Pray in the Spirit on all occasions
with all kinds of prayers and requests.
—Ephesians 6:18
Big picture prayer includes three things: prayer, petition, and thanksgiving. “In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Phil. 4:6).
Prayer is approaching God with reverence, devotion, and praise—recognition of his omniscience and omnipotence; affirmation that he is all-knowing and all-powerful.
Petition is approaching God with your needs. Some translations call it supplication. It is intense appeal—nothing halfhearted here. As J.B. Phillips translated it: “When you pray, tell God every detail of your needs.”
Thanksgiving is approaching God with thanks for what he has done, is doing, and will do.
Getting on your knees will keep you on your feet.