Have you been praying the wrong way this whole time?
In a powerful video, Lisa and Christian Bevere look at the topic of prayer and the missing piece that many Christians have not yet included in their time of intercession: boldness.
Prayer isn’t reserved for the spiritually elite—it’s the right and privilege of every believer. Through the blood of Jesus, we have been granted access to the very throne room of God. Unlike worldly leaders who may limit access or require appointments, God invites us to come boldly at any time. It’s not about the eloquence of our words but the position of our hearts. Whether in weakness or strength, joy or sorrow, we can approach Him confidently, knowing we are heard and loved.
Breaking News. Spirit-Filled Stories. Subscribe to Charisma on YouTube now!
Understanding the Types of Prayer
Prayer is multi-faceted, and recognizing the different types helps us engage with God more fully.
Intercessory prayer allows us to stand in the gap for others, partnering with heaven for breakthrough in their lives. Petition brings our needs before the Father, who delights in caring for His children.
Consecration prayer invites us to surrender, saying, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”
Protection prayers are vital in today’s world, asking for God’s covering over our lives.
Meditative and contemplative prayers draw us into stillness, where His voice becomes clearer.
Adoration and thanksgiving shift our focus from problems to the greatness of God.
Confession clears the way for intimacy, and supplication teaches us humility as we ask with reverence and trust.
God Still Speaks
Not only should we know what kinds of prayers can be offered up to God, but we should confidently recognize that God is not silent.
He speaks through His Word, through creation through moments of worship, and through the quiet whisper in our spirit. But to hear Him, we must be willing to slow down and listen. Too often, we approach prayer with pre-formed outcomes, telling God how to fix our problems. But faith calls us to trust that His plans exceed our own, even when they unfold differently than expected. When we stay in the Word and cultivate an ear to hear, we become more attuned to His voice and more confident in His direction.
Confidence Through Relationship
Confidence in prayer grows out of relationship. As we remain in Christ, aligning our hearts with His truth, we find freedom to ask boldly. We don’t need to shrink back in fear or uncertainty. Even when the answer is “no” or “not yet,” we can rest in knowing that God’s ways are higher and His love is constant.
Every response from God is filtered through His wisdom and goodness. When we trust His heart, we can pray with boldness, believing He hears and answers according to His perfect will.
Surrendering Our Desires
Desires are not bad in themselves—many are placed in our hearts by God. But it’s crucial to hold them loosely. When we cling too tightly, we risk turning those desires into idols. Surrender is not giving up; it’s giving over. It means saying, “Lord, this is what I want—but I trust You to give what’s best.”
Sometimes, what we release in prayer, God returns in a better form than we imagined. Other times, He redirects us entirely. Either way, surrendered prayer draws us closer to His heart and deepens our trust.
Prayer and Discernment
True spiritual growth involves both Word and Spirit. Prayer isn’t just about speaking—it’s about discerning. As we grow in our relationship with God, our prayers become more aligned with His will. We stop praying from a place of anxiety or fleshly desire, and instead, we pray from a place of faith and understanding. Discernment sharpens through time in Scripture, sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, and a willingness to be corrected.
When prayer becomes our lifestyle—not just a discipline—we walk in greater wisdom, clarity and peace.
Join Charisma Magazine Online to follow everything the Holy Spirit is doing around the world!
Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
