Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Types of Prayer in the Bible



10 Different Types of Prayer from the Bible

Jesus is the way of The truth, & the life

Monday, January 26, 2026

Intercessory Prayer: What is it?


Quite simply, intercessory prayer is the act of praying on behalf of others. The role of mediator in prayer was prevalent in the Old Testament, in the cases of Abraham, Moses, David, Samuel, Hezekiah, Elijah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel. Christ is pictured in the New Testament as the ultimate intercessor, and because of this, all Christian prayer becomes intercession since it is offered to God through and by Christ. Jesus closed the gap between us and God when He died on the cross. Because of Jesus’ mediation, we can now intercede in prayer on behalf of other Christians or for the lost, asking God to grant their requests according to His will. “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). “Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us” (Romans 8:34).

A wonderful model of intercessory prayer is found in Daniel 9. It has all the elements of true intercessory prayer. It is in response to the Word (v. 2); characterized by fervency (v. 3) and self-denial (v. 4); identified unselfishly with God’s people (v. 5); strengthened by confession (v. 5-15); dependent on God’s character (vv. 4, 7, 9, 15); and has as its goal God’s glory (vv. 16-19). Like Daniel, Christians are to come to God on behalf of others in a heartbroken and repentant attitude, recognizing their own unworthiness and with a sense of self-denial. Daniel does not say, “I have a right to demand this out of You, God, because I am one of your special, chosen intercessors.” He says, “I’m a sinner,” and, in effect, “I do not have a right to demand anything.” True intercessory prayer seeks not only to know God’s will and see it fulfilled, but to see it fulfilled whether or not it benefits us and regardless of what it costs us. True intercessory prayer seeks God’s glory, not our own.

The following is only a partial list of those for whom we are to offer intercessory prayers: all in authority (1 Timothy 2:2); ministers (Philippians 1:19); Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6); friends (Job 42:8); fellow countrymen (Romans 10:1); the sick (James 5:14); enemies (Jeremiah 29:7); those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44); those who forsake us (2 Timothy 4:16); and all men (1 Timothy 2:1).

There is an erroneous idea in contemporary Christianity that those who offer up intercessory prayers are a special class of “super-Christians,” called by God to a specific ministry of intercession. The Bible is clear that all Christians are called to be intercessors. All Christians have the Holy Spirit in their hearts and, just as He intercedes for us in accordance with God’s will (Romans 8:26-27), we are to intercede for one another. This is not a privilege limited to an exclusive Christian elite; this is the command to all. In fact, not to intercede for others is sin. “As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you” (1 Samuel 12:23).

Certainly Peter and Paul, when asking others to intercede for them, did not limit their request to those with a special calling to intercession. “So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him” (Acts 12:5). Notice it was the whole church that prayed for him, not just those with a gift of intercession. In Ephesians 6:16-18, Paul exhorts the Ephesian believers—all of them—on the fundamentals of the Christian life, which includes intercession “on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” Clearly, intercessory prayer is part of the Christian life for all believers.

Further, Paul sought prayer on his behalf from all the Roman believers in Romans 15:30. He also urged the Colossians to intercede for him in Colossians 4:2-3. Nowhere in any biblical request for intercession is there any indication that only a certain group of people could intercede. On the contrary, those who seek others to intercede for them can use all the help they can get! The idea that intercession is the privilege and calling of only some Christians is without biblical basis. Worse, it is a destructive idea that often leads to pride and a sense of superiority.

God calls all Christians to be intercessors. It is God’s desire that every believer be active in intercessory prayer. What a wonderful and exalted privilege we have in being able to come boldly before the throne of Almighty God with our prayers and requests!

(source: gotquestions.org)

Hello, Friends. I apologize for the days this month that I have not created content for you. It's been a busy month and there have been days that I just needed to do some back tracking in my own life. 

I pray that the month of Feb this year will calm down and allow me to share with you those things that God lays on my heart.

I do plan to keep adding content about prayer, at least for now. So, I hope these posts have been beneficial to your life.

Oh, and by the way, I am praying for those of you that have been hit by the currents winter storms of the US.  

Thanks for coming by, and may God protect you and those you love during this time.  God bless!







 

Friday, January 23, 2026

Benefits of Prostrate Prayer #4

 







Bible Hub has an article called " Why lay prostrate before God in crisis."
It gives the benefits for praying this way so please read ahead.



Why is it important to "lay prostrate" before God in times of crisis?

Key Verse for Today

“Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.’ ” (Matthew 26:39)


What Lying Prostrate Communicates in a Crisis

• Total surrender – Prostration says, “I have no backup plan; You alone are my rescue.”

• Humble confession – On the ground, pride is literally brought low (Psalm 51:17Ezra 10:1).

• Acknowledgment of God’s absolute sovereignty – We place ourselves under the King’s feet (2 Chronicles 20:18).

• Urgency and intensity – The posture matches the gravity of the plea (Hebrews 5:7).

• Identification with Christ’s own pattern – If Jesus faced His darkest hour on His face, so may we.


Snapshots of Prostration in Scripture

• Joshua 7:6 – After defeat at Ai, Joshua “fell facedown before the ark of the LORD until evening.” God exposed hidden sin and gave victory.

• Job 1:20 – Stripped of everything, Job “fell to the ground in worship,” anchoring his trust in God’s character.

• 2 Samuel 12:16 – David lay all night on the ground pleading for his sick child; though the child died, David’s heart was realigned to God’s will.

• 2 Chronicles 20:18 – Judah fell before the LORD; the next day God fought their battle.

• Revelation 7:11 – Even sinless angels “fell on their faces before the throne,” showing this posture remains fitting in heaven.


Why the Posture Matters, Not Merely the Position

• Body and spirit are linked; outward posture shapes inward attitude (Romans 12:1).

• Choosing the lowest place withstands Satan’s oldest temptation—self-exaltation (Isaiah 14:13-15).

• Physical stillness aids mental focus; distractions fade when the floor is your only view (Psalm 46:10).

• God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Prostration physically enacts humility.


Lessons Drawn from Matthew 26:39

1. Crisis invites intimacy: Jesus withdrew “a little farther” to be utterly alone with the Father.

2. Honest lament is welcome: “Let this cup pass” shows raw transparency.

3. Submission seals the prayer: “Yet not as I will” is the hinge between anguish and victory.

4. Strength follows surrender: Rising from the ground, Jesus walked resolutely to the cross (Matthew 26:46).


Putting It into Practice

• When overwhelmed, find a private place, silence the phone, and kneel or lie facedown before speaking a word.

• Begin by reciting a verse of surrender (Psalm 40:8Luke 22:42).

• Confess sin specifically—prostration pairs naturally with honest repentance (1 John 1:9).

• Present the crisis, then deliberately echo Christ’s words of submission.

• Wait in silence; listen for Scripture the Spirit brings to mind (John 14:26).

• Rise only when your heart agrees: God’s will is wiser, His grace sufficient, His timing perfect.


Encouragement for Today

Every biblical story of falling facedown ends with God lifting His people up—sometimes with deliverance, sometimes with strength to endure, always with deeper fellowship. In crises great or small, lying prostrate is a God-ordained doorway into that lift.


Why is it important to "lay prostrate" before God in times of crisis?

Key Verse for Today

“Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.’ ” (Matthew 26:39)


What Lying Prostrate Communicates in a Crisis

• Total surrender – Prostration says, “I have no backup plan; You alone are my rescue.”

• Humble confession – On the ground, pride is literally brought low (Psalm 51:17Ezra 10:1).

• Acknowledgment of God’s absolute sovereignty – We place ourselves under the King’s feet (2 Chronicles 20:18).

• Urgency and intensity – The posture matches the gravity of the plea (Hebrews 5:7).

• Identification with Christ’s own pattern – If Jesus faced His darkest hour on His face, so may we.


Snapshots of Prostration in Scripture

• Joshua 7:6 – After defeat at Ai, Joshua “fell facedown before the ark of the LORD until evening.” God exposed hidden sin and gave victory.

• Job 1:20 – Stripped of everything, Job “fell to the ground in worship,” anchoring his trust in God’s character.

• 2 Samuel 12:16 – David lay all night on the ground pleading for his sick child; though the child died, David’s heart was realigned to God’s will.

• 2 Chronicles 20:18 – Judah fell before the LORD; the next day God fought their battle.

• Revelation 7:11 – Even sinless angels “fell on their faces before the throne,” showing this posture remains fitting in heaven.


Why the Posture Matters, Not Merely the Position

• Body and spirit are linked; outward posture shapes inward attitude (Romans 12:1).

• Choosing the lowest place withstands Satan’s oldest temptation—self-exaltation (Isaiah 14:13-15).

• Physical stillness aids mental focus; distractions fade when the floor is your only view (Psalm 46:10).

• God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Prostration physically enacts humility.


Lessons Drawn from Matthew 26:39

1. Crisis invites intimacy: Jesus withdrew “a little farther” to be utterly alone with the Father.

2. Honest lament is welcome: “Let this cup pass” shows raw transparency.

3. Submission seals the prayer: “Yet not as I will” is the hinge between anguish and victory.

4. Strength follows surrender: Rising from the ground, Jesus walked resolutely to the cross (Matthew 26:46).


Putting It into Practice

• When overwhelmed, find a private place, silence the phone, and kneel or lie facedown before speaking a word.

• Begin by reciting a verse of surrender (Psalm 40:8Luke 22:42).

• Confess sin specifically—prostration pairs naturally with honest repentance (1 John 1:9).

• Present the crisis, then deliberately echo Christ’s words of submission.

• Wait in silence; listen for Scripture the Spirit brings to mind (John 14:26).

• Rise only when your heart agrees: God’s will is wiser, His grace sufficient, His timing perfect.


Encouragement for Today

Every biblical story of falling facedown ends with God lifting His people up—sometimes with deliverance, sometimes with strength to endure, always with deeper fellowship. In crises great or small, lying prostrate is a God-ordained doorway into that lift.

💘💘💘

Thanks for coming by today, Friends.

Have a wonderful and blessed day!










Wednesday, January 21, 2026

What is Prostrate Prayer? #3

 



Hello, Friends. Today I want to give us meaning to what prostrate prayer is. I am doing so by way of the Bible Hub. I hope it will help us better understand what it is and if and when we may use it in our own prayer time with God. Please read on:

Topical Encyclopedia

The term "prostrate" in the biblical context refers to the act of lying face down on the ground, often as a gesture of deep reverence, submission, worship, or supplication before God. This physical posture is a powerful expression of humility and acknowledgment of God's majesty and authority. Throughout the Scriptures, various individuals and groups are described as prostrating themselves in moments of divine encounter, prayer, or repentance.

Old Testament Instances

In the Old Testament, prostration is frequently associated with worship and the acknowledgment of God's holiness. One of the earliest instances is found in Genesis 17:3, where Abram falls facedown as God speaks to him: "Then Abram fell facedown, and God said to him." This act signifies Abram's reverence and submission to God's covenant.

Another significant example is found in Joshua 5:14, where Joshua encounters the commander of the LORD's army: "Neither," he replied, "but as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come." Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence and asked him, "What message does my Lord have for his servant?" Joshua's prostration indicates his recognition of divine authority and his readiness to receive God's instructions.

The act of prostration is also evident in the worship practices of Israel. In 2 Chronicles 7:3, after the dedication of Solomon's temple, the Israelites respond to God's glory by bowing down: "When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the LORD above the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the LORD, saying, 'He is good; his love endures forever.'"

New Testament Instances

In the New Testament, prostration continues to be a significant expression of worship and submission. In Matthew 2:11, the Magi demonstrate their reverence for the newborn King by prostrating themselves: "On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh."

The Gospels also record instances where individuals prostrate themselves before Jesus in acts of faith and supplication. In Matthew 8:2, a leper approaches Jesus with a plea for healing: "Suddenly a leper came and knelt before Him, saying, 'Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.'" The leper's posture reflects his desperation and belief in Jesus' power to heal.

In the book of Revelation, prostration is depicted as a heavenly act of worship. Revelation 7:11 describes the angels, elders, and living creatures worshiping God: "And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell facedown before the throne and worshiped God."

Theological Significance

Prostration in the Bible is more than a mere physical act; it is a profound expression of the heart's attitude toward God. It signifies total surrender, humility, and recognition of God's sovereignty. By prostrating themselves, believers demonstrate their acknowledgment of God's greatness and their own dependence on His grace and mercy.

Throughout Scripture, the act of prostration serves as a reminder of the appropriate posture of the human heart before the Creator. It calls believers to approach God with reverence, humility, and a willingness to submit to His will, reflecting the ultimate example of Jesus Christ, who humbled Himself in obedience to the Father.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

1. (a.) Lying at length, or with the body extended on the ground or other surface; stretched out; as, to sleep prostrate.

2. (a.) Lying at mercy, as a supplicant.

3. (a.) Lying in a humble, lowly, or suppliant posture.

4. (a.) Trailing on the ground; procumbent.

5. (v. t.) To lay fiat; to throw down; to level; to fell; as, to prostrate the body; to prostrate trees or plants.

6. (v. t.) to overthrow; to demolish; to destroy; to deprive of efficiency; to ruin; as, to prostrate a village; to prostrate a government; to prostrate law or justice.

7. (v. t.) To throw down, or cause to fall in humility or adoration; to cause to bow in humble reverence; used reflexively; as, he prostrated himself.

8. (v. t.) To cause to sink totally; to deprive of strength; to reduce; as, a person prostrated by fever.


Concordance

Prostrate (25 Occurrences)

Numbers 24:4
he says, who hears the words of God, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down, and having his eyes open:
(See NIV)

Numbers 24:16
he says, who hears the words of God, knows the knowledge of the Most High, and who sees the vision of the Almighty, Falling down, and having his eyes open:
(See NIV)

Deuteronomy 9:18
And I fell down before the LORD, as at the first, forty days and forty nights; I did neither eat bread nor drink water; because of all your sin which ye sinned, in doing that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke Him.
(See RSV NIV)

Deuteronomy 9:25
So I fell down before Yahweh the forty days and forty nights that I fell down, because Yahweh had said he would destroy you.
(See RSV NIV)

2 Samuel 15:5
And it was so, that, when any man came nigh to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took hold of him, and kissed him.
(See JPS NAS)

2 Samuel 16:4
Then said the king to Ziba, Behold, thine is all that pertaineth unto Mephibosheth. And Ziba said, I do obeisance; let me find favor in thy sight, my lord, O king.
(See JPS NAS)

2 Samuel 19:18
A ferry boat went to bring over the king's household, and to do what he thought good. Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king, when he was come over the Jordan.
(See NIV)

1 Kings 18:39
When all the people saw it, they fell on their faces. They said, "Yahweh, he is God! Yahweh, he is God!"
(See NIV)

2 Kings 5:18
In this thing Jehovah pardon thy servant: when my master goeth into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leaneth on my hand, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, when I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, Jehovah pardon thy servant in this thing.
(See JPS)

1 Chronicles 29:20
David said to all the assembly, Now bless Yahweh your God. All the assembly blessed Yahweh, the God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads and prostrated themselves before Yahweh and the king.
(Root in WEB JPS NIV)

Job 14:10
But a man dieth, and is prostrate; yea, man expireth, and where is he?
(DBY NAS)

Psalms 36:12
There the workers of iniquity are fallen. They are thrust down, and shall not be able to rise.
(See RSV)

Psalms 38:6
I am pained and bowed down greatly. I go mourning all day long.
(See RSV)

Psalms 72:11
Yea, all kings shall fall down before him; All nations shall serve him.
(See JPS)

Psalms 86:9
All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; And they shall glorify thy name.
(See JPS)

Psalms 88:5
Prostrate among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave; whom thou rememberest no more, and who are cut off from thy hand.
(DBY)

Psalms 99:5
Exalt ye Jehovah our God, And worship at his footstool: Holy is he.
(See JPS)

Isaiah 14:12
How art thou fallen from heaven, Lucifer, son of the morning! Thou art cut down to the ground, that didst prostrate the nations!
(DBY)

Isaiah 15:3
In their streets they gird themselves with sackcloth; on their housetops, and in their broad places, every one howleth, weeping profusely.
(See NIV)

Isaiah 29:4
And you will be made low, and your voice will come out of the earth, and your words will be low out of the dust; and your voice will come out of the earth like that of a spirit, making bird-like noises out of the dust.
(See NAS)

Isaiah 49:7
Thus saith Jehovah, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers: Kings shall see and arise; princes, and they shall worship; because of Jehovah that is faithful, even the Holy One of Israel, who hath chosen thee.
(See JPS RSV)

Isaiah 51:23
But I will put it into the hand of them that afflict thee; who have said to thy soul, Prostrate thyself, that we may go over: and thou hast laid thy body as the ground, and as the street, to them that went over.
(WBS NIV)

Jeremiah 46:15
Why are your strong ones swept away? they didn't stand, because Yahweh did drive them.
(See NAS)

Daniel 2:46
Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face, and worshiped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an offering and sweet odors to him.
(See NIV)

Daniel 8:17
So he came near where I stood; and when he came, I was frightened, and fell on my face: but he said to me, Understand, son of man; for the vision belongs to the time of the end.
(See NIV)

(source: Bible Hub)

💕💕💕


There is a lot here to take in on this subject. In tomorrow's post, I will try to answer why we should pray prostrate at different times in our lives.

Thanks for coming by today, Friends. Please always keep in mind that as I do these posts, I am learning right along with you on many of the topic I post.

Have a blessed day! God be with you and yours!












No post today. Will be back tomorrow