Six Kinds of Prayer and the Rules That Get Them Answered

Sermon outline

There are different kinds of prayer, each with its own rules in the Word, and when you pray the right prayer in faith, specifically and without wavering, you can expect answers.

1. All kinds of prayer, prayed in the Spirit

   Ephesians 6:18 shows there is more than one type of prayer, and our prayers must be Spirit-filled, Spirit-led and anointed, not dry. As a young Christian he copied what others did and thought God would hear if you shouted long enough, but the Word has an answer for everything: understand the rules of each kind of prayer, pray God's Word back to Him, and you will get quick answers.

   Illustration: Different sports have different rules, and so do different kinds of prayer.

   “If you apply the different rules to the different prayers, that's when you start getting answers.”

   • Ephesians 6:18

2. The prayer of agreement

   If two agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done, and Jesus is in the midst of them; our God is not deaf. Write your request on the church's heavenly grant request form, keep it in your Bible, and once you have asked, start thanking Him. Don't be double-minded: when Satan brings doubt, bind him. Agreement in prayer can affect governments, companies and families.

   Illustration: Years ago he stood in a car park and prayed the prayer of agreement with a woman who had applied for a licence to sell food at a university; three days later, out of scores of applicants, she was granted it.

   “Agreement makes prayer work.”

   • Matthew 18:18-20
   • 2 Chronicles 16:9
   • Philippians 4:19
   • James 1:6-8

3. The prayer of binding and loosing

   God intends the body of Christ to police the evil forces of this world, because no one can spoil a strong man's house without first binding him. You have authority over Satan in the name of Jesus, who has already spoiled principalities and powers and given you the power of attorney.

   Illustration: He gives the words to use: 'Satan, we bind you and render you helpless in this situation. As a matter of record you are hereby bound in the name of Jesus.'

   “God intends the body of Christ to police the evil forces of this world.”

   • Matthew 18:18
   • Matthew 12:29
   • Colossians 2:15

4. The prayer of petition and supplication

   A petition is a formal request addressed to a higher power, so know what you want before you pray, write it down and be specific, naming what you are asking for. Come boldly to the throne of grace, because the cross paid for your deliverance.

   Illustration: You wouldn't breeze in on an important person just to say hi and bye; you would prepare your points and an agenda, as for a board meeting, because they might give you only fifteen minutes.

   “Don't pray loose prayers.”

   • Philippians 4:6
   • Hebrews 4:16

5. United prayer

   When the early church gathered and all prayed, a tremendous amount of power was released and signs and wonders followed, as he expects at the week's prayer meetings. United prayer is offered accurately according to the Word, not babbling, so write down exactly what you are praying for, whether for yourself, your children or people who are not yet saved.

   “United prayer is prayed accurately according to the word of God.”

   • Acts 4:23-31
   • Acts 5:12

6. The prayer of dedication and worship

   In Gethsemane Jesus prayed, 'Not as I will, but as thou wilt.' There comes a time to surrender your will and do what God wants; as children grow they learn what yes and no mean, and as you grow in the Lord you learn to submit to His will. Never be afraid to yield, because God is for you and keeps in perfect peace the one whose mind is stayed on Him.

   “Never be afraid to yield your will to God because God is not against you.”

   • Matthew 26:36-39
   • Isaiah 26:3

7. The prayer of committal

   Purposely commit your cares to the Lord, whether finances, relationships, family or problems at work, and when an anxious thought returns, say boldly that you have cast that care on the Lord. Practise what you have learned, received, heard and seen, and when your strength is depleted, lean on His: you can do all things through Christ.

   “I've cast that care on the Lord.”

   • Philippians 4:6-7
   • 1 Peter 5:6-7
   • Philippians 4:9
   • Philippians 4:13