Are There Different Kinds of Prayer?

The Bible instructs us to “pray always with all prayer” (Ephesians 6:18). Other translations say, “all kinds of prayer” or “different kinds of prayer.” The Amplified Bible says, “with all [manner of] prayer.” There is more than just one kind of prayer, and depending on what you desire from God, you need to understand the importance of each one.

The prayer of agreement, when prayed according to Matthew 18:18-20, will cover every circumstance in life. “Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

The prayer of petition and supplication can be defined as “a formal request addressed to a higher power.” This prayer changes things. It is based on Philippians 4:6: “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Do not go into the prayer of petition and supplication without knowing what you want to say and how you want to say it. Have your petition drawn up according to the Word of God. Then, find out what God has already done regarding your situation. If you need healing, look up those scriptures pertaining to healing. Present your petition. No matter what your situation may be, God has provided an answer for it.

The prayer of committal is when you purposely commit something to God—once and for all. God is vehemently against worry. It does not produce anything but stress, strain and death. The whole Bible is against worry because Satan designed it. Take Philippians 4:6-7 as a command. “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” The Amplified Bible says, “Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything.” First Peter 5:6-7 says, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Casting all your care upon him….” Your confession every morning should be, “I do not have a care, because it has been cast over on my Lord.” Roll it over onto Him. As Christians, we need to get in one agreement on the Word of God and expect results. Prayer will cause things to change!

The prayer of dedication and worship holds a tremendous amount of power. In the past, it has been misunderstood. When the leper came to Jesus and said, “I know You can make me well…if You will,” Jesus said, “I will.” He already knew the Father’s will was healing. He didn’t have to pray, “If it be Thy will.” God’s will is to be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:9-10). Heaven has no sickness. The only time the word “if” would not be an expression of unbelief is in the prayer of dedication and worship. All other times, using the word “if” in prayer can create unbelief. Unbelief hinders prayer. Most people pray, “If it be Thy will,” thinking they are being humble. Actually, they are praying in ignorance of the Bible. The prayer of dedication is getting your will in line with God’s will to bring success into a situation. It joins you and God, and aims you toward the same goal. Never be afraid to yield your will to God. He wants you to succeed! His will is always to your advantage.

Written with permission from Kenneth Copeland Ministries©