Prayer as a response to God

The direction of prayer is upwards towards God

Psalm 123:1–2 NASB95

To You I lift up my eyes, O You who are enthroned in the heavens! Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, As the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, So our eyes look to the Lord our God, Until He is gracious to us.

See also Ps 25:1; Ps 86:4; Ps 121:1–2; Ps 143:8; Ps 145:15

Fellowship with God through prayer

Psalm 73:23–26 NASB95

Nevertheless I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand. With Your counsel You will guide me, And afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

See also Ex 33:11; 1 Ki 8:57–59; Ps 16:2; Ps 145:17–20; Mt 18:20

The habit of prayer

Luke 5:16 NASB95

But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.

See also Ne 2:4 Nehemiah felt so close to God that it was automatic for him to speak to God and the king almost simultaneously; Da 6:10–11; Da 6:13

Contemplative prayer as a response to God’s presence

Psalm 27:4 NASB95

One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord And to meditate in His temple.

See also 1 Ch 16:10–11; Ps 27:8; Is 55:6; Je 29:13; Ac 17:27–28; Heb 11:6

Prayer of acceptance in response to God’s call

1 Samuel 3:10 NASB95

Then the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.”

See also Is 6:8; Re 3:20

Prayer of confession

In response to God’s holiness

1 John 1:5–9 NASB95

This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

See also Is 6:3–7; Is 55:7–9

In response to sin being exposed

Psalm 51:1–2 NASB95

Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; According to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity And cleanse me from my sin.

See also Ps 51:3–12

Prayer of co-operation in response to God’s purposes

John 15:7–8 NASB95

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.

See also Ps 119:105–106; Lk 1:38; Jn 15:16

Prayer of confidence in response to God’s mercy and grace

Hebrews 4:16 NASB95

Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

See also Ne 1:4–7; Ps 123:1–2; Jas 1:5–8