“A Chat With God”

Friday, March 04, 2016

I have a really odd question.  When I say my prayer at night before bed, I talk to the Lord like I would any person I care about.  I've had nights that my prayer goes on for a long time.  I guess my question is: is this okay?  Is it wrong?  Is there a proper way to say a prayer, or does it matter when you believe in the Lord?  Thanks so much for your time and patience.  I'm sorry for such an odd question.

Sincerely,
Comfortable In Prayer

Dear Comfortable In Prayer,

We love odd questions!  There is a right and wrong way to pray, but nothing you have said that you do is necessarily wrong (we recommend you read “Whose Prayers Count?” for further details).  David mentions remembering the Lord while in his bed during the late night hours (Ps 63:6).  David said that men should pray to God continually (Ps 72:15).  Paul said to pray without ceasing (1 Thess 5:17).  There is no such thing as a prayer that is too short (Jesus’ model prayer took only seconds to say – Lk 11:1-4).  Likewise, there is also no such thing as a prayer that is too long… as long as it is heartfelt, sincere, and reverent.  Never forget that it is God you are talking to.  He deserves respect and reverence (Heb 12:28).  We can, and should, approach Him as our Father (Rom 8:15).  We can entreat Him as often as we’d like (Lk 18:1).

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