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RE:QUEST

A space for resources to help RE teachers and their students explore the Christian faith
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When do Christians Pray?

Do they have to pray at certain times of the day?

man holding his hands on open book

COMMUNAL PRAYER

When Christians meet together - for example, at a church service - they often make time to pray. Sometimes it is just a group of friends praying for one another, or for something that concerns them.

Sometimes one person may read a set prayer, or pray out loud on behalf of everyone. Everyone joins in by thinking about what is being prayed for and then saying 'Amen' at the end. Sometimes all will say a prayer together. One of the best-known is the prayer Jesus taught his followers, called the Lord's Prayer.

 

PRAYER EVENTS

A lot of churches have special prayer services, when everyone who attends is invited to take part in prayer. Some churches run 24/7 prayer spaces, prayer rooms that are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

In these rooms, you might find words from the Bible, newspaper clippings, objects or just comfortable, quiet places where people can think about God, say thank you to him and also pray about anything on their mind, in their communities or in the wider world.

 

PERSONAL PRAYER

At other times Christians may go to a quiet, peaceful place where they feel safe and can spend time alone talking to and listening to God. This may be outside or in a favourite room in their house. The Bible says:

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

 

So wherever they are or whatever they are doing Christians should always be praying - always be listening out for God's voice and focused on Him throughout the day.

And, most importantly, there is no specific time for prayer.

Did you know? The word ‘Amen’, which a lot of people say at the end of a prayer, means ‘so be it’. It is a way of agreeing with what somebody speaking or praying says.