Praying Different Prayers

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

Prayer is an essential part of a Christian's life. It's how we talk with God. The first prayer we need to pray is the prayer of contrition and faith. It's where we confess our sins, repent, and ask forgiveness as we express our acceptance and belief in the Gospel message and what Christ did for us on the cross. However, we should continue to repent and pray for forgiveness as we see where we fail and sin again.

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms (Psalm 95:2).

I believe most prayers should contain parts full of gratitude and praise. God is worthy of all the praise, thanks, and worship we can give Him. It's also good to say quick prayers of gratitude throughout the day as we recognize his many blessings, both great and small. It's hard to be sad or depressed with an attitude of gratefulness.

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

The bulk of our prayers are likely to fall into the third category, prayers of supplication and intercession. This is where we make our requests and petitions for ourselves and others. When we're faced with troubles, crises, and dilemmas for which we have no answers or have a need, and when we know of someone for whom this is true, we should take it to God. The stronger our prayer lives, the more we will live in peace, contentment, and the freedom that relying on Him brings.

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee (Isaiah 26:3).

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