Have you ever prayed for or about something and wondered why your prayer wasn’t answered? Well, perhaps you haven’t been praying correctly. Did you know Prayer is actually an ancient technology described in the Bible? And as with all forms of technology, it must be used properly in order to be effective.

So what is the correct way to pray?  And where can we find its instructions? 

First, let’s look at how we tend to pray. From my experience, there are 4 basic types of prayer, but most of us have only been taught to perform 2 of the 4.

1. Prayers of Supplication or asking for what you need or desire.
2. Prayers of Thanksgiving for whatever we have asked once we have received it.
3. Prayers of Consecration during which we prepare ourselves by visualizing our good, giving thanks, and go on living as if it is already done.
4. Prayers of Contemplation employ the intuitive faculties through meditative listening for Divine guidance.

In my work with clients, I employ prayers of Consecration by speaking the word for their success during their sessions. Whether it be healing, finances, relationships or career goals; I also guide them through prayers of the third kind, to clearly visualize their good, and rehearse it repeatedly into the subconscious mind. These guided prayers are a co-creative technology designed to reprogram the subconscious by impressing the belief in the fulfillment of the desired outcome, as opposed to demonstrating a belief in lack by begging and beseeching a fickle, humanlike deity who is reluctant to supply our needs and desires. 

We are taught in the Scriptures that “It is our father’s pleasure to give us the kingdom”(Luke 8:10), and to pray believing we already have it and we will have it (Mark 11:24).

Imagine you’re a loving parent watching two of your children open the wonderful array of gifts they’ve asked you for. The first child looks around apathetically and shrugs at all the presents from his list. He then kneels at your feet crying and begging you for gifts. Meanwhile, the other child is joyfully playing without a care in the world. Then, she looks up, smiles runs over with a big hug, and thanks you, for all the gifts. Which child is more likely to receive more of his or her requests? 

So Prayer is all about changing us; not God. For the sake of clarity, It boils down to the depth of our acceptance of our good,  not at all about whether God is willing to give us what we want and need. The realization of our desired outcome is dependent upon our readiness for it. Prayer of the third kind, consecration, prepares us to receive the things we truly desire. So in other words, gratefully, speaking, living, breathing and interacting with life as if you already have it, without a doubt is the key to answered prayer not by how long you can beg and grovel on your knees. 

So go ahead, give prayer of the third kind a try! If you’re having trouble deciding what to pray for, begin wit prayers of the fourth kind; Contemplative meditation to listen, before asking. But, if you already know,

speak the word by naming it, giving heartfelt thanks for it, and acting as if it’s already done; in full acceptance of what has already been given to you.