Prayer is a form of communication with God that provides several benefits. It helps strengthen one's spiritual connection, brings peace and happiness, and reduces stress and depression. There are different types of prayers, including intercessory prayer for others, prayers of supplication which make requests, and prayers of thanksgiving to express gratitude. Maintaining a practice of daily prayer is important for spiritual growth and getting through life's challenges.

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Unit 5 Assignment
Jeana E. Crosby
Kaplan University
HW499

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PRAYER
SYLLABUS
1. THE PURPOSE OF PRAYER
The need for prayer daily
The reasons to pray
2. THE BENEFITS OF PRAYER
The psychological benefits of prayer
The physical benefits of prayer
3. THE TYPES OF PRAYERS
The 6 different prayers

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HANDOUTS
Prayer is communication with the Higher Being /God. This communication is
essential in maintaining a strong spiritual connection and spiritual growth. Humans often
encounter many challenges in life which can lead to negative feelings such as
unhappiness, depression, self-doubt, loneliness, fear, and many others. Having an
omnipresent Higher Being readily available is truly a blessing. This Higher Being never
judges, He is compassionate, kind, loving, caring, empathetic, understanding, and always
forgiving. As spiritual beings, we are to have a respectful fear of God. This respect is
because God is Almighty and worthy of so much love, respect, and honor.
The Word of God instructs spiritual Beings to have a personal relationship with the
Father (Omartian, 2004). Prayer is the way to strengthen one’s personal relationship with
God, the Father. Through prayer one experiences love, peace, and happiness which is
sometimes beyond the understanding of the human mind.

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The Purpose of Prayer
Communion
Prayer is a form of communication with God. When praying, requests are made to
God in hopes of an answer. We seek wisdom, knowledge, and help from above. This
help that comes from God is what humans seek and desire on a daily basis. Prayer is an
effort to have a closer relationship with God and to acknowledge Him daily with requests
for strength and courage daily. Communicating with this Higher Being/God is essential
for spiritual growth and maintaining a spiritual connection.
Comfort
Prayer is a form of comfort. There is comfort in knowing that there is a Higher Being
who knows all, sees all, and truly cares for every human being that he created. There is
no limit to the love that He gives and his love is everlasting. God’s love is unconditional
and provides help in any situation or circumstance.
Peace
Prayer builds faith and confidence in the Higher Being/God which allows peace to
enter our lives. Through prayer we learn to open our hearts and minds and this
strengthens our Spirits. Prayer gives us the opportunity to give God the recognition and
honor that he deserves. Taking the time to pray daily lets God know that we love Him
and respect Him and honestly seek His guidance daily.

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THE BENEFITS OF PRAYER
1. Physiological benefits: stress reduction, lowers blood pressure, decreases depression.
2. Emotional benefits: brings internal peace and happiness, creates relaxation, increases
one’s focus, and alleviates fears.
3. Spiritual Connection: having a connection with God, receiving daily instructions and
guidance, allows God the opportunity to minister in one’s life.
4. Internal Cleansing: allows the mind, heart, and the soul to be cleansed of doubt and
fear.

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THE TYPE OF PRAYERS
1. Intercessory Prayer: praying for someone else, making requests to God for the needs
of others.
2. Prayer of Supplication: Submitting a request to God.
3. Prayer of Faith: praying for God’s will in one’s life.
4. Prayer of Agreement: when 2 or more people agree about something specific being
done and pray and seek an answer from God together.
5. Prayer of Dedication or Consecration: submission to God’s will in one’s life.
6. Prayer of Thanksgiving: giving thanks and showing gratitude to God for all the many
blessings received.

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Intercessory Prayer
An intercessory prayer is a request to God on the behalf of someone else. It is simply asking
God to do something for another or make something happen to make a change in someone’s life.
This type of prayer is submitted to God in hopes of creating a needed change which is beneficial
and supplies the needs of others. We are to love and care for one another and submitting prayers
for others is a way of displaying love for our fellow human beings and the world.
Prayer of Supplication
A prayer of supplication is a request made to God for something. God is all powerful and if a
prayer is within His will it shall be fulfilled in His time. Once these prayers are submitted to
God we are to wait patiently for an answer.
Prayer of Faith
A prayer of faith is one which is based on the belief that what is requested will be granted if it
is according to the will of God. Trusting in God to do what is best and having Faith in Him is
essential with this form of prayer. Faith removes all doubt and puts all hope in God. Faith is
confidently knowing that God will do what He said He will do.

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Prayer of Agreement
A prayer of agreement occurs when at least 2 individuals come together and agree about
something specific being done based on the Word of God. The individuals who agree make their
requests to God together to resolve problems, gain guidance and knowledge, and more.
Prayer of Dedication and Consecration
The prayer of dedication and consecration is a way of being humble before God while
awaiting the will of God. This prayer really displays the honor and love that God deserves when
communicating with Him through prayer. This prayer is a form of submission to God.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
The prayer of thanksgiving is a display of gratitude towards God for the many blessings that
have been received. Being thankful is a way of showing God that we recognize what he
continues to do for His people and His world daily. This prayer of thanksgiving lets God know
that we are appreciative and genuinely love Him for all that He is and all that He has done and
continues to do.

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SUMMARY
Prayer is a form of communication with God which helps anyone get through the good times
and the bad times. It is an honor to be able to communicate with the Father of the World. As
humans, we need to recognize the importance of having a spiritual connection to God. As
humans, we often take the simple things in life for granted. The love of God is one thing that
should never be taken for granted. There are daily issues which overwhelm everyone in this
world and having a Higher Being to talk to, love, and trust makes this daily journey easier. God
is everywhere and he knows everything. Our struggles are His struggles. Our problems are His
problems. Our blessings are His blessings. This loving and forgiving God is readily available
when we need Him. Through prayer we can talk to him anytime and anywhere and this is truly a
blessing.

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REFERENCES
Munroe, M. (2002). Understanding the Purpose and Power of Prayer: Earthly License for
Heavenly Interference. New Kensington, PA: Whitaker House
Omartian, S. (2004). The Power of Praying. Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers