The Essential Questions of Prayer: When and Where Do We Pray?

When and Where Do We Pray?

This question has a lot of different answers, and thank goodness it does. God hears your prayers no matter when or where you’re praying. Just look at the Bible. People pray in houses, in closets, on mountaintops, in deserts, late at night, early in the morning, before meals, and after battles. So maybe it doesn’t really matter where your body is during prayer and at what time you pray. Instead, it’s about where your heart is when you pray. Any time you want or need to talk with God, that's when you should pray. Any place you need to feel the influence of His love, that’s where you should pray. You don’t have to wait for the perfect time or place (or the perfect you). Just pray. God will hear you.

From the scriptures

If you ever think there’s a time or place that’s too awkward to pray, just look at Jonah:

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Jonah 2:1
“Then Jonah prayed unto the Lord his God out of the fish’s belly.”
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Okay. That confirms it. God can hear a prayer from anywhere.

As you pray

There is no wrong place or time to pray, but if you feel like you could benefit from praying in a more peaceful environment, here are some tips that can help. Whether it’s in nature or in an empty room, try praying somewhere private so you won’t be interrupted. And even though it’s common to pray right before bed, you may find it easier to focus by praying earlier in the evening when you’re not as tired. These are little adjustments, but you’d be surprised how much of a difference they can make when you’re trying to get your heart in the right place for meaningful prayer.

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More Questions about Prayer

Question: Should I pray before meals?
Answer
Answer: Sure! Many people find joy by expressing gratitude for life-sustaining food.
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Question: Do I have to pray out loud in public?
Answer
Answer: Nope. Pray silently if you’re in a place where you’re not comfortable being vocal.
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Question: What if I don’t feel like praying?
Answer
Answer: Try it anyway. You can even ask God to help you feel more like praying.
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Question: What if my prayer gets interrupted?
Answer
Answer: No sweat. God understands. When you get a chance, pick up where you left off.
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