by Marin Hendrix

Have you ever wondered how to pray? Although there are not strict rules regarding the proper way to pray, the prayers in the Bible are good examples to Christians. There are many types of prayers seen in the Bible, and each one is appropriate in different circumstances. Prayers full of giving thanks, prayers of desperation, and prayers of repentance are each beautiful examples of how God’s people should pray in varying situations.

There are Many types of prayers seen in the Bible, and each one is appropriate in different circumstances."

A Prayer of Thanksgiving

First, the prayer found in 1 Samuel 2:1-10, spoken by Hannah, centers on giving thanks to God. In the prayer Hannah thanks the Lord for the blessing of her son, Samuel, and bestows praises on Him in adoration. Before Hannah received this gift, she was barren for many years and prayed continuously asking God for a son. Elkanah’s second wife, Peninnah “provoke[d Hannah] grievously” and intentionally “irritate[d] her” (1 Samuel 1:6). She waited patiently, enduring ridicule and trusting God would provide her with a son. Hannah’s “heart exults in the Lord” and she is overcome with joy for all He has done for her (1 Samuel 2:1).

As promised, she gives Samuel over “to [God] all the days of his life” (1 Samuel 1:11). The prayer begins with her thanking the Lord for His blessing and broadens into delighting in Him. Her emphasis on God’s attributes and the power He possesses shows her respect for God. Hannah uses her prayer to express thankfulness for the Lord’s provision.

A Prayer of Lament

Second, in Psalm 22 David cries out to God with a prayer of lament during a distressing situation. Although the exact circumstance that prompted this prayer is unknown, we can use the word choice in this passage to infer that David was “despised by the people” around him (Psalm 22:6). David receives no comfort or support from those around him, rather he is rejected and mocked because he “trusts in the LORD” (Psalm 22:8).

In his hopelessness David turns to the Lord crying out “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1). Although David knows that God is always present, he still feels like the Lord is absent. To counteract his doubts David recalls times God “delivered [the Israelites]” from their enemies (Psalm 22:4). When we feel the Lord is absent in our lives, it is important to look back on situations where He remained faithful.

A Prayer of Repentance

The final prayer, found in Jonah 2:2-9, is a prayer laced with regret and repentance. Previously, God told Jonah to travel to Ninevah and preach about Him to the Gentiles. Jonah believes the people in Ninevah are not worthy of knowing God and tries to run from Him. His efforts are futile and God “appoints a great fish to swallow” Jonah (1:17). For three days he is stuck inside the belly of the fish and forced to consider his situation. In “the heart of the seas” Jonah cries out to God for forgiveness and repents from his previous sinful actions (2:3).

Jonah is on the brink of death when he finally remembers the Lord and asks Him to forgive his poor decisions. Jonah realizes that God’s plan is better than what he had wanted. He sees the wrongness of his choices and chooses to follow the Lord’s instructions by telling the Ninevites about God. As Jonah did, when we pray, we “must admit that God is greater than we are and ultimately knows what is best in any given situation.”

Wrapping It All Up

In conclusion, there are many different types of prayers, and all examples shown are valid ways to talk with God. At its heart prayer is “asking God to do what he has already committed to do for his people” (Millar). Our own prayers do not have to look identical to the ones discussed in this article. However, we can learn from the prayers recorded in the Bible and use them as a reference when starting a conversation with the Lord.

Hannah’s prayer is a good example of giving thanks for all God provides. David’s prayer in Psalm 22 is a wonderful example of the vulnerability that should be in every conversation we have with the Lord. The prayer of inquiry in Psalm 25 shows we can ask God questions regarding all situations in our lives. Jonah’s prayer from the belly of the fish is a remarkable example of turning to the Lord and trusting His plan. We should turn and pray to God in all circumstances, whether it is to thank Him, cry out to Him, ask for guidance, or repent of our sins.