Quest: Solid answers for inquisitive Bible readersSampel

Does It Matter When and Where We Pray?

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.