Prayers typical hone in on a particular topic, but they can bounce between many. As you may find here on this platform---these prayers written by students and staff are categorized by what they focus on. Whether it is a prayer of surrender, confession, guidance, or praise---God hears them all just the same. Below, you may find a description of different "prayer focuses." We pray that readings these may help you grow in understanding of prayer as you commune with the LORD in conversation.
Praise: A prayer that focuses on who God is, often mention attributes of Him (holy, good, loving, kind, etc). These prayers are similar to prayers of thanksgiving, but focus more on who God is rather than what He does. Ex. "You are holy and loving, divine and intimate."
Thanksgiving: A prayer that focuses on expressing gratitude to God for everyday and extraordinary blessing. Ex. "Thank you Father for the blessings you have given me."
Surrender: A prayer of giving something up, a prayer of submission. Whether it is someone offering up control or a situation, these are prayers of giving something up to God. Ex. "I no longer want this anymore, I give it to you."
Guidance: A prayer seeking direction, whether in life or a specific situation or season. Ex. "Is this in your will? I need your help."
Seeking: A prayer that is asking for something particular from God, or is seeking the face of the LORD in general---meaning looking for Him in a situation, desiring to feel His presence, etc. Ex. "Lord, are you here? Can you tell me what to do?"
Strength: A prayer asking for strength, whether in a situation or in daily life. These often come from a place of hurt, weariness, or confusion. Ex. "I need strength to get through this semester, I cannot do it on my own."
Spiritual Warfare: A prayer that can be offensive or defensive, meaning they could be prayed as protection from or during an attack of the enemy. Praying for spiritual warfare is asking God for protection from the enemy and from temptations. Ex. "Father, I can feel the enemy's attacks. Please protect me and move in power."
Campus: A prayer that is being prayed on behalf of our campus. These may be directed towards students, staff/faculty, or the campus as a whole. In these campus oriented prayers, themes of praise, thanksgiving, protection (spiritual warfare), and guidance are all included and more. Ex. "Lord, please protect our campus from weariness as we approach final exams."
Words from God: A prayer that is as if God is the one speaking to His people. These have been written in the light of the truth God reveal in Scripture. Words are not "placed in God's mouth", but rather are communicated to encourage others and express the heart of God to them in the midst of their situations. Ex. "My child, I have not forgotten you."
Encouragement: While these are often phrased more as statements than prayers, they are to give biblical or God-oriented support and console through kind words, Bible passages, or positive statements. These may present as "reminders" or a brief elaboration on a truth shown in a Scripture passage. Ex. "You are made intentionally with a purpose."
Proclamation: A prayer that is a commitment or statement, one that declares a truth of God or a promise/declaration being made. Ex. "I will not let the enemy take foothold in my life. God is stronger."
Confession/Forgiveness: A prayer where one admits a sin or action to God that they feel convicted about. In admitting this sin and bringing it to God, they are asking for forgiveness. God, out of His love, is gracious to forgive all those who ask. Ex. "Father, please forgive me when I turn to others without turning also to you in times of need."
Love/Adoration: A prayer that expresses love to the Lord, through praise and through simply declaring "I love you God". Ex. "Father, I love you and desire to be more like you."
(also add scripture referenced to each description)
