What the Bible Says About When to Pray
Scripture Readings for People Struggling to Find Time for Prayer
Aug 9, 2009
With the distractions of today’s world, it is increasingly difficult to find quiet time for prayer and reflection. One of the encouraging things found in the scriptures is that prayer can be engaged in at anytime of the day.
Prayer time can refer to alone time for the individual or opportunities to gather as a family or group. Making time for both will create a balanced prayer life. Equally beneficial is focusing on quality rather than quantity, making finding small chunks of time easier.
Prayer Time in the Morning
Morning can be a good time to set the tone for the day, with a prayerful frame of mind.
Verse:
- Mark 1:35 (NKJV) – Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He (Jesus) went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.
Relevant Tips:
- The individual can free up a few extra minutes by rising ahead of the rest of the household.
- Taking care of some of the morning preparation the night before will free up some time at the beginning of the day.
- The family can take a few minutes around the breakfast table to share a quick prayer and devotion session.
- Morning prayers or worship at the local church provides an opportunity for group prayer.
Prayer Time in the Afternoon
While a hectic schedule can make the afternoon pass quickly, there are still opportunities to grab a few minutes for prayer.
Verse:
- Acts 3:1 (NKJV) – Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour (3:00 p.m.).
Relevant Tips:
- A few minutes during lunch will allow for quiet prayer. Or, if the family gathers for lunch, a five-minute session of devotion and prayer is possible.
- A quick prayer and reflection session are possible during a mid-afternoon break.
- Some people have been known to hide out in the bathroom for some private prayer. Not the best surroundings, but it is usually private.
- Parents at home with small children can do a prayer activity or take a prayer walk with them.
Prayer Time in the Evening
Prayer time in the evening can be tricky because people tend to be tired. However, it can be a good time to get the family together and a nice way to wind down before sleep.
Verse:
- Matthew 14: 23 (NKJV) – And when He (Jesus) had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there.
Relevant Tips:
- A five-minute session of devotion and prayers is possible at the evening meal.
- The family can gather before the youngest members go to bed, sharing prayers and reflection.
- Attending an evening Bible study or prayer meeting at the local place of worship is a good opportunity for group prayer.
Prayer Time at Anytime
The Bible has readings indicating that anytime can be prayer time.
Verses:
- 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NKJV) – Pray without ceasing.
- Luke 18:1 (NKJV) – Then He (Jesus) spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart.
Relevant Tips:
- Any spare minutes during the day are opportunities to engage in prayer – lineups, red-lights, waiting rooms, grocery shopping, walking or exercising – on an individual level the opportunities are endless.
- Saying a quick prayer upon waking in the night is a perfect opportunity to foster a feeling of being constantly connected.
- An examination of daily activities will reveal any that can be exchanged for prayer time.
- A friend can become a "prayer buddy" to provide encouragement.
- Prayers can even be said during a shower or bath.
Focusing on being heartfelt and sincere in prayer will probably lead to better results than being strict about how many minutes are spent each day. Each individual or family can follow the example of the scriptures and find the times and situations that best suit the given lifestyle.
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