yourself with God’s word.
Breathing is known to bring healing and rest to our body. Our mind and muscles relax as we breathe. Prayer is also known to bring healing and rest. Combining both gives us a perfect way to be reminded of God’s presence and to bring our focus back to Him.
Breath Prayer can help you to renew your mind with God’s word (Romans 12:2) and capture your thoughts for Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Breath prayer is not magic or a way to manipulate God. It is not a spell we are casting or a superstitious way of controlling life.
It is a simple way to communicate with our good God about everything we hope for, need and are thankful for.
A.C.T.S. Prayer
The A.C.T.S. type of prayer is an acronym used to help guide people in four main aspects of praying:
- Adoration (Praise): Glorifying and worshipping God, acknowledging His majesty, and helping to set the tone for the overall prayer. It is intended to remind you of God’s identity, help to center yourself, and get in the right mindset with a pure heart.
- Confession: Repentance of wrongdoing, admitting and confessing your sins to God so your prayers can be unhindered and vulnerable.
- Thanksgiving: Expressing gratitude through giving thanks to God for the gifts with which He has blessed you, even those which may be more “difficult”. This step can work to help shape you into a more gracious and grateful person.
- Supplication: Making requests and intercessions to God, either for yourself or on behalf of others.
Praying the Bible
Praying Scripture is a way to both read God’s Word while also turning it into a time of reflection and prayer. This is beneficial as a way to read, meditate, and reflect on sections of the Bible and opening yourself up to hearing from God for clarification, meaning, and understanding.
Here are some tips for ways in which you can pray the Bible:
- Choose: Select a Psalm or section of Scripture to pray through.
- Read: Read the selection.
- Understand: If there are any words, phrases, or concepts that you do not understand, use a study tool (study Bible, footnotes, the Internet, etc) to look up anything that is not clear.
- Re-read: Read the selection again, ideally at a slower pace than the first reading.
- Reflect: As you re-read, pause and pray as inspired, using words or phrases from the passage, or your own words and thoughts as you feel led. Consider how the passage prompts you to worship, confess, pray for the needs of yourself or others, or thank God. (See the A.C.T.S. Prayer model above.)
- Pray It: Personalize the passage in the first person and pray it back to God.