Types of Prayer

A set of vocabulary flashcards defining the four types of prayer and related concepts based on Mr. Colle's lecture notes.

Blessing and Adoration

In this prayer we express praise and honor to God for giving us life, for the wonder and beauty of our world, and for all the wonders of creation.

Thanksgiving

This form of prayer helps us to recognize and appreciate all the good things God gives to us, including spiritual and temporal blessings like our families, friends, food, and shelter.

Petition

Often the most familiar form of prayer, it involves asking God for something we believe is good for ourselves or others and bringing Him our problems and worries.

Intercession

This form of prayer is prayer on behalf of others and can be a source of blessing upon others, the Church, and our world.

Our Lady and the saints

The Church encourages us to pray to these figures for their intercession before God to bring us strength, courage, and peace of mind and heart.

Temporal blessings

Physical or worldly gifts from God, such as food, clothing, and shelter, which are recognized in prayers of thanksgiving.

Bodily expression

Physical actions such as standing with arms raised or dancing that are sometimes encouraged during Blessing and Adoration prayer.