This query was asked in one of our session in our leadership training program led by Pastor Felizardo Abanto. The answers? Some said 30 minutes, some 15, some 10, 5, 3, 1, ... well, some even said less than 1 minute and others say they are not timing their prayer. We know that whether it be long or short, as along as what we pray for (for the good of all and not self), and pray to (God and not idols or other gods), the way we pray (specific and direct not meaningless repeatings), and the reason we pray (for God's glory not man's praise) is right, then technically, it's right.
Now, let's assume that our prayer is right. Now then comes how long we pray. Are you timing your prayer? Whether we like it or not, it's important how long we pray. Are you one of those Christians who pray relatively long, or those who pray five minutes or less than a minute? I'm not talking about praying before meal, or in meetings, or in public, or any other, but your personal prayer. How long are you conversing with God?
The Bible and the Holy Spirit is the way God talks to us, which are certainly more than a minute or five minutes. Prayer is our way of talking back to him. So are we fair with God? Do we pray as long as He talks to us?
Don't say you don't have something to pray, because there's much to pray for. Begin with God's will, then for the world, your country, your community, your church, loved ones, family, then yourself. The word much is not enough to describe it. There's so very much to pray for, so less-than-a-minute prayer is not tolerable for God. If we want to please Him, we would talk to Him much. Examine how many words you say to your loved one or friend, and you'll find how should you talk to the One who have always talked to you.
"Time your prayer life," my pastor says. And it's a good advice for you my friend, if you want to grow in Christ. --Bro. Elijah E. Abanto
To read this paper in Filipino language, request our BDJ Paper by e-mailing us: cypapaper@live.com.
