Let’s look at some questions that are asked on a regular basis regarding prayer.
What time is the best time to pray? In Psalms, David mentions a few times that God hears his voice in the morning. We read that Jesus prayed late in the day or at night on a few occasions. Cornelius prayed between 15:00-16:00 when God heard his prayer (Acts 10:30). Peter went up to pray at noon in Acts 10:9. So based on this, it is clear there is not a specific time preference.
How many times a day do I need to pray? If you want to put an amount to it, in 1Tess3:9 ”As we pray day and night”; which can be problematic. But also, when you have a personal relationship with God, you are in constant communication with him anyway. But if you want clarity, Jesus is always a good example to follow.
Should we pray? I want to give you two examples where it is clear we have a responsibility, not only to pray, but to pray for one another and / or situations. 1 Sam 12:23 More over, as for me, far be it for me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you. Eze 22:30 And I sought for a man among them who should build up a wall and stand in the breach before Me for the land that I should not destroy it, but I found none.
In who’s name should I pray, to whom should I pray? Should I pray to God the Father, should I pray to Jesus, should I pray to the Holy Spirit? Please look at the below scriptures to give you some clarity.
Jhn14:14 Whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will do. Jhn16:23-24 In that day, after the resurrection, you will not ask Me (Jesus) about anything. I assure you and most solemnly say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you. Remember when Jesus taught them how to pray in Matt6:9 Our Father who is in heaven. We should pray to the Father in the Name of Jesus.
What can I pray for? We can pray for anything using God’s will and promises as guidance.
Success Ps118:25
Peace Ps122:5
Labourers in the field Matt9:38
For the end time Matt19:13
Restoration 2Cor13:9
Word to be received Col4:3
Strengthen our faith 1Tess3:9-10, Mark9:24
People suffering James5:13
Bless people Acts13:3
Wife to get pregnant Gen25:21, 1Sam1:12
Word of knowledge Gen25:22, Act22:17
Mercy from God Job42:8
City’s welfare Jer29:7
Those who persecute Matt5:44
Courage 2Sam7:27
The list is endless…
How many times should I pray for the same thing? God told Elijah that the rain will return to the land. Elijah went up on the mountain to pray for rain. Did it rain immediately, no. The servant went to look for a cloud, 7 times, and Elijah prayed 7 times before a cloud as big as a man’s fist could be seen. (1King18:42.) Does this mean that we need to pray 7 times – no. But it does mean that we need to keep on praying and keep on believing that our prayers are answered and pray till we see it manifest into the physical.
He prayed until the Word (1King18:1) he received from God manifested into the natural. When you spend time with God, He will speak to you and you need to obey.