What are the different types of prayer?

St. Aphrahat says, “I will demonstrate you the seasons of prayer. For there is petition, thanksgiving and praise. In petition a person seeks mercy for his sins, in thanksgiving you give thanks to your Father who is in heaven and in praise you praise Him for His works. At the time of your distress, offer up a petition. At a time that you are provided with His good things, you should give thanks to the giver. At a time that the mind rejoices, offer up praise. You should pray all your prayers before God with discernment. See how David was always saying, ‘I have risen to give thanks to you for your righteous judgements’ (Ps. 119:62). In another psalm he had also said, ‘Praise the Lord from the heaven, praise Him in the heights’ (Ps. 148:1). Again he said, ‘I will bless the Lord at all times and His praises are in my mouth at all times’ (Ps. 34:1). He had prayed not using a single method (of prayer) but with difference.”⁹²