Fervent Prayer: Why the Type of Prayer You Pray Matters

Written By Patrick Jordan

Prayer is one of the most powerful tools available to believers. It is the means by which we commune with God, pour out our hearts, intercede for others, and seek His will. However, not all prayers are the same, and the way we pray can deeply impact our spiritual lives and the outcomes we seek. Scripture teaches that fervent, heartfelt prayer moves the heart of God, and when we pray with intensity, persistence, and faith, we align ourselves with His divine purposes.

The Call to Fervent Prayer

Lamentations 2:19 gives us a powerful image of passionate, unrelenting prayer:

"Get up! Cry out at night, every hour on the hour. Pour your heart out like water in the presence of the LORD. Lift up your hands to him [in prayer] for the life of your little children who faint from hunger at every street corner."

This verse illustrates a prayer of deep sorrow, urgency, and complete dependence on God. The call to “get up” and “cry out” suggests that prayer is not always a passive, quiet activity but often requires active engagement, persistence, and full emotional surrender.

When we pray fervently, we do more than recite words; we pour out our hearts like water before the Lord, holding nothing back. This kind of prayer acknowledges our desperation and recognizes that God is our only source of hope. Whether in times of distress or gratitude, fervent prayer demonstrates our belief in God’s power and presence.

The Example of Hannah’s Prayer

In 1 Samuel 1:15, Hannah’s prayer provides another example of the intensity and significance of fervent prayer:

“Oh no, sir!” she replied. “I haven’t been drinking wine or anything stronger. But I am very discouraged, and I was pouring out my heart to the LORD.”

Hannah’s prayer was not a ritualistic or surface-level prayer—it was an outpouring of her soul. She was in deep anguish, longing for a child, and she turned to God with her entire being. Her prayer was so intense that Eli, the priest, mistook her for being drunk. Yet, it was this kind of sincere, passionate prayer that moved God to bless her with a son, Samuel, who would go on to become one of Israel’s greatest prophets.

Hannah’s story teaches us that the way we approach God in prayer matters. God is not moved by empty words or religious formalities but by genuine cries of the heart. When we pray with sincerity and conviction, we demonstrate faith and trust in His power to intervene.

Why the Type of Prayer You Pray Matters

1. Heartfelt Prayer Connects Us Deeply with God

Routine prayers can sometimes become mechanical, but when we pray with passion and sincerity, we enter into true communion with God. Jesus Himself prayed fervently in the Garden of Gethsemane, sweating drops of blood as He wrestled in prayer (Luke 22:44). This shows that prayer is not just about saying words but about deeply connecting with God in every season of life.

2. Persistent Prayer Brings Breakthrough

The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the importance of persistence in prayer. Jesus taught the parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8) to illustrate that continual, unwavering prayer moves the heart of God. When we keep praying with expectation, even when answers do not come immediately, we demonstrate faith that God hears and will act in His perfect timing.

3. Intercessory Prayer Can Change Circumstances

Lamentations 2:19 speaks of praying for the lives of children in distress. This kind of prayer—interceding for others—has the power to change situations. Abraham interceded for Sodom, Moses interceded for Israel, and Jesus Himself intercedes for us (Hebrews 7:25). When we stand in the gap for others, lifting them before God, we participate in His redemptive work.

4. Prayers of Surrender Align Us with God’s Will

Hannah’s prayer was not only fervent but surrendered. She promised to give her son back to God if He answered her request (1 Samuel 1:11). This act of surrender is crucial in prayer—when we submit our desires to God’s greater plan, we open the door for Him to work in ways beyond our understanding.

Cultivating a Life of Fervent Prayer

  1. Make Prayer a Priority – Set aside dedicated time each day to pray. Whether early in the morning, during breaks, or at night, develop a habit of seeking God consistently.

  2. Pray with Your Whole Heart – Don’t hold back in prayer. Be honest with God about your struggles, desires, and praises.

  3. Pray Persistently – Keep praying even when answers don’t come immediately. Trust in God’s timing.

  4. Intercede for Others – Lift up your family, friends, community, and even the world in prayer. Your prayers can make a difference.

  5. Surrender to God’s Will – Approach prayer with a heart willing to submit to whatever God has planned.

Conclusion

Fervent prayer is powerful. It transforms lives, strengthens faith, and deepens our relationship with God. As we see from Lamentations 2:19 and 1 Samuel 1:15, the type of prayer we pray matters. Whether we are crying out for help, interceding for others, or surrendering our will to God, the sincerity and intensity of our prayers reflect our faith. Let us be people who pray with passion, believing that God hears and responds to those who seek Him with all their hearts.

Patrick Jordan

Patrick is the lead guitar instructor and songwriting instructor at Rosendale’s 88 Keys Academy.

Originally from Lexington, South Carolina, Patrick has lived in several places including Washington, DC, and Los Angeles, California. Patrick now resides in Woodland, California with his family.

Patrick first began his journey with guitar when he was 10 years old, and has now been playing guitar and writing songs for 26 years. Patrick originally taught himself guitar. Patrick has performed his original music throughout the years for churches, audiences at Potbelly restaurants in Washington, DC, Sony Music talent agents, busking at the Santa Monica Pier, touring in the Los Angeles region, and throughout a musician residency with the House of Blues on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, California. Patrick was also a Worship Pastor while living in Los Angeles.

Patrick began teaching music and guitar after graduating from Clemson University with a BA in Production Studies in Performing Arts. Patrick created his own guitar teaching business, was a music teacher for an alternative school, and taught music, guitar, acting, and film production at a performing arts center in Lexington, South Carolina. Patrick is also a School Outreach Educator for the Woodland Opera House and teaches Musical Theatre.

Patrick teaches guitar and songwriting for all levels, starting at age 7, exclusively at Rosendale’s 88 Keys Academy in Woodland, California. Patrick teaches lessons on Tuesday, and Thursday, as well as Music Circle on Friday evenings.

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