Three Types of Prayer from the Bible: The Prayer for the Spirit's Outpouring vs. The Prayer that Shakes the Environment vs. The Prayer in a Trance
Acts 2:1-4: "When the day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."
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Prayer Type |
Prayer for the Spirit's Outpouring |
Prayer that Shakes the Environment |
Prayer in a Trance |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Meaning |
Praying oneself into God and God into oneself, like breathing, causing God's Spirit to be poured out upon the person |
Changing the external environment through prayer of faith, breaking through obstacles to open the way for the gospel and ministry |
Coming out of oneself, transcending the limitations of the flesh and the self, entering into a spiritual realm of direct communion with God |
|
Effects |
1. Brings the outpouring of the Holy Spirit 2. Makes one become one with God 3. Fills one with God's Spirit 4. Brings utmost revival and refreshing |
1. Shakes the external environment 2. Changes hindering circumstances 3. Fills one with the economical Spirit 4. Enables one to speak God's word with boldness |
1. Brings one out of the prison of self 2. Enables one to receive God's vision and revelation 3. Facilitates intimate conversation with God 4. Enables one to receive God's commission and sending |
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Distinctions |
Focuses on the internal filling and outpouring of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the indwelling and power of the Spirit |
Focuses on changing external environments and overcoming them, emphasizing manifestation of faith and power |
Focuses on opening and expanding spiritual vision, emphasizing direct communion with God and revelation |
|
Examples |
Acts 1:14-2:4: Disciples praying with one accord for ten days, the Spirit's outpouring at Pentecost, being filled with the Holy Spirit, speaking in other tongues |
Acts 4:24-31: Facing persecution, disciples prayed with one accord, the place was shaken, they were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke God's word with boldness |
Acts 10:9-16: Peter praying on the housetop, fell into a trance, saw heaven opened and received a vision to accept the Gentiles Acts 22:17: Paul praying in the temple, fell into a trance, received a commission |
|
Applications |
1. During morning revival and pray-reading 2. When seeking spiritual renewal and revival 3. When needing to be filled with the Holy Spirit 4. During corporate prayer with one accord |
1. When facing external environmental hindrances 2. When encountering obstacles in gospel and ministry 3. When engaging in spiritual warfare 4. When needing divine power for breakthrough |
1. When seeking God's will and vision 2. When needing deeper spiritual revelation 3. When needing to break through limitations of self 4. When needing more intimate communion with God |
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Interrelationship |
These three types of prayer complement each other, all serving different aspects of the organic building up of the Body of Christ: 1. Prayer for the Spirit's outpouring provides inner life and power 2. Prayer that shakes the environment resolves external hindrances 3. Prayer in a trance brings divine vision and guidance A complete prayer life should include the experience of all three types of prayer |
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Relevant Scripture Passages |
Acts 1:14: "These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers." Acts 2:16-17a: "But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 'And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh.'" |
Acts 4:24-31: "So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: 'Lord, You are God... and now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.' And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness." |
Acts 10:9-16: "...Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour. Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet...And a voice came to him, 'Rise, Peter; kill and eat.'...This was done three times..." Acts 22:17: "Now it happened, when I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, that I was in a trance." |
Conclusion:
These three types of prayer as seen in the book of Acts represent different aspects of prayer life for the organic building up of the Body of Christ. The "Prayer for the Spirit's Outpouring" focuses on internal spiritual filling and being one with God, like breathing in God and being breathed into by God. The "Prayer that Shakes the Environment" focuses on changing external circumstances through faith, breaking through obstacles to ministry and gospel preaching. The "Prayer in a Trance" focuses on transcending self-limitations to receive divine vision, revelation and commission.
These prayers complement each other, providing inner life power, resolving external hindrances, and bringing divine vision and guidance. A complete prayer life should include all three types, enabling believers to effectively participate in God's work and testimony on earth through spiritual renewal, environmental breakthrough, and expanded spiritual vision.
*Please refer to the April 2025 International Elders and Responsible Brothers Training General Topic: One Accord and the Vital Aspects of Acts Chapter 3: Maintaining One Accord through the Three Realities of Power in the Lord’s Recovery—Prayer, the Spirit, and the Word
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