How much time do you spend in prayer?

[stmatthew]

HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU SPEND IN PRAYER EACH DAY?


Not really looking for any specifics to be posted as much as just voting in the poll.

BTW - The Poll is private, so we cannot see who votes what.

[Rico]

Define prayer.

[nahkoe]

Define prayer.

Yeah. What he said.

[stmatthew]

Define prayer.

Prayer defined as follows:

Mat 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
Mat 6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen [do]: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
Mat 6:8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
Mat 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Mat 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as [it is] in heaven.
Mat 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.
Mat 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
Mat 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.


I am basically talking about a definite time that you set aside to pray, not just talking to God throughout the day.

[DividedThigh]

i pray cause i need him and his help, it keeps me prayin, dt

[stmatthew]

59 views, and only 6 votes. Come on folks. No one can see how you vote. I believe this would be an eye opening statistic to show us where we are as a group.

[ManOfWord]

As a pastor, I never tell anyone how much "time" I spend in prayer. The main reason is that to do so would be to set people up for failure on either spectrum. Some would say, "I could never spend that much time" and others would say, "That's all you pray?"

We get far too hung up on the amount of time spent than on who we spend it with. Do many of you remember the "Complete Prayer Clock?" We were all basically told that unless we spent an hour daily in prayer, that we really weren't praying as we were supposed to. I vividly remember poor saints who were agonizing just trying to get their time in so as to please the Lord. To most, it was pure misery due to the fact that the emphasis was on the hour.

Prayer is communication with God. That can be on my knees, in my car, at my desk, sitting in a chair, sitting on the bank of a river, etc.

I know St. Matt's intentions are pure, but I wont' share with anyone, for the reasons I stated, how much time I spend in prayer. I find it less productive and possibly more damaging than fruitful. :D

[stmatthew]

As a pastor, I never tell anyone how much "time" I spend in prayer. The main reason is that to do so would be to set people up for failure on either spectrum. Some would say, "I could never spend that much time" and others would say, "That's all you pray?"

We get far too hung up on the amount of time spent than on who we spend it with. Do many of you remember the "Complete Prayer Clock?" We were all basically told that unless we spent an hour daily in prayer, that we really weren't praying as we were supposed to. I vividly remember poor saints who were agonizing just trying to get their time in so as to please the Lord. To most, it was pure misery due to the fact that the emphasis was on the hour.

Prayer is communication with God. That can be on my knees, in my car, at my desk, sitting in a chair, sitting on the bank of a river, etc.

I know St. Matt's intentions are pure, but I wont' share with anyone, for the reasons I stated, how much time I spend in prayer. I find it less productive and possibly more damaging than fruitful. :D

IF this was a public poll, I could understand your response. But it is not, thus you would just be a statistic......a number......a tally......hehehe

[stmatthew]

As a pastor, I never tell anyone how much "time" I spend in prayer. The main reason is that to do so would be to set people up for failure on either spectrum. Some would say, "I could never spend that much time" and others would say, "That's all you pray?"

We get far too hung up on the amount of time spent than on who we spend it with. Do many of you remember the "Complete Prayer Clock?" We were all basically told that unless we spent an hour daily in prayer, that we really weren't praying as we were supposed to. I vividly remember poor saints who were agonizing just trying to get their time in so as to please the Lord. To most, it was pure misery due to the fact that the emphasis was on the hour.

Prayer is communication with God. That can be on my knees, in my car, at my desk, sitting in a chair, sitting on the bank of a river, etc.

I know St. Matt's intentions are pure, but I wont' share with anyone, for the reasons I stated, how much time I spend in prayer. I find it less productive and possibly more damaging than fruitful. :D

Let me also state this. Though I understand God didn't mean watch the clock when he said to "watch and pray", the men who have been the mightiest for God have been men of much prayer. The fact that we spend less time in prayer than we do eating one meal a day says a lot about our priorities.

And you are correct, my intentions are not to condemn, but to challenge us to find more time to spend alone with God. Our spiritual life depends upon it.

[DividedThigh]

As a pastor, I never tell anyone how much "time" I spend in prayer. The main reason is that to do so would be to set people up for failure on either spectrum. Some would say, "I could never spend that much time" and others would say, "That's all you pray?"

We get far too hung up on the amount of time spent than on who we spend it with. Do many of you remember the "Complete Prayer Clock?" We were all basically told that unless we spent an hour daily in prayer, that we really weren't praying as we were supposed to. I vividly remember poor saints who were agonizing just trying to get their time in so as to please the Lord. To most, it was pure misery due to the fact that the emphasis was on the hour.

Prayer is communication with God. That can be on my knees, in my car, at my desk, sitting in a chair, sitting on the bank of a river, etc.

I know St. Matt's intentions are pure, but I wont' share with anyone, for the reasons I stated, how much time I spend in prayer. I find it less productive and possibly more damaging than fruitful. :D

i agree with you mow for the reasons you stated i dont mind generalizing, but i have encountered way to many see how much i pray people to get specific, what a shame, i pray all the time, at my desk, on the golf course, lol, really, dt

[Rico]

59 views, and only 6 votes. Come on folks. No one can see how you vote. I believe this would be an eye opening statistic to show us where we are as a group.

Eye opening in what sense, Matt?

[Tina]

Let me also state this. Though I understand God didn't mean watch the clock when he said to "watch and pray", the men who have been the mightiest for God have been men of much prayer. The fact that we spend less time in prayer than we do eating one meal a day says a lot about our priorities.

And you are correct, my intentions are not to condemn, but to challenge us to find more time to spend alone with God. Our spiritual life depends upon it.

I agree..... and I'm doing much better with my prayer time lately.

When we don't spend enough time in prayer, sometimes God has a way of letting things happen that will bring us to our knees.

[Rico]

i agree with you mow for the reasons you stated i dont mind generalizing, but i have encountered way to many see how much i pray people to get specific, what a shame, i pray all the time, at my desk, on the golf course, lol, really, dt

I think it's safe to say we all do. I pray in the shower, in my car, while reading some of these posts around here (:D), when I lay down to go to sleep, as I watch tv programs that stir me, etc. In my opinion, prayer is more about keeping an open line of communication between myself and God at all times. I see the benefit of a specific set time for on my knees kinda prayer too, so I don't want anyone to take my comment the wrong way. I just think we place too much pressure and emphasis on performance when it comes to prayer. It's easy to believe this lie that we don't pray when all along we've been talking to God during the day.

[Cindy]

Joyce Meyers has a very good book(s) on prayer. There are great books on prayer from PPH also.

[Rico]

Another point that just came to mind is that some people may need that structured type of praying to make them feel like they've prayed. That's cool too.

[SDG]

Prayer defined as follows:

Mat 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
Mat 6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen [do]: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
Mat 6:8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
Mat 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Mat 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as [it is] in heaven.
Mat 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.
Mat 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
Mat 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.


I am basically talking about a definite time that you set aside to pray, not just talking to God throughout the day.

This prayer would take less than 5 minutes to make.

[Rico]

Joyce Meyers has a very good book(s) on prayer. There are great books on prayer from PPH also.

Joyce Meyers?!?!?! Uh boy! That done it!! :boxing :D

[Michael The Disciple]

Altho at times it may vary usually 3 times a day for around 30 minutes each time. Regular prayer is the most important thing I know. Why? Because its fellowshipping with Jesus.

[Cindy]

Joyce Meyers?!?!?! Uh boy! That done it!! :boxing :D

Yeah, yeah I know. I like to hear and watch her teach too. As long as she is in the Word I have no problem with her and others.

[stmatthew]

Eye opening in what sense, Matt?

I think that as a general rule, most of us do have secret prayer for 1 hour a day. I would say many do not have a specific 30 minutes that we give only to God in prayer. To me this is tells the tale of why we are seeing so little deep spiritual growth in the OP movement in general.

[SDG]

Altho at times it may vary usually 3 times a day for around 30 minutes each time. Regular prayer is the most important thing I know. Why? Because its fellowshipping with Jesus.

Sounds perfect.

[stmatthew]

Prayer defined as follows:

Mat 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
Mat 6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen [do]: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
Mat 6:8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
Mat 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Mat 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as [it is] in heaven.
Mat 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.
Mat 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
Mat 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.


I am basically talking about a definite time that you set aside to pray, not just talking to God throughout the day.

This prayer would take less than 5 minutes to make.

I assume if we just recite it this would be the case. But one could spend countless hours and never leave verse 9 if they use it as a guideline.

[Cindy]

This prayer would take less than 5 minutes to make.

I have prayed that prayer and the 23rd Psalm for years. One night a year or two ago, the verse of the 23rd Psalm that says, He restoreth my soul, really hit my heart. How marvelous is that one verse. My soul is now restored from darkness to light, from sin to salvation. It is restored to the way it was before sin ever claimed it. Praise the Lord, that is enough to make you shout.

[Rico]

Yeah, yeah I know. I like to hear and watch her teach too. As long as she is in the Word I have no problem with her and others.

I will give JM credit for one thing: She does give some practical advice for daily living. That's the best I can do for ya on her! :D

[SDG]

I think that as a general rule, most of us do have secret prayer for 1 hour a day. I would say many do not have a specific 30 minutes that we give only to God in prayer. To me this is tells the tale of why we are seeing so little deep spiritual growth in the OP movement in general.

I think think the reason litte "deep spiritual growth" in the OP movement deals more w / shallow teaching w/ little emphasis on daily Christian living ... which would include prayer among other things

[SDG]

I assume if we just recite it this would be the case. But one could spend countless hours and never leave verse 9 if they use it as a guideline.

Very possible that one could and at times do just that ... but it does seem that Jesus was answering a question as to how should we pray ... and that's what they got ... a sample prayer.

[stmatthew]

Another point that just came to mind is that some people may need that structured type of praying to make them feel like they've prayed. That's cool too.

Rico, Jesus commanded that "when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly". It is obvious that he expected us to pray (When thou prayest). It is also his instruction that we get alone (enter thy closet) and pray, and close out the world (shut thy door). We have a promise that God will hear our secret prayer, and reward us openly.

I am not trying to promote a ritualistic time of prayer. But how many of us go through the day praying as Rico stated he does, yet never take a definite time to be alone with the lover of our soul?

[Cindy]

But the disciples couldn't stay awake and watch when Jesus went to the garden to pray.

[stmatthew]

I think think the reason litte "deep spiritual growth" in the OP movement deals more w / shallow teaching w/ little emphasis on daily Christian living ... which would include prayer among other things

Maybe my thread can be a help to promote a better daily Christian life for us OP's?

[Rico]

I think that as a general rule, most of us do have secret prayer for 1 hour a day. I would say many do not have a specific 30 minutes that we give only to God in prayer. To me this is tells the tale of why we are seeing so little deep spiritual growth in the OP movement in general.

I can see what you are saying. However, speaking for myself, I have grown more from studying the Word of God than because of my prayer life. As I have already stated, prayer is more about keeping an open line of communication between me and God at all times, regardless of circumstances. I don't pray to get anything from God. I pray just to talk with Him, share my feelings, give Him thanks, that sorta stuff. I know that there's power in prayer and that it can be used to get things from Him (healings, miracles, direction, etc), but getting something from Him isn't my reason for praying.

[stmatthew]

Very possible that one could and at times do just that ... but it does seem that Jesus was answering a question as to how should we pray ... and that's what they got ... a sample prayer.

Carry on Daniel. I am not going to go down the bunny trail on this with you. If you believe that all the Apostles did was pray a 5 minute prayer we call the Lords Prayer, then you can continue in that belief.



The funny thing is, I start a thread with the intent to generate a desire for more prayer, and have to try and prove that we should pray more. Go figure.

[Rico]

Rico, Jesus commanded that "when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly". It is obvious that he expected us to pray (When thou prayest). It is also his instruction that we get alone (enter thy closet) and pray, and close out the world (shut thy door). We have a promise that God will hear our secret prayer, and reward us openly.

I am not trying to promote a ritualistic time of prayer. But how many of us go through the day praying as Rico stated he does, yet never take a definite time to be alone with the lover of our soul?

I am not trying to make a joke here, but when I am in the shower, in my car, reading these threads, etc., I am alone. In fact, I am sitting in this room alone right now.

[SDG]

Rico, Jesus commanded that "when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly". It is obvious that he expected us to pray (When thou prayest). It is also his instruction that we get alone (enter thy closet) and pray, and close out the world (shut thy door). We have a promise that God will hear our secret prayer, and reward us openly.

I am not trying to promote a ritualistic time of prayer. But how many of us go through the day praying as Rico stated he does, yet never take a definite time to be alone with the lover of our soul?

When Jesus told them to shut the door ... it has a broader context, Matt. It deals specifically w/ what MOW addressed in his post about letting the whole world know how much and when we pray.


Before we read these words, it's important to remember that Jesus spoke them in the context of a broader principle; and that broader principle is found in verse 1: "Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds [or a better translation would be 'righteous deeds'] before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven." Our Savior is warning us against doing our acts of righteousness out of an unrighteous motive - that is, so that others will see us do them, and applaud us for them and think well of us. He tells us that if we do that, we may receive the temporal thing that we're after - that is, the approval of men; but we will not receive any reward from the Father.
And so in the context of that broader principle, He says;
And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly" (Matthew 6:5-6).
Also keep in my that there was no closet in most homes back then ... this expression referred to the inner room.

[Rico]

The funny thing is, I start a thread with the intent to generate a desire for more prayer, and have to try and prove that we should pray more. Go figure.

I think what's really surprising you is that your idea of prayer isn't the same as everyone else's.

[MissBrattified]

59 views, and only 6 votes. Come on folks. No one can see how you vote. I believe this would be an eye opening statistic to show us where we are as a group.

StMatthew, I believe it's wrong to tell others how much you pray. So I can't answer your poll, even though it is private.

In general, there are days when I spend a little bit of time, and days when I spend a lot. My conversations with God are part of an ongoing, continuous relationship. While I agree that there should be private time set aside, on the other hand, there can be a lot of futile "hallelujah"'s called out by people who are just watching the clock and trying to "get their time in."

I do not teach my children to pray a certain amount of time each day. To me, that would be like teaching them they have to fast a certain number of days each year. I teach them to talk to God every day, to listen to Him every day, and to fast when they feel God is leading them to, or when they need to gain some self-control.

As far as I'm concerned, the carnality that exists in the church today is due in large part to a lack of relationship with God--not a lack of prayer--and that lack of relationship has been helped along by focusing on numbers, rituals, habits, traditions and outward trappings instead of quality time and a God-centered life.

[SDG]

I am not trying to make a joke here, but when I am in the shower, in my car, reading these threads, etc., I am alone. In fact, I am sitting in this room alone right now.

I'm sure your door is closed when you engage in these activities.

[SDG]

StMatthew, I believe it's wrong to tell others how much you pray. So I can't answer your poll, even though it is private.

The true context of Matthew 6, Miss Bratt ... some miss it.

[Rico]

I'm sure your door is closed when you engage in these activities.

Well, it would be nice to get through at least one shower without someone opening the door 'cause they have to go to the bathroom, but that is a topic for another thread! :D

[MissBrattified]

Carry on Daniel. I am not going to go down the bunny trail on this with you. If you believe that all the Apostles did was pray a 5 minute prayer we call the Lords Prayer, then you can continue in that belief.



The funny thing is, I start a thread with the intent to generate a desire for more prayer, and have to try and prove that we should pray more. Go figure.

I think the point is, Matthew, that telling folks they need to pray a certain amount of minutes per day is not the way to lead them into a prayerful life. It leads them into tradition and ritual.

I agree that we should set aside a special time of day for focusing on God, reading the Word, talking to Him, etc. What I don't agree with is that we should limit that by assigning a time frame. What I have found is that if I am trying to fill up time--that is exactly what I do, but if I just go talk to God until I'm done--the time flies, and often I can spend way more than I first intended. OR, I might be back in the kitchen in just a few minutes.

[rgcraig]

StMatthew, I believe it's wrong to tell others how much you pray. So I can't answer your poll, even though it is private.

In general, there are days when I spend a little bit of time, and days when I spend a lot. My conversations with God are part of an ongoing, continuous relationship. While I agree that there should be private time set aside, on the other hand, there can be a lot of futile "hallelujah"'s called out by people who are just watching the clock and trying to "get their time in."

I do not teach my children to pray a certain amount of time each day. To me, that would be like teaching them they have to fast a certain number of days each year. I teach them to talk to God every day, to listen to Him every day, and to fast when they feel God is leading them to, or when they need to gain some self-control.

As far as I'm concerned, the carnality that exists in the church today is due in large part to a lack of relationship with God--not a lack of prayer--and that lack of relationship has been helped along by focusing on numbers, rituals, habits, traditions and outward trappings instead of quality time and a God-centered life.

I agree completely with your whole post!

[SDG]

I think the point is, Matthew, that telling folks they need to pray a certain amount of minutes per day is not the way to lead them into a prayerful life. It leads them into tradition and ritual.

I agree that we should set aside a special time of day for focusing on God, reading the Word, talking to Him, etc. What I don't agree with is that we should limit that by assigning a time frame. What I have found is that if I am trying to fill up time--that is exactly what I do, but if I just go talk to God until I'm done--the time flies, and often I can spend way more than I first intended. OR, I might be back in the kitchen in just a few minutes.

Oh ... Glaaaaaaaaaaaawry!!!

[Sister Alvear]

Friends, let us all pray more than we ever have. The devil KNOWS his time is short. Pray at all times, driving the car, washing dishes, while you are working...Prayer is our weapon, from it we recieve our strength and many victories are won before we even get on the battlefield through prayer.

[MissBrattified]

The true context of Matthew 6, Miss Bratt ... some miss it.

Nice avatar, DA. :) One of you is really pretty.

[SDG]

Friends, let us all pray more than we ever have. The devil KNOWS his time is short. Pray at all times, driving the car, washing dishes, while you are working...Prayer is our weapon, from it we recieve our strength and many victories are won before we even get on the battlefield through prayer.

Pray w/o ceasing ....

[SDG]

Nice avatar, DA. :) One of you is really pretty.

I feel the Holy Ghost up in here.

:bliss

[Rico]

Nice avatar, DA. :) One of you is really pretty.

It sho ain't him! He must have a lot of money! :toofunny

[MissBrattified]

It sho ain't him! He must have a lot of money! :toofunny

LOL!!!!

[stmatthew]

When Jesus told them to shut the door ... it has a broader context, Matt. It deals specifically w/ what MOW addressed in his post about letting the whole world know how much and when we pray.


Before we read these words, it's important to remember that Jesus spoke them in the context of a broader principle; and that broader principle is found in verse 1: "Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds [or a better translation would be 'righteous deeds'] before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven." Our Savior is warning us against doing our acts of righteousness out of an unrighteous motive - that is, so that others will see us do them, and applaud us for them and think well of us. He tells us that if we do that, we may receive the temporal thing that we're after - that is, the approval of men; but we will not receive any reward from the Father.
And so in the context of that broader principle, He says;
And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly" (Matthew 6:5-6).
Also keep in my that there was no closet in most homes back then ... this expression referred to the inner room.

You are correct. It does refer to the inner room. And it does indeed mean that one is to "get out of site" so they can pray without making a show of it. But it also is a means of getting alone with God. Not to be crude, but when a husband and wife have relations, they usually get by themselves. They do not just "do it" as they go through the day. Our relationship with Christ should likewise have some "alone time". Time that we commune with him.

[DividedThigh]

I think it's safe to say we all do. I pray in the shower, in my car, while reading some of these posts around here (:D), when I lay down to go to sleep, as I watch tv programs that stir me, etc. In my opinion, prayer is more about keeping an open line of communication between myself and God at all times. I see the benefit of a specific set time for on my knees kinda prayer too, so I don't want anyone to take my comment the wrong way. I just think we place too much pressure and emphasis on performance when it comes to prayer. It's easy to believe this lie that we don't pray when all along we've been talking to God during the day.

very true rico, i have always believed it to be a lifestyle rather than an event, dt

[Rico]

LOL!!!!

I can't get over her eyes. Here she is, lookin all sophisticated, elegant, and what not. And then there's Dan, next to her, lookin like, well, Dan! Just doesn't make any sense to me! :reaction

[Michael The Disciple]

Jesus reproved the disciples because they could not pray one hour. It is written that Daniel prayed 3 times a day. Early on in Acts the disciples attended the hour of prayer. Paul said he prayed night and day. These are examples for us.

It only becomes a ritual if one is praying without faith.

[stmatthew]

I think the point is, Matthew, that telling folks they need to pray a certain amount of minutes per day is not the way to lead them into a prayerful life. It leads them into tradition and ritual.

I agree that we should set aside a special time of day for focusing on God, reading the Word, talking to Him, etc. What I don't agree with is that we should limit that by assigning a time frame. What I have found is that if I am trying to fill up time--that is exactly what I do, but if I just go talk to God until I'm done--the time flies, and often I can spend way more than I first intended. OR, I might be back in the kitchen in just a few minutes.

IF this had been implied, then it would be a valid point. No where did anyone tell anyone they had to pray a certain amount of minutes per day. The poll was just a general guide to show how much secret prayer is taking place.

[DividedThigh]

thats funny rico, lol,dt

[SDG]

You are correct. It does refer to the inner room. And it does indeed mean that one is to "get out of site" so they can pray without making a show of it. But it also is a means of getting alone with God. Not to be crude, but when a husband and wife have relations, they usually get by themselves. They do not just "do it" as they go through the day. Our relationship with Christ should likewise have some "alone time". Time that we commune with him.

No one disagrees w/ the notion of making time to commune, Matt. In this we agree and yet as sister Alvear says this should be done all day ... without ceasing.

I'm all for alone ... one-on-one prayer ... I engage in it.

Yet it's your question ... that many are taking issue with, Matt.

And yet you do agree we shouldn't make a "show of it".

Care to join me on the bunny trail?

[DividedThigh]

No one disagrees w/ the notion of making time to commune, Matt. In this we agree and yet as sister Alvear says this should be done all day ... without ceasing.

I'm all for alone ... one-on-one prayer ... I engage in it.

Yet it's your question ... that many are taking issue with, Matt.

And yet you do agree we shouldn't make a "show of it".

Care to join me on the bunny trail?

easter is a long time coming dan, lol

[SDG]

I can't get over her eyes. Here she is, lookin all sophisticated, elegant, and what not. And then there's Dan, next to her, lookin like, well, Dan! Just doesn't make any sense to me! :reaction

Simmer, Rico. She's spoken for ..... ROFL.

She's in love w/ my beautiful brain.

[MissBrattified]

IF this had been implied, then it would be a valid point. No where did anyone tell anyone they had to pray a certain amount of minutes per day. The poll was just a general guide to show how much secret prayer is taking place.

I understand. However, I think most of us are familiar with the "hour a day" teachings, and those who insist that you must pray in the wee hours of the morning, among other things.

[MissBrattified]

Matthew, to continue your previous analogy--I wouldn't answer a poll asking how much "alone time" I spend with my husband, either.

Some things are private, and they can even lose some of their value if they are shared.

[Rico]

Jesus reproved the disciples because they could not pray one hour. It is written that Daniel prayed 3 times a day. Early on in Acts the disciples attended the hour of prayer. Paul said he prayed night and day. These are examples for us.

It only becomes a ritual if one is praying without faith.

Well, given the fact that He was fixin to be taken into custody and murdered, I can see why Jesus would reprove them. I got taken into custody once, and I can promise you that I prayed for more than an hour straight. That does not, however, mean God expects us to pray an hour straight at a time. What you have done is a classic example of someone taking something out of context to make it fit a certain belief.

[DividedThigh]

Matthew, to continue your previous analogy--I wouldn't answer a poll asking how much "alone time" I spend with my husband, either.

Some things are private, and they can even lose some of their value if they are shared.

right miss b, some things are just nunyo, lol,dt

[SDG]

right miss b, some things are just nunyo, lol,dt

Sip of some MYOB juice?

[Rico]

Simmer, Rico. She's spoke for ..... ROFL.

She's in love w/ my beautiful brain.

Pretty as she is, she still doesn't hold a candle to Sister Honey Smooches, so no worries there. ;)
































PS: I still think you have a lot of money and that's why she's with you! :D

[SDG]

Pretty as she is, she still doesn't hold a candle to Sister Honey Smooches, so no worries there. ;)

PS: I still think you have a lot of money and that's why she's with you! :D


I think it's more my wealth of knowledge and wisdom ... and even my cyber-bullyness that attracted her.

[DividedThigh]

Sip of some MYOB juice?

there you go dan, my wife and i have a pact, what is between us stays between us, end of discussion, i love it that she is so private, i am too, goog match, dt

[DividedThigh]

I think it's more my wealth of knowledge and wisdom ... and even my cyber-bullyness that attracted her.

dont kid yourself danny it is your charm, lol

[stmatthew]

No one disagrees w/ the notion of making time to commune, Matt. In this we agree and yet as sister Alvear says this should be done all day ... without ceasing.

I'm all for alone ... one-on-one prayer ... I engage in it.

Yet it's your question ... that many are taking issue with, Matt.

And yet you do agree we shouldn't make a "show of it".

Care to join me on the bunny trail?

How would anyone be making a show of it when no one knows who votes what? It's like taking an offering where everyone comes up and puts money in. No one knows who put the $1 in, and no one knows who put the $100 in. It is PRIVATE. Just like the poll.

But carry on. I am not interested in debating this any longer.

[SDG]

How would anyone be making a show of it when no one knows who votes what? It's like taking an offering where everyone comes up and puts money in. No one knows who put the $1 in, and no one knows who put the $100 in. It is PRIVATE. Just like the poll.

But carry on. I am not interested in debating this any longer.

The poll might be ... but the adjoining posts in this forums are not ...

If this were just a poll ... you might have more to substantiate your claim.

[TRFrance]

Indeed, no one can mandate how much each of us should pray. It should be from the heart, and not simply “putting in time”, like we’re on job. However, I think this thread topic is still very thought –provoking and worthy of discussion and consideration. How many of us, if asked, would say we pray enough? I think many if not most of us, if being honest, would say we don’t pray as much as we probably should.

I think that is the essence of what St. Matt is getting at… not to condemn or point fingers, or to make anyone feel bad, but simply to stir up thought and meaningful discussion on the matter

[Praxeas]

HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU SPEND IN PRAYER EACH DAY?


Not really looking for any specifics to be posted as much as just voting in the poll.

BTW - The Poll is private, so we cannot see who votes what.
As I have gotten older I have become more concerned with the quality of my prayers than th quantity

[shag]

I appreciate what I believe to be the intent of this thread. We all agree, God wants some quantity time (and quality time) communicating with his children. I need to pray more.



(My 3.5 hr.'s a day is a disgrace :toofunny)

[Esther]

Let me also state this. Though I understand God didn't mean watch the clock when he said to "watch and pray", the men who have been the mightiest for God have been men of much prayer. The fact that we spend less time in prayer than we do eating one meal a day says a lot about our priorities.

And you are correct, my intentions are not to condemn, but to challenge us to find more time to spend alone with God. Our spiritual life depends upon it.

Yes it does.

Talk to any backslider and they will tell you their prayer life stopped.

Also, our NATION needs prayer desperatly today!

[1Corinth2v4]

Some folks go a day without praying?!!! I wonder how their spouse would feel if they were ignored a complete day by their husband/wife?

[Rico]

Some folks go a day without praying?!!! I wonder how their spouse would feel if they were ignored a complete day by their husband/wife?

Dude, sometimes I wish I could ignore my wife for a whole day! Whachutalkinbout? :D

[1Corinth2v4]

Dude, sometimes I wish I could ignore my wife for a whole day! Whachutalkinbout? :D

I don't know.....what would your wife say if she found out?

[ForeverBlessed]

As a pastor, I never tell anyone how much "time" I spend in prayer. The main reason is that to do so would be to set people up for failure on either spectrum. Some would say, "I could never spend that much time" and others would say, "That's all you pray?"

We get far too hung up on the amount of time spent than on who we spend it with. Do many of you remember the "Complete Prayer Clock?" We were all basically told that unless we spent an hour daily in prayer, that we really weren't praying as we were supposed to. I vividly remember poor saints who were agonizing just trying to get their time in so as to please the Lord. To most, it was pure misery due to the fact that the emphasis was on the hour.

Prayer is communication with God. That can be on my knees, in my car, at my desk, sitting in a chair, sitting on the bank of a river, etc.I know St. Matt's intentions are pure, but I wont' share with anyone, for the reasons I stated, how much time I spend in prayer. I find it less productive and possibly more damaging than fruitful. :D

I can understand what you mean... :)

I am not sure I can put a time limit on prayers...sometimes I wake up and pray 30 min or so before ever getting out of bed... some mornings I don't... I pray on my way to work everyday... at my desk, i pray on my way home.. i pray and thank him continually as I go about my day... in the evenings there are times it seems I pray for a hours...especially when things are weighing heavy on me... then some days it may only be 10-20 min of concentrated prayer.... i love to just drive and pray in the evenings... really can't put a time limit on praying...

I finally figured out what it meant by "Praying without ceasing" I just talk to God as if I have him as my invisible friend... he is with me always... always there and willing to even listen to me whine every so often.... I've found he listens to my rambles :blah and doesn't call me the ramble queen.. lol

On a more serious note, it never ceases to amaze me that he listens and hears my smallest prayer.. he is so faithful to me.

[Rico]

I don't know.....what would your wife say if she found out?

That she's been lookin for a way to ignore me for a day too!! :toofunny We've been together a long time, so we have no problem being that honest with each other. Anyone who thinks that marriage is always lovey dovey smooches and not being able to be apart from each other for even one minute is only foolin themselves. Lots of times it's about finding a way to keep from beating each other senseless!!!!! :D

[ForeverBlessed]

StMatthew, I believe it's wrong to tell others how much you pray. So I can't answer your poll, even though it is private.

In general, there are days when I spend a little bit of time, and days when I spend a lot. My conversations with God are part of an ongoing, continuous relationship. While I agree that there should be private time set aside, on the other hand, there can be a lot of futile "hallelujah"'s called out by people who are just watching the clock and trying to "get their time in."

I do not teach my children to pray a certain amount of time each day. To me, that would be like teaching them they have to fast a certain number of days each year. I teach them to talk to God every day, to listen to Him every day, and to fast when they feel God is leading them to, or when they need to gain some self-control.

As far as I'm concerned, the carnality that exists in the church today is due in large part to a lack of relationship with God--not a lack of prayer--and that lack of relationship has been helped along by focusing on numbers, rituals, habits, traditions and outward trappings instead of quality time and a God-centered life.

excellent post.

[Mrs. LPW]

One thing I know, this poll convicts me! Thank you for that StMatt!

[Ron]

One thing is for certain, it is not enough when compared to Jesus!
He continued in prayer all night!