Many verses in the Bible refer to praying to God our Father. The act of daily prayer and worship is essential if we want to draw ourselves closer to God. But if we are going to pray daily, or hopefully multiple times daily, where and when should we pray? What should we say? Does God get tired of our requests? Let’s see what the Bible says:
Where and when should we pray? Jesus would excuse himself any time of the day or night, when he felt it necessary to speak to his father. After his baptism he went to the mountains to pray and fast for 40 days before his exhausting encounter with Satan.
So the easy answer to when we should pray is always. We can pray in the car, at work, at home, at the store, on the beach, whenever you have a desire and a need to speak to God, pray. Pray with your eyes open or closed, kneeling, standing, sitting there is no right or wrong way to pray. There is a time when prayer in solitude, meditation and silence is needed.
Matthew 6:5 And when thou prays, thou shalt not be as hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
Matthew 6:6. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
Matthew 6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
Matthew 6:8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
Jesus was giving these directions to his Apostles how to help others pray. It is clear in these passages that our prayers are a personal discussion between you and God the Father. Prayer is not a loud outburst but a silent conversation. We pray to draw near to our Father, we pray to ask forgiveness for our sins, we pray for God to keep us away from temptation, we pray for God to help us when we are in need, we pray for peace, rest, joy, grace and wisdom. We pray for health, finances, a roof over our head and food on our table.
Jesus also recited a prayer to the Apostles for teaching others how to pray.
Matthew 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 6:10 The Kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread. 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
If you are struggling to find the words to pray, memorize this short prayer that Jesus taught his Apostles. Spend time with God in prayer. As much as you can.
Pray in the good times. Pray in the bad times. Pray when it is quiet.
Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.