Private prayer
Private prayer means to pray alone. This is considered very important to Christians, as it is a time when they can personally connect with God.
Private worship gives Christians a chance to spend time alone with God. prayerCommunication with God. A means of developing a personal relationship with God., meditationThinking quietly as a spiritual or religious exercise. Connection of the mind and soul with the Divine using breathing and other techniques. In Buddhism, using one of a set of techniques or exercises for calming the mind, developing positive emotions and understanding the way things are., Bible studyChristian worship in which people study the Bible and reflect on its meaning for their lives, either alone or in small groups. and singing hymnA religious song giving praise and worship to God. may all be done at home. Christians can unite themselves with the Church of God as they pray while not actually going to a physical church. Some Christians belong to the 'house church/groupName given to small groups of Christians who meet to worship in houses, without organised leaders or special buildings.' movement and meet for worship in each other's homes.
Many Christians use the BibleThe holy book of Christians split into two sections: Old Testament and New Testament. in private worship. They may read it all over a number of years, or they may reflect on specific parts of it. Some use a study guide to learn how scholarSomeone who studies a particular subject or topic, and has in-depth knowledge. interpret the Bible. Others may read the PsalmsA book in the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) containing songs of praise and worship. as they pray.
Symbolism in worship at home
Christians use different symbolicThe use of images or things (usually physical, like a flag) that stand for or represent something else, usually something abstract like a nation. objects to help them pray. A crossA Christian aid to worship that recalls Jesus's death and resurrection. or crucifixA Christian aid to worship that recalls Jesus's death and resurrection. A crucifix has the body of Christ on it, but a cross is plain. reminds them of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and his resurrectionChristian belief that Jesus rose from the dead after the crucifixion; the rising from the dead of believers on the Last Day; the new, or risen, life of Christians..
Some will light a candle to create the right atmosphere to feel the presence of God.
Catholic ChurchThe Catholic Church is a community of baptised believers in Christ that is led by the Pope. The Catholic Church teaches that the Pope has special authority that descends from Jesus himself. may use a rosary, a string of beads which helps them count their prayers as they meditate on the life of Jesus and call on Mary (Christianity)Mother of Jesus; also referred to as the (Blessed) Virgin Mary or Our Lady. to offer their prayers to God; they call this intercession.
Extemporaneous prayers
Extemporaneous prayers are prayers that are said without prepared words. An example of this might be after someone has heard some bad news, they will say a prayer for those who are involved. Some Christians believe this type of prayer to be more heartfelt as they are not 鈥榓rranged鈥.
Informal prayers
Informal prayer refers to prayers which speak to God in more simple, everyday language.