Forms of Prayer

The Lou Fridkis Column

Sources:

Rabbi Yochanan taught: There are ten forms of prayer:

1. Sha’ava – Outcry as in Exodus 2:23
2. Tzi’aka – Crying Out: Ibid.
3. Ni’aka – Moaning: Exodus 2:24
4. Rina – Cry or Rejoicing: Jeremiah 7:16
5. Pegiah – Entreaty: Ibid.
6. Bitzur – An expression of Pain: Psalms 18:7
7. Keriah – Calling Out:
8. Nipul – Falling Before God: Deuteronomy 9:18 and 25
9. Pilul – Executing Judgment: Psalms 106:30
10. Tachanunim – Asking for a Freebie: Deuteronomy 3:23