Certain occasions signal or trigger prayer. In each of these cases, prayer is linked to a specific event. This kind of relationship with prayer is inculcated into communities of faith and has trained us to avail ourselves of prayer based on the setting or circumstances. And while these settings absolutely call for and should involve prayer, the practice of prayer should not have starting or stopping points, appropriate and inappropriate settings, or even certain set times. Search the Scriptures for boundaries into which prayer must fit and you will find none. Prayer belongs everywhere, anytime. For example:
- “One day Jesus told his disciples a story to illustrate their need for constant prayer and to show them that they must never give up” (Luke 18:1, NLT, emphasis added).
- “Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers” (Ephesians 6:18, NLT, emphasis added).