5 Creative Ways to Pray: Unique Prayer Methods

  
Do you ever get bored praying? Do you ever get distracted? Or struggle to know what to say?  

Come on now. Be honest.  

Because I know I sure do. And sometimes it really frustrates me.  

I want to be great at prayer. I want to connect with God. To spend time with Him. To talk with Him and listen to Him. I want to be like those awesome prayer warriors I know who begin to pray and you can almost feel Heaven move in response.  

Because when you live with a chronic illness as I do, prayer is like a lifeline to the divine. It’s a way I can connect with the One who gives me hope and peace even in my suffering. And quite frankly, some days it is the only thing I have the strength to do.

So, I’ve been striving to get better at it. And in my journey of learning how to pray, I’ve discovered there isn’t really a right way to pray.

In fact, there are many different prayer methods to help us with things to say and to help us stay focused as we pray. Because the truth is God is pleased no matter which prayer method we use.  

Is there a best way or method to pray?

There are many different types of prayer and ways of praying to God. But keep in mind there isn’t one which is better than another.  

Just like there are many different personalities, not all methods of prayer are the same.  

Some people prefer to create prayer closets. While others prefer to take a walk in nature. Some prefer to pray out loud. While others prefer to journal their prayers.  

The truth is the best prayer method to use is the one that works best for you. The one that helps you quiet your mind.

And focus on Christ.  

Methods of Prayer in the Bible

There are many prayers recorded in the Bible and many scriptures that talk about prayer. We can learn a lot by studying them.  

The following 7 examples are just a few of the many types of prayer we find in the Bible.  

1) Adoration Prayers.

“Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his majesty is above earth and heaven.”

-Psalm 148:13 ESV

2) Blessing Prayers.

“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”

-Philippians 1:9-11 ESV

3) Confession Prayers.

“I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,’ and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.”

-Psalm 32:5 ESV

“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!”

-Psalm 139:23-24 ESV

4) Healing Prayers.

“Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise.”

-Jeremiah 17:14 ESV

5) Interceding Prayers.

“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.”

-Colossians 1:9 ESV

6) Meditation Prayers.

“My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.”  

-Psalm 63:5-7 ESV

7) Thankful Prayers.

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!”

-1 Chronicles 16:34 ESV

What are the methods of prayer? 5 Creative Ways to Pray

I love that I serve a God who doesn’t expect me to pray the same way every day. He is a very, creative God.

(Just look at all the amazing, different creatures He created.)  

As humans, created in His image, we are called to be creative, too. And many people have done just that with prayer. They have used their creativity to come up with fun, unique and different ways to pray.  

I’ve listed my 5 favorite methods of prayer below.

• 1) ACTS or CATS Prayer Method
• 2) The Prayer Walk Method
• 3) JOY Prayer Method
• 4) Use Your Hand Prayer Method
• 5) Praying Scripture Prayer Method

Try them out and use the ones that work best for you. Or switch it up and use a different prayer method every day.

(If you are like me and get bored of doing the same, old thing!) 

1) ACTS or CATS Prayer Method

The ACTS prayer method has been around for years and consists of:  

• Adoration: Praising God for who He is.  
• Confession: Repenting of sins.  
• Thanksgiving: Showing gratitude for all the blessings God has given you.  
• Supplication: Lifting up prayer requests for others and yourself to God.   

The CATS prayer method was introduced to me many years ago by a pastor. It simply switches two parts of the ACTS method so that Confession comes first.  

Because when we realize the gravity of our sin, we can’t help but worship God in adoration of who He is and all He has done for us.   

2) The Prayer Walk Method

A great way to be inspired in prayer is to get outside in nature. Or go on a walk around your neighborhood and pray for each house as you pass by. (If walking doesn’t come easily for you, try just sitting outside and praying.)

There is just something about being in God’s creation that inspires us to open our mouths in praise.

3) JOY Prayer Method

This prayer method takes the word “JOY” and turns it into an acronym for remembering three important things while you pray.

1. Jesus. Confess your sins to Him, accept His forgiveness, and thank Him for everything He has done for you.    
2. Others. Lift up anyone on your prayer request list and pray for their needs. Pray for the salvation of the prodigals you know. Intercede for them and pray that God would draw them near to Him.   
3. Yourself. Finally, pray for your own needs. Pray for your heart to grow closer to God. And that He would help you to bring glory to God in everything you do today.   

4) Use Your Hand Prayer Method

This is a fun way to pray. Especially with children. You simply use every finger on your hand to remind you to pray for a different group of people.   

1. The thumb: Since it is the closest digit to us it can help us remember to pray for our friends and family. The people we know more closely and intimately. And ask God to show you how to love and serve them well.   
2. The Pointer Finger: This finger reminds us to pray for those pointing others to Christ. For missionaries, evangelists, martyrs, and their families. And pray for your own efforts to spread the gospel and ask God to bring opportunities your way so you can point others to Jesus.    
3. The Middle Finger: This is the tallest finger so it reminds us to pray for those in authority. Such as leaders, teachers, coaches, principals, governors, representatives, pastors, etc. And pray for wisdom to lead others well with your example. Because we all have chances every day to influence those around us.    
4. The Ring Finger: This is the weakest finger which reminds us to pray for those who are hurt and suffering. Those who have no voice of their own. The poor and needy. The widow and the orphans. And then pray for the areas where you feel weak. Let them remind you to lean on the strength of Jesus today. 
5. The Pinky Finger: This is the last finger on our hand so this is a reminder to pray for ourselves and the things we need.  

5) Praying Scripture Prayer Method

To pray Scripture, you simply find a passage of God’s Word and use it to form a personalized prayer to God.

The only precaution is to keep in mind the background and deeper meaning of the passage you are reading. You don’t want to pull scripture out of context. So, keep in mind who it was written to. Why it was written. And what the original author meant by writing it.  

But then have fun with it.

Praying scripture can be a great way to go deeper with your prayers. 

Because the Bible is God’s written words to us. And it delights Him to hear us pray His Words back to Him.  

What should be the content of a prayer?

While there is no perfect formula for prayer. The content of our prayers should at least consist of confessing our sin, praying for others, praising God, and thanking Him for all He has done.

We should spend time speaking to God. And then spend time listening to Him.  

But after that, God gives us a lot of freedom to pray in different ways. And He enjoys seeing us use the creativity He gave us in our prayer life. Because as long as our heart’s desire is to spend time in His presence . . . God is pleased.

So, whether you are new to prayer and aren’t sure how to pray OR you are a prayer warrior who has been praying for years, trying out new prayer methods can do wonders to enrich your prayer life. Grow your faith.

And help you connect with God in new ways.

If you found this encouraging, then please share!

You may also enjoy these:

• How to Become a Mighty Prayer Warrior: 10 Simple Ways
• Teach Me How to Pray, Lord
• How to Pray for Healing