How often should we pray about the same thing? Is once enough, or should we pray repeatedly?
Scripture gives two perspectives:
Matthew 6:7-8 says we shouldn’t keep babbling prayers like the pagans do.
This means we shouldn’t think repetitious prayers have some magical power. We communicate with God in prayer, we don't manipulate Him.(1)
God knows our needs, but our prayers prove our trust in Him.
That’s why we’re commanded to pray continually about everything (1 Thessalonians 5:17; Philippians 4:6).
Luke 18:1-8 tells us that God also values persistent prayer. This passage specifically mentions God's desire for justice. It's always good to pray for God's justice.
But how often should we pray about the same thing?
Sometimes God wants us to pray long term. Other times He gives us peace to pray a request and move on.
There's more than one right answer to this question. We need to be led by God's Spirit (Ephesians 6:18; Romans 8:26).(2)
--------------------------
If you would like to listen to this devotion on video, see Is Repetitive Prayer a Sin?
(1) Some of the name-it-and-claim-it beliefs are like these pagan prayers. Teachers who suggest we must use the right words when speaking about or praying about problems are teaching pagan superstition, not faith. Scripture tells us to focus on the blessings in our lives because dwelling on the hard things causes discouragement. But this doesn't mean we deny our problems or never speak of them.
(2) There is one situation where God tells us not to pray (1 John 5:16), but He will give us clear guidance if this is the case. For more on prayer, see 5 Requirements of Prayer and Pieces Parts Bible Study.
I’m gonna stop you right here sis. You can’t put one scripture & deem your entire paragraph true. Persistent prayer is a sign of faith. When we stop praying it seems as if we have given up. I pray in spirit and the spirit is repetitive, I have no control over what the spirit prays Bc I don’t know what I’m saying. The pagans babbled prayers like the Catholics do that have no true faith or honesty behind them. True prayer, repentance and faith come from the heart. Not empty words. We don’t all need to be praying the same prayers with the same words 24/7. We don’t need to be praying to saints or statues of Mary Bc they are servants. Angels don’t need prayers they are servants as we are. Remember the angel in revelation that appeared to John. But true prayers of FAITH SHOULD BE and always prayed, day and night with thanksgiving and certainly that our Father will answer them in his timing for He is Faithful and Good & He knows our very hearts. The Pharisees worshiped God with their lips but their Hearts were far from Him.
ReplyDeleteHi SavedByGrace,
DeleteDid you read the whole devotion, or just a couple of sentences?
Did you read this sentence: "Sometimes God wants us to pray long term. Other times He gives us peace to pray a request and move on." Did you see the Scriptures in the devotion supporting persistent prayer?
Is there a reason you included so many criticisms of Catholics? I'm not Catholic and the devotion doesn't talk about Catholics. The devotion also says nothing about Angels.