Expert: Dr. Jay Forrest - 2/15/2006

Question
Hello Jay!

You wrote last time that there are different levels of prayer (verbal, mental,spirit, contemplative) I think i'm practicing mental prayer. Could you tell me something more about spirit prayer and contemplative prayer. How to practice them?
thanks

Answer
Hi Luke,

Prayer is a subject that could fill many books. Briefly verbal prayer is prayer that is said out loud. Mental prayer is prayer that is said in the mind. Contemplative prayer is the prayer of quiet - it is sitting in the presence of God. There are many good books on the subject.

Spirit prayer is prayer that is inspired by the Holy Spirit. Charismatics would include speaking in tongues in this category (1 Corinthans 12). But any prayer, when the words come from the Holy Spirit, would be spirit prayer (Jude 20).

Richard Foster has written an excellent book on prayer. It would be worth getting his book. It is both deep and comprehensive. Below is a link to Amazon.com:

Prayer: Finding the Heart's True Home by Richard J. Foster
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0060628464/qid=1140064136/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2...

Thanks again for your question.

Your servant in Christ,
Jay N. Forrest