Does it matter when and where we pray?
Prayer is a “divine dialogue” between God and those who have a relationship with Him.
(1 Kings 8:29–30) (NIV®)
29 – May your eyes be open toward this temple night and day, this place of which you said, ‘My Name shall be there,’ so that you will hear the prayer your servant prays toward this place.
30 – Hear the supplication of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven, your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive.
When Jesus introduced prayer by saying, Our Father (Mt 6:9), He reminded us that prayer is more personal than prescriptive.
Prayer is a “divine dialogue” between God and those who have a relationship with him. Therefore, we are welcome to come to God anytime and anywhere.
Like Jesus, we may pray early in the morning (Mk 1:35) or in the evening (Mk 14:32).
We may pray when we are afraid (Ps 119:145–146), when we are in need (Mt 7:7–12) or when we lack wisdom (Jas 1:5).
We may also pray to express the joy (Php 1:4) and the gratitude (1Th 5:16–18) we feel when we see God at work around us.
And while many of our prayers include requests for our personal needs, it is right to pray for others (1Th 5:25), including those in authority (1Ti 2:1–2) and even our enemies (Mt 5:44).
We should pray on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests (Eph 6:18).
Our prayers at any time may also be offered in any place.
Hannah’s prayer in the temple (1Sa 1:9–11) was no more spiritual than Moses’ prayer in the desert (Ex 32:11–14).
Jesus prayed in a garden (Mk 14:32–42).
Jonah prayed in the belly of a fish (Jnh 2:1–10).
Paul prayed in prison (Ac 16:22–25).
Nehemiah prayed in the king’s court (Ne 2:4).
No matter where we are, we can always be assured of great reception with God when we pray.
Does it matter when and where we pray?
Culled from Top 100 Q & A of the Bible:
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Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.®
