Phenomenology of Prayer #2: 5 Elements of Prayer

The five elements of prayer are :
1. Praise
2. Thanksgiving
3. Confession
4. Petition
5. Intercession
These five elements of prayer are a reflection of the deepest decentering of self. There is praise due to the Creator and thanks to be given for who He is and what He has done. In praise there is also an element of disinterested delight. This is where the self is deconstructed as the focus becomes more and more on the one who he or she is pouring their affections. There is a recognition of humiliation because there is a recognition of an asymmetrical relationship between servant and master. Then there is confession where oftentimes sins are expressed and turned to repentance. Then there is petition where one can have his or her requests be made known to God. Then there is intercession where the prayer turns towards interceding on the behalf of others. All in all these five elements should ultimately point back to the Creator.

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