ABSTRACT
Although there are many different types of prayer, the main problems are associated with two specific types: petitionary prayer (which involves asking God for things -asking for help or for guidance or for changes in some state of affairs) and praying for forgiveness. The reason why these forms of prayer are the most interesting for philosophic analysis is that there are such diverse interpretations as to what is happening during such prayers. Petitionary prayer the prime purpose (although not necessarily the sole purpose) of which is to ask God, who created and sustains the world, to act in response to the prayer. The understanding one has of petitionary prayer will largely depend on the model of God with which one is operating. In all views of God, petitionary prayer will be seen as meditative, as having therapeutic value and as bringing about changes in the believer and in members of his or her community.
