Kinds of Prayer
Religious Studies: KS3, topic 1.3.9
Kinds of Christian Prayer
There are many different kinds of Christian prayer, and they are conducted in various ways:
Meditation
- Meditation is a silent form of prayer.
- The person praying focuses on God in their mind and tries to be more aware of God’s presence.
Asking for help
- Prayers asking for God’s help can be personal or public.
- Individuals may pray for help during difficult situations, like illness.
- In liturgical services, there are often ‘bidding prayers’ where the congregation prays for the needs of the world.
Expressing praise
- Some prayers express praise, such as “The Canticle of the Creatures” by St Francis of Assisi, which praises God for the wonders of creation.
- For example: “Be praised, my Lord, through all Your creatures, and especially through our Lord and brother the Sun, who brings the day, and through whom you give us light” (St Francis of Assisi, Canticle of the Creatures).
Expressing gratitude
- Prayers before meals often express thanks to God for the food and good things provided by Him.
The Lord's Prayer
- When the apostles asked Jesus how to pray, He taught them the Lord’s Prayer.
- This prayer is used in personal prayer and public services like the Eucharist.
- The Lord’s Prayer combines praise (hallowed - or holy - be your name) and asking for God’s help (forgive us our sins).
Test yourself on Kinds of Prayer
What is the name given to the prayer Jesus taught the apostles?
What are some examples of kinds of Christian prayer?
In ‘The Canticle of the Creatures’ by St Francis of Assisi, what is the prayer doing?