1286. When Shall We Pray?
When Shall We Pray?
"Pray without ceasing" (1Th_5:17).
The time to pray is any time, all the time.
The only time a believer cannot pray is when his sins have separated between him and God.
However the Bible has something to say about special times for prayer. Let us gather up these suggestions.
1. In the morning. "In the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee" (Psa_5:3). In the morning hour the mind is fresh for prayer. In the morning the one who prays stands on the threshold of the needs and opportunities of a new day. It is well to spend a while with God before one seeks to meet the demands of active toil. In the home and on the street, in the line of business, or of pleasure there are sure to arise difficulties and temptations which require Divine help. It is not possible for any man to walk apart from God, and at the same time to walk acceptably–the morning prayer is a most needed preparation.
2. Three times a day. "Evening and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice" (Psa_55:17).
It is not enough to pray in the morning hour and then to forget the Lord for the rest of the day.
No man should allow business to crowd out his time for fellowship with God. Who ever had more cares than David? Yet, David prayed three times a day. Who ever had a busier or more responsible position than Daniel? Yet, Daniel prayed three times a day.
It was of Daniel we read: "And his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God."
The fireman does not put in coal in the morning for the whole day's trip, but he puts in coal from time to time, as it is needed.
We need to get alone with God at least three times a day and seek His face. How differently we would live if we spent more time in prayer.
3. At night. He "continued all night in prayer to God" (Luk_6:12). Of Christ it was written: "I cry in the night season and am not silent." The Lord loved the quietness of the night. He was too much concerned with His task, and too deeply happy in the fellowship of His Father to become sleepy.
Paul and Silas could pray at night. David sought the Lord as he lay upon his bed.
4. Always. "Men ought always to pray, and not to faint" (Luk_18:1). No circumstance can arise which should be allowed to put an end to prayer. No night can be so dark, no cloud hang so low; no storm can be so fierce, that Jesus Christ will not hear and heed the cry of His own. If the unjust judge heard the cry of the widow, and avenged her, because she came continually and wearied him, how much more shall our God of love and tender compassion hear and avenge His own elect who cry unto Him day and night.
5. Instantly. "Continuing instant in prayer" (Rom_12:12).
We should always live in such close relationship with God that at any moment of particular trial or distress we can instantly pray with acceptance and with power.
We should always live in such close touch with God, that at every opportunity for prayer we can buy it up–redeem it for God.
We should never use prayer as merely a convenience, to be used in a moment of great and sudden sorrow. Why should we quickly throw ourselves down at the feet of the One we have long neglected? Should we not the rather continue instant in prayer–in every moment, whether in joy or in sorrow, in peace or in dire need, then any special crisis coming upon us, will find us fully prepared to have prompt access to God.
5. Unceasingly. "Pray without ceasing" (1Th_5:17). At first thought, this seems an impossibility. However, the message for us is this: God wants us to live without breaking connections.
The string of cars may be connected to the engine when the cars are in repose, the same as when they are running. We should always carry the sense of His presence. We should know the blessedness of an unbroken communion. We should live with no clouds to separate us from our Lord. We should keep ourselves in the love of God, praying in the Holy Spirit.
Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR