10 Forms of Prayer

Posted on October 15, 2021 by Stephen Nielsen

The forms of prayer are simply the various expressions of our personal life toward God that agree with the various moods or attitudes we have or choose to have. Thus the many forms of prayer are quite endless, for there are as many forms of prayer as man has characteristics of personal life—as he has moods or attitudes. Here are ten forms of prayer, which I will describe briefly:

1. The prayer of adoration. We should adore God in all our praying, but generally, this is the way we should begin our prayers (and our day)—saying, “Hallowed be Thy name.”

2. The prayer of confession. This is the only form of prayer that should come out of our lips when we have sinned. For, it is the only form (or expression) that would be true and honest. Moreover, without confession fellowship with God would be impossible.

3. The prayer of thanksgiving. We…

View original post 549 more words

9 Descriptions of Prayer by Various Authors

Posted on October 9, 2021 by Stephen Nielsen

Prayer A to Z

Prayer is so very basic, yet it is also so deep and boundless in it meaning. In my reading I have found nine different descriptions of prayer.

1. Prayer is asking and receiving. According to E.M. Bounds, “Prayer is the outstretched arms of the child for the Father’s help. Prayer is the child’s cry calling to the Father’s ear…Prayer is the seeking of God’s greatest good, which will not come if we do not pray.”

Matthew 7:7-8 says, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”

Again E. M. Bounds writes, “Prayer is asking, seeking and knocking at a door for something we have not, which we desire, and which God has promised to us…Prayer is the voice of need crying out to Him who is inexhaustible in resources. Prayer is helplessness reposing with childlike confidence on…

View original post 405 more words

What Is the Meaning of Prayer?

Posted on October 1, 2021 by Stephen Nielsen

Prayer A to Z

There are so many different views on the meaning of prayer. One author, John R. Rice, says that prayer is nothing but petition. He insists that prayer is not meditation or communion or spiritual enjoyment or praise or confession or humiliation; “[it is simply] asking something definitely from God.”1

Many other authors (that Rice would say are liberal or modern) seem to say the opposite—that prayer is fellowship and communion and friendship with God, and not a demand for His gifts. For example, E. M. Bounds said, “Prayer is communion and intercourse with God. It is enjoyment of God.”2

Ronald Dunn seems to agree with Rice. He wrote, “Prayer is an act. While we should live in an attitude of prayer, prayer is more than an attitude.”3

Others I have read would disagree. They would say that since prayer is communion and fellowship with God that would…

View original post 249 more words