Keep On Praying

This morning, thousands of students gathered around their school's flagpole for a time of prayer for their school, their leaders, our nation, and it's leaders. This annual event is known as See You At The Pole (SYATP). It is a big deal because it is a time for all Christians on campus to come together to pray. Not just students but faculty and teachers as well. I had the privilege of leading a group of 80 plus students at my high school during my senior year.

As I thought about this event that took place today, I kept thinking about over days that people are called to pray such as the National Day of Prayer which is held in May and in our city where a pastor challenged his congregation to pray at 10:01 am & pm claiming the promise of Zechariah 10:1. I wonder if on these days or other days as a time for prayer are the only days some Christians pray. I think a lot of Christians think prayer is to formal for them so they just don't do it or they wait until Sunday to pray with their church.

What does the Bible say about prayer and how often should it be done? One of the most obvious places is Paul's first letter to the Thessalonian church, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Verse 17 says it all, "pray without ceasing." Pray without stopping. Many theologians, past and present, have said that prayer for the Christian is like breathing for the human body. If we stop breathing what happens? We suffocate. Our body becomes deprived of oxygen. Prayer is the breath of life for the Christian. I believe it is Matthew Henry who said, the Bible is God's letter to us, while prayer is our letter to God.

How often should we pray? If I were to answer that question based on 1 Thessalonians 5:17, I would say, all the time. Pray as you work. Pray as you go on a date with your spouse. Pray as you watch TV. Pray as you drive (please have your eyes opened). If you see an ambulance go by, pray. When you hear of a celebrity who lost a loved one, pray.

There are always opportunities to pray. The problem we have is we sometimes think that prayer has to be done in a church building during the worship hour. The Bible tells about Jesus' prayer life, "And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed" (Mark 1:35). Was it in the temple? No. Was it during a worship service? No. It was early in the morning. So if you are wondering what time to pray, yes early in the morning is beneficial, but you can pray anytime and anywhere. Keep on praying. Don't wait for times of prayer in church or a day set on the calendar, which there is nothing wrong with any of those. Pray without ceasing.

Recommended Reading:

A Hunger for God by John Piper

A Praying Life by Paul Miller

Taking Hold of God: Reformed and Puritan Perspectives on Prayer

The Hidden Life of Prayer by David McIntyre

The Prayer of The Lord by R.C. Sproul

The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions

Everyday Prayers: 365 Days to a Gospel-Centered Faith by Scotty Smith