How Long Should I Pray?

     At a recent women's Bible study, the question came up, "How long should I pray?" The question was in regard to issues that one has prayed about for a long time and no answers from God seem to be forth coming. I looked online and found several articles that addressed this issue. I have included the ones that seemed to speak to my past concerns about hearing from God when I pray. 

    A few scriptures need to be added to this question about how long one should pray:

• I Thessalonians 5:16-18, "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 
• Matthew 26:41, "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."
• Psalm 17:6, "I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer." 

These scriptures indicate that we are to pray continually, pray to stay out of temptation, and trust that God hears our prayers. The following articles and excerpts shine more light on our need to persevere in prayer. 

How Long Should We Pray for Something?

 

https://christianleadermag.com/we-prayed-for-healing-but-she-died/            

 

https://faithgateway.com/blogs/christian-books/how-long-should-you-pray-for-something

 

https://billygraham.org/answer/will-god-continue-to-answer-my-prayers-for-my-family-even-after-i-die/  

 

Excerpts from TBN Better Together TV show 4-2-24:

(This is not the exact wording as I was typing on Notes on my phone while they spoke on the show.)

 

I am only a vessel for the Lord to partner with God and trust the Holy Spirit to work through [me]. Stephanie Ike

 

God’s will is going to happen. When we are in prayer, in unity together, something happens. We create space for God to work. Robyn Wilkerson

 

We believe what the world says about prayer rather than what the word says about prayer. When we ask, He astounds. He is waiting to hear from us. When we pray, it’s a declaration that our God is able. Often our personal prayer can have world impact. You don’t know what is on the other side of your prayer. If you don’t know how to pray, pray the Psalms as David knew how to pray. Lisa Bevere

May we be ones who pray continually as that is the will of God, not so we get our way, but so we can be in communion with the One who wants a relationship with us, Jesus Christ. He can show us the way to pray, if we remain in communication with Him, not just talking, but listening as well. 

Luke 9:35, And a voice came from the cloud, saying, "This is My Son, whom I have chosen. 

Listen to Him!"