The Best Time to Pray

 At times, when I listen to a sermon, I drift into resolution mode. Not on New Years’, no special occasion, and most often the preacher is not asking for a commitment, but I start thinking to myself, I need to spend more time in prayer and Bible reading. So, the sermon has really done what it is supposed to, hasn’t it? And then I also resolve to wake up early in the morning, so I can spend uninterrupted time in prayer and meditating on the Word of God. Some preachers even spell it out: early mornings are the best times to pray. Wake up early in the morning and spend a couple of hours praying. Woo! I love the idea. And here I am, all pumped up, ready to wake up at 5:30 the next morning. The night before, I set my alarm to 5:30, and I try to get to bed early, so I would get enough rest. Some days I succeed, other days, not so much. Even if I manage to get to bed on time, I am turning and tossing on the bed, because I am not used to sleeping at that hour. The alarm rings the next morning, and my body doesn’t quite like the idea of getting out of bed yet. I try again the next day, and the next, and then I give up. If I do manage to do some early mornings, I get distracted easily or doze off in prayer.

This cycle has repeated more times than I can count. I do pray, at least once a day, but my best times with God have not usually been in the wee hours of the day. Some days, I have been foolish enough to think, if I miss one morning, the next best time to come before God is the next morning. I am not denying the value of early morning quiet or an intentional time. As a stay-at-home mom, I know the demands of my day can easily pull my attention from one thing to another, before I realize I haven’t sat with God. So setting aside an intentional time is definitely valuable.

But, my view of prayer changes when I look at it as not a mere religious duty that I would either feel proud of fulfilling or feel guilty of missing. At some of my low moments, I have wondered if my entire relationship with the Lord hinges on my ability to wake up early in the morning. And then I remember His invitation is open, even to me, at any time of the day or night! "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) Jesus clarifies (in v30) that He is referring to rest for our souls. And I think the 'heavy burden' mentioned here represents the man-made religious duties we so struggle to check off the list. Let me explain how I got that. When Jesus rebukes the scribes and Pharisees at a different time, He says: "They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people's shoulders." (Matthew 23:4). From the context of Matthew 23, it is clear that Jesus was talking about religious obligations that are imposed by religious leaders, not by God's Word.

Of course, prayer is not imposed by people, but a beautiful privilege God has opened up for all His people to talk to Him. In fact, Paul exhorts believers to pray continually (I Thess. 5:17)! But, when our good desire for an intentional time becomes a burden, prayer turns out to be a dull duty rather than a relationship-refresher. So when is the best time to pray? Morning? Evening? Late night? And my answer is, right now! Pray to him right now, as you are reading, as you are working, as you are convicted of that sin, as you realize you need His help. His ears are always open to our call. What a privilege!

Finally, a couple of practical tips for those of you like me, who have a hard time staying focussed while praying: I keep my eyes open while praying. Sounds contrary to what we've been told, but when I close my eyes, I find the chances are higher for my mind to stray elsewhere or even doze off. Another thing I have found helpful is writing down what I pray for. It is usually a list, but sometimes it could spin off to a poem of praise or a paragraph of prayer. What are some practical tips you would like to share? Please mention in the Comments section.

Towards Dependence

When I teach my children new skills, I intend for them to learn it and be able to do it themselves. When they were babies, I had to do every single thing for them, but as they grow older, my job as a parent is to teach them to do things independently. My 8-year old doesn't ask me for a cup of water every single time he is thirsty, my 6-year old doesn't ask for help to get dressed, and my 3-year old knows where to find his shoes. We appreciate this kind of independence, but this is not the way it works in our relationship with God.

Does God want us to be independent as we get confident in our new-found skills? I don't think so. As we take up that task we are not so confident in, those of us who know God would probably pray and ask for his help. But what happens as days go by? We probably get used to doing this task, we're getting better at it, and we don't have that same reliance on the Lord as we first did.

My kids and I are going through the part about the Israelites' journey through the Promised Land in our morning Bible time. As I narrate the Bible stories to my sons, I am amazed by the ability of this one man to lead the huge bunch of grumbling, complaning Israelites through an unpredictable wilderness. While it is no simple task to be a leader in any capacity, what stands out to me most at this time is Moses' dependence on God.

He seems to have mastered the habit of taking every situation to the Lord. Pharaoh's heart hardened? He called out to God. The Israelites grumbling against him? He cried out to God (Exodus 17:4). Feeling disappointed? He went to the Lord (Exodus 5:22). Did he have a request? He asked the Lord (Exodus 8:12). Faced by a problem? He took it to the Lord (Exodus 15:25). He even interceded on behalf of the very people who kept complaining against him (Exodus 32:11). What a great response! He didn't think of himself as a great and experienced leader, able to handle things himself. Instead, he recognized he was out there just doing what his Master has called him out to do. And Moses knew, the best way to do it is God's way.

As we experience more of the Lord, may we grow in our dependence on Him. Like Moses, let us go to Him in every situation -- joy, sorrow, fear, disappointment, shame, anger, embarassment, pain, guilt, everything! There is nothing He cannot handle. Yes, He loves to listen to us, and He is only a thought away.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

The Lord's Prayer

The title perhaps reminds you of the prayer that begins "Our Father who art in heaven..." That is how Jesus taught His disciples to pray. But, that's not the prayer I am referring to here. This is a prayer that Jesus Himself prayed. What better way to learn about prayer than to listen to Jesus Himself pray?

We read about the prayer that Jesus prayed just before He was arrested and then crucified. He was very close to the culmination of His earthly mission. He knew He was about to bear the weight of all the sin on Himself. It was going to be an intense moment, when He would be deserted by dear friends, suffer physical pain, cry out in agony, and go through death. Just a little while before His arrest, here's what He prayed:

"My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." (Matthew 26:39)

Based on a Relationship

Jesus prayed because He was in an intimate relationship with the Father - He and the Father are one. Jesus was having a conversation with the Father.

Sometimes, I am tempted to pray at God, rather than praying to Him. At times, it seems easier for me to ramble a few familiar sentences rather than take the time to look at God and have a conversation with Him. But He is more interested in relating to us than going through our list of petitions.

Honest Prayer

Jesus preferred that the cup (perhaps, the cup of suffering He was about to go through) be taken from Him. Of course, He knew that was the very reason He came down to earth. But He was honest in prayer about what He thought and felt.

One night, I was angry. I didn't even want to talk to my husband. And I didn't feel like praying. Well, who else do I talk to? After a few minutes, I broke the silence by talking to God. This is how I started: "Lord, I am angry, and I don't even feel like praying". I had actually started praying already! A few moments into that conversation with God, my anger just melted away and the Lord's sweet presence filled me with His love. Not that I had to inform God how I felt. He already knew. But God loves a sincere from-the-heart prayer (even if it is just a sigh) more than a lengthy and great sounding prayer that is only from the lips. (Luke 18:9-14)

Submission

After Jesus voiced His desire, He brought it under the subjection of the Father. He did not beg that He would somehow get His way through, but He prayed that the will of God would prevail. I think that is how every prayer should end - by yielding to Him who knows the best!

As we pray, may our desires align more with God's!

Caught Praying

Daniel's co-workers were jealous of him. "The administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.”" (Daniel 6:4,5) Soon, they came up with a plan - one that involved Daniel's prayer life. The only thing Daniel could be accused of was his prayer life!

Daniel's prayer life was so consistent that it was used as the basis for charges against him. He continued to pray three times a day, irrespective of the laws of the land. He did not increase his prayer in the time of need, nor did he shy away from prayer in an attempt to protect his life. He was consistent in prayer - same time, same place and same position, everyday. (Daniel 6:10)

People knew about Daniel's prayer life. The administrators and satraps knew about it (Daniel 6:5). Darius also knew how faithfully Daniel served God (Daniel 6:16, 20). Jesus did warn against making a show of your prayer. Jesus' warning was against prayer motivated by people's praises, like the Pharisees did. That's quite different from the way Daniel prayed. He prayed even when it could cost his life.

It wasn't hard for Daniel's conspirators to catch him praying. They knew exactly when and where they could catch him 'red-handed'. How easy is it for others to catch you praying? Can you be accused of your prayer life?

Praying Rather than Preaching

Once, my parents called me over phone and shared a problem they were going through. I quickly recollected all Bible verses I knew that would apply to their situation. I preached a short sermon to my mom, and then another sermon to my dad and then hung up. As if this were not enough, I typed out another long sermon, sent it over e-mail and asked my parents to check their mailbox. They seemed the least interested in any of this. I wonder if they even read till the end of my e-mail! Frustrated, finally, I went to the Presence of the Almighty and told Him that nothing has worked out. “So, God, you take care of it.” Soon after that, I could see a positive change, not only in my parents but also in me. I no longer thought “I have to do something about it”, because I’ve casted my burden on Him! Then I realised, what they now need is not a sermon, but someone who would listen. My action at that time was contrary to James 1:19 (“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”) They just need the strength to apply the verses they already know.

That’s not the only time I did this. I love to preach to people, especially when I myself have encountered a situation similar to the one the other person is in. It is often easy to preach than to listen patiently and pray.

Often, preaching in the wrong situations only make things worse. Well, I am not against ‘preaching’. Jesus did preach; Paul preached; so do many contemporary preachers. Their sermons, for sure, do not dissolve in the air. The difference is – knowing where to preach and where to pray. Jesus knew when to tell stories, when to ask questions, when to preach, when to pray, when to perform miracles; He also knew when to remain quiet. When Jesus foretold Simon Peter’s denial, He did not preach a sermon on standing firm in the faith. Rather, He said: “...but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail.” (Luke 22:32)

In another instance, someone (say ‘Z’) did something I did not like. I was tempted to make a sarcastic comment, which I knew would hurt ‘Z’. Saying that would only result in a bitter argument. I was waiting to tell ‘Z’ that I did not like what ‘Z’ did. At that time, God reminded me that I had not yet prayed about it. “Oh yes, God! Take care of it.” I prayed and with God’s strength, refrained from making that comment and even saying anything about it. A few days later, when I was talking to ‘Z’, this topic came up and I was able to convey what I wanted to, in a non-threatening way. This time, I was helping, not hurting! That’s what the Spirit of God does. After this incident, I was all excited and I was singing:

“What a friend we have in Jesus

All our sins and griefs to bear

What a privilege to carry

Everything to God in prayer

Oh what peace we often forfeit

Oh what needless pain we bear

All because we do not carry

Everything to God in prayer.”

Philippians 4:6, 7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”). ‘Anything’ and ‘every situation’ includes others’ struggles as well!

Is Prayer Holy?

You might have heard it said “God answers all prayers. He answers ‘YES’, ‘NO’ or ‘WAIT’.” But, did you know there are some kinds of prayers that the Lord doesn’t answer or even listen to?

God does not listen when you pray with wrong motives. (James 4:3)

When you pray without obeying the Word of God, your prayers are not heard. In fact, such prayers are detestable to God! (Proverbs 28:9)

If you enjoy sinning and you pray, the Lord does not listen to your prayers. (Psalm 66:18, Isaiah 1:15)

You could go on and add to the list.

Though God is our best friend and He is Emmanuel, we need to be aware that we are talking to the GOD Almighty. (Eccl. 5: 1 – 7)

Often, we do not know what we need to pray for, because we do not know the mind of the Spirit. Before you think “Well, I already have my list of things to pray for”, check out Romans 8: 26 and 27.

How then should we pray? When we ask according to the will of God, He hears us. (I John 5: 14, 15) The best example to follow is Jesus Himself. What was His attitude in prayer? Read Hebrews 5:7 to know.