When Do We Pray?
To answer this question, you might think of the Bible verse that says, “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thes. 5:17) That would lead us to conclude that we are to pray all the time, which is certainly true. But let’s make this a bit more practical for our everyday lives.
Many years ago, I was attending a Christian Bookseller’s Association convention in Texas. During one of the days, in the matter of only a couple of hours, I came down with some sort of sickness that included a decent fever and a highly inflamed throat. I stopped to rest as I was dragging myself through the arena to get a bus back to the hotel. Some people walking by stopped to ask if I was all right. When I responded that I wasn’t, they asked if they could do something. I said, “Please pray for me.” They said they would, and promptly walked on. I don’t say this to put anyone down, because I am guilty of the same kinds of actions (or inactions). But I didn’t need to be put on a prayer list to be prayed for during their next quiet time with the Lord. I needed prayer right then.
How many times has someone told me of their need for prayer? Sometimes they aren’t even asking for me to pray right then. Perhaps they say, “Please keep me in your prayers.” How many times have I sincerely responded that I would, and planned to do that the next time I prayed? And how many times have I completely forgotten to pray about it, only to feel guilty when I see that person or hear their name? More than I like to admit.
Sometimes, don’t you feel almost totally overwhelmed when you do have your time of prayer? You have gathered up so many prayer requests that you don’t feel like you can pray adequately for them all in your limited time. Then you feel guilty and, if you’re like me, you just give up. The devil, our adversary, has us right where he wants us – not praying, and then feeling guilty for it. But there is a better way.
When do we need to pray? We need to pray NOW, whenever the need arises. It’s really that simple. It doesn’t have to be a lengthy, elaborate prayer. And it doesn’t mean that you won’t pray more later. When you hear of a prayer need, lift it up before the Father right then. When you tell someone you will pray, pray right then while it is still fresh on your mind. If you find yourself thinking about someone, pray for them before you call or write to them. If you have a dream about someone, pray for them when you remember that dream. When you read something in the paper that you know needs prayer, pray right then, before you move on to the next article. This is the praying without ceasing that we are called to do. Prayer is simply a matter of communicating with the Father, speaking to Him and listening to Him, by His Spirit. Praying without ceasing is really a matter of communicating with Him at all times. And all times is really NOW!
By the way, I’m thanking God for you and praying for you – NOW!
© Copyright 2004 Kay V. Stocking
