Prayer generally covers the following grounds. It is important that in your prayer life that you maintain a good balance of these aspects of prayer. We should avoid the common tendency of selfish prayer where you only ask for what you need and go.
Confession and self examination
"…Forgive us our debts as we forgive others…" Math. 6:12
Self-examination is simply taking the time to examine our own lives in light of the Word of God. It allows us to see ourselves as God sees us.
" If we judged ourselves, we wouldn't come under judgement " 1 Cor. 11:31
You are the only person God allows you to judge. Judging others is God's job not yours.
" It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore, judge nothing before the appointed time" 1 Cor. 4:4-5
By judging yourself you will be able to see your strength, weaknesses and sins. Knowing your weakness is a strength. Not knowing your strength is a weakness.
Confession is a way of taking responsibilty for our sins and asking for God’s forgiveness. God’s forgiveness is there for us all the time as long as we don’t take it as a license to sin. Confession allows us to clear away the things that stand in the way of our relationship with God, things that displease Him.
"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (I Jn 1:8,9)
"He who conceals his sins does not prosper. But whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy"` Prov. 28:13
Adoration
"Our father in heaven, Hallowed be your name" Math 6:9
As we spend time in adoration, we praise God for who He is - our Creator, our Sustainer and our Redeemer. You do not need any more reason to worship God. Worship should be central to your relationship with God. It should always be present in all circumstances because God is worshipped for who He is regardless of our circumstances.
Thanksgiving
" ..by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" Phil 4:6
The same way we teach our children to say thank you for everything, our Father in heaven teaches us to thank Him for everything. We need to be constantly thanking God for his blessings. Thankfulness is a matter of attitude. It does not matter how many problems you may have in your life, if you really think about it, there is always more things to be thankful about than things to complain about unless you prefer to take things for granted. We should thank God even for things we have worked for and earned.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” James 1:17
Supplication
"…Give us today our daily bread…" Math. 6:11
Supplication is presenting your requests to God. Pray about all your needs. We can talk to God about our physical needs, emotional needs, relationships, school, exams, work, anything and everything that concerns us. Cast all your burdens upon Him.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” Philippians 4:6
Of course it is also important to pray about our spiritual needs. Ultimately, it is your spiritual life that matters most. Seeking God and His righteousness should have precedence over anything in your life.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Math. 6:32-34
Intercession
"…Your will be done on earth…" Math. 6:16
Intercession is praying for others. You need to pray for friends, family, coworkers, the church, leaders, world issues, for peace etc. It is also good to pray for those who don't know Jesus to come to faith - many Christians have come to believe in Christ through the prayers of others. In this role you should see yourself as God’s reporter. Report to God when you feel that people need His hand.
“Pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” James 5:16