Here’s the bottom line for this post: in far too many cases, we stop praying too soon. We stop not because we’ve given up on prayer, but simply because we don’t realize how important prayer is at a given time. Let me explain:
- We often stop praying for non-believers after they get saved. Sure, we pray our hearts out for them before they get saved, but then we often slow down the praying once they’re in the kingdom – at the very time that spiritual warfare heats up for the new believers.
- We often stop praying for pastoral candidates after they begin their work. We pray for search committees and pastoral candidates during the search process, but then we settle into the routine once pastors are in their new roles. We pray for them then only when we learn about a need.
- We often stop praying for a young couple after they get married. We want them to choose wisely as they consider marriage, so we pray for them during their courting, engagement, and wedding preparation. We celebrate the wedding with them, but then slow down the praying – at the very time when the couple needs wisdom to learn how to live together.
- We often stop praying for the bereaved after the funeral’s over. We cover them in prayer at the time of a loved one’s death. Intercession echoes during the funeral and burial services. The prayers usually wane, though, after the events – when the bereaved is often loneliest.
- We often stop praying for missionaries after they’re on the field. During the appointment process, we pray for them. We want them to know God’s will and to determine exactly where God wants them to go. We pray for safe travel as they go – and then too often fail to pray once they’re on the ground.
- We often stop praying for the President after the election is over. Especially in election seasons, we call believers to prayer. We want godly leaders in office, so we pray. Once the election is settled, though, we often pray much less for the person we’ve elected.
- We often stop praying after the meal is over. Seldom do we miss a prayer when food is in front of us. The problem is that in too many cases, that’s the extent of our praying. Prayer before a meal should be just one prayer in the midst of many prayers during the day.
- We often stop praying (at least as much) once our relationship with Christ has become the norm. When it’s new, we’re excited about talking to God; when our Christianity becomes routine, prayer becomes an emergency response rather than an ongoing relationship.
If we want to pray effectively, we truly need to pray without ceasing (1 Thess 5:17) – and that means not stopping too soon. Direct your church members to this post, and encourage them to keep on praying!
What other times would you add to this list?
