Question:  Dear Greg,

            Can you tell me the different kinds of intercessory prayer, if there are any?  For that matter, what is intercessory prayer?  I’m confused by the different kinds of prayers one can pray to God.  Thanks.

            In His name,

            Char

Answer:  Dear Char,

            The categories of prayer are simply a human innovation, as there is no specific biblical categorization of prayer.  In the Bible prayer includes all of the human emotions and responses to God—including thanksgiving, petitions (specific requests), praise and worship, adoration and intercession (asking God to intervene in a specific situation).  Someone may have broken down the various ways to ask God to intervene or to intercede (and what they have taught may be helpful), but there is no list that God looks at that humans have devised that all of us must follow when we pray to him.

            Prayer is communication with God and it is communion with God—a “time” when we can be perhaps closer to God than any other “time”.  It is when we specifically seek to be in his presence, to be with and near him, to—as the Bible says—come near to him.  Prayer is best when it is heartfelt, intimate and personal, so do not allow yourself to think that you must follow some formula or list in prayer.  God does not desire lists; he desires your heart. 

            May God bless you as you pray to and commune with him.

            In Christ,

            Greg Albrecht