What Are the Basic Types of Prayer?
In a study conducted by Gallup in conjunction with the Society of the Scientific Study of Religion and the Religion Research Association in 1988***, four basic types of prayer were identified: • Eighty-four percent engaged in conversational prayer, in which they talk with God in their own words, thank him for his blessings, ask for forgiveness of sins, and/or ask God for blessings. • Fifty-two percent practiced meditative prayer by quietly thinking about God, trying to listen to God speak to them, spending time worshiping and adoring God, or just “feeling” the presence of God. • Petitionary prayer was practiced by 42% of adults, who pray to God to ask him for material things they may need. Included under this heading would be persons who, in times of crisis, urgently seek courage, as well as insight into God’s ultimate purposes.
