When Should I Pray?

Written By Joshua Sorrows

When Should I Pray?

There are different types of circumstances and situations that prompt people to pray. Some people pray regularly, while others on occasion, still more in crisis. Clearly there are circumstances that elicit prayer, however there are also daily rhythms that prompt prayer. 

I liken the different levels of prayer to people's taste for different levels of spicy in their food. Some love really spicy food while others prefer less spice. The same is true for regularity of prayer. Some pray often while others on occasion. 

No matter your regularity of prayer, there are some common circumstances that can serve as prompts for us to pray. 

Prayer Prompts:

  1. Meals

    1. In the same way that Jesus blessed meals, meals can be a prompt for us to pray as well. The prayer can be a simple prayer of thanksgiving or a moment to lift up praise and prayer requests.

  2. Meetings

    1. It is natural to start a meeting with prayer. Many meetings have significant consequences both professionally and personally. Therefore, meetings can serve as a prompt for prayer no matter the importance of the meeting. The mere idea that we are gathering with others to discuss important matters or to connect relationally, serves as a reminder to pray. 

  3. Moods

    1. Feeling a deep emotion is a prayer prompt. Here are some moods that Scripture identify as prayer prompts:

      1. In trouble (James 5:13)

      2. Happy (James 5:13)

      3. Sick (James 5:14)

      4. Stuck in Sin (James 5:16)

      5. Concerned about Politics (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

      6. Anxious (Philippians 4:6-7)

      7. Mistreated (Luke 6:28)

      8. Facing Persecution (Matthew 5:44)

      9. Unsure what to Say (Romans 8:26)

    2. This is a partial list, but we experience many of these moods often. Next time you feel one of these, take it as a prompt to pray.

  4. Moments

    1. You can use certain moments that arise as a prompt to pray.

      1. Beginning a New Job

      2. Leaving a Job

      3. A Graduation

      4. A Wedding

      5. A Funeral

      6. A ProMotion 

      7. A Loss

While this is not an exhaustive list, these are regular experiences in the lives of every person. There are different types of circumstances and situations that prompt people to pray. Next time you come across a meal, a meeting, a mood, or a moment, use it as a prompt to pray. 

Some content of this post was adapted from “Lead With Prayer” by Ryan Skoog, Peter Greer, and Cameron Doolittle.

Joshua Sorrows
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