Did you know there are a lot more prayers than just the typical the prayers of request and thanks? Just like a parent, God isn’t opposed to hearing prayers of supplication. And just like a parent, he appreciates prayers of thankfulness. Not because he NEEDS thanks but because those prayers demonstrate the beautiful character quality of gratefulness.
God wants to hear from us. Just as we want to hear from our kids.
He wants to know the desires of our heart. Just like we want to know our children’s hearts desires.
But… to have a full and fulfilling relationship with the Creator of the Universe, we need to move beyond the It’s all about me prayers. (I guess that is growing up.)
In addition to the common prayers of supplication and the typical dinner time Thank you prayers are at least five other types of petitions and conversations with God. (I’m sure you could find more.)
1. The Prayer of Intercession
This type of prayer is on behalf of another. In John 17: 6-26 Jesus prays for his disciples and for all believers! He asks God for their protection from the evil one and for their sanctification (daily growth in holiness because of knowing truth). He also prays for the believers’ unity and eternal life.
We understand the protection piece and even the sanctification part but why unity of the saints?
The purpose of like-mindedness is to let the world know Jesus was sent by God and he has loved them as God has loved him. The Lord desires that all will know him and come to him. The message is much more powerful if it is done in the spirit of unity. God’s heart desire is that no one will perish.
So intercede like Jesus and pray for other believers protection and sanctification and for non-believers to see, hear, and come to Jesus.
2. The Prayer of Contrition
This is a personal prayer demonstrating our human need for forgiveness and mercy. When a prayer of contrition is spoken it contains words that communicate a broken heart due to an understanding of who we are before a holy God. We all fall short of the glory of God but we don’t often see it. We think we are “good” person. This prayer knocks pride right off its throne. A contrite heart shows the humility and wisdom gained by an understanding of who we are in relation to God. This prayer is one that moves in the heart of the believer to desire to be more like Jesus. Read Psalm 15 and see who can dwell the Lord’s sanctuary. We can only enter due to what Jesus has done for us on the cross.