The 5 Questions of Prayer Series: The What

We’re examining five components of prayer: Who, What, When, Why and How. If you missed part one, go here to catch up.

Ready for part two? Read on!

What do we pray? Short answer, we pray about everything! We pray about our daily needs and about protection from falling into temptation. (See again the Lord’s prayer.) And we pray for one another:

1 Timothy 2:1 New King James Version (NKJV)

2 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,

Let’s look at those four types of prayer: supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks.

Supplications means to simply ask for things. I always think of it in conjunction with asking for needs or something I want. He is our Father, He wants us to ask Him for things, just as we did our earthly fathers.

If we’re not careful, though, our prayer life will be lopsided in only asking for ourselves and loved ones.

He wants so much more for us!

Prayers means the broad sense of the word – all kinds of communication with the Father. Just like conversation you’d have with a beloved earthly father, you should share your day, your joys and struggles, and your thoughts with your heavenly Father in prayer.

Intercessions means praying for others. This is where the real work of prayer can be done. Imagine the tenacity of a prayer warrior rolling up his sleeves, so to speak, and going into spiritual battle for others too weak to pray for themselves. The sick, the needy, those trampled upon by the press of life may be at the last breath of strength and cannot muster up the ability to pray – but YOU can! It’s the most unselfish gift you can give.

Also, you can be instrumental in praying for those who don’t even have an idea who God is or what He can do in their lives. You can step in for them and ask God to send His Holy Spirit to deal with their hearts and prepare the way for when someone can witness to them about God’s saving power. You could be instrumental in a soul's choice of where to spend eternity.

Pretty important stuff, I’d say!

Lastly, there is the giving of thanks type of prayer, or thanksgiving. A grateful heart is beautiful to the Lord. Think about earthly parents and children – doesn’t a parent want to do more for a child who is grateful for past provision?

Why do anything for someone who doesn’t appreciate it? I don't want to be guilty of ingratitude.

Notice, too, that Paul tells us in this letter to Timothy who we are supposed to be praying for:  ALL men. Not just the ones we like or agree with but everyone. Why, he even goes so far to say in the next verse, pray for kings and all those in authority.

Part of our "what to pray" is to pray for our leaders to have wisdom and to do the right thing.

I can't find in the Word that we only do that if we like them or if they are in our political party.

Summing it up: "what we pray" is praying for everything, about everyone, and doing it always with a thankful heart.

What is your favorite thing to pray?

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