Prayer is for every occasion

He is our all-occasion God, so let’s stop talking to Him only for special events.

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. (Ephesians 6:18)

Have you got a pair of shoes you always wear? I usually have one pair sitting out, ones that are easy to get into and out of. If I’m fortunate, they’re even fairly nice looking, so I can wear them to any event (except a formal).

Granted a special occasion might require something a bit fancier, but I don’t have special occasions very often. That’s why they’re special! But I go get the mail or feed the cats or go to church or the grocery store all the time.

When I think about something that is an “all-occasion” item, that means it must be suitable for whatever is happening on a moment’s notice. And I’m not sure there is a better definition anywhere for prayer.

Prayer is our “every occasion” response to life.

You should be praying for your normal life. Pray about your taxes. Pray about your income. Pray about your groceries. Not gonna lie, sometimes I pray that specific items are available at the store. Pray for your family, your friends, your coworkers. When work is stressing you out, pray. When you didn’t get enough sleep, pray. When you have a cold you can’t shake, pray. When you feel great, pray.

Pray. In every occasion. The good, the bad, the ugly, the lovely.

Too often we relegate prayer into the special occasion category. We treat it like a last resort. Don’t! God isn’t a last resort. He’s the only resort! He’s the One who makes things happen, who brings blessing, who moves mountains, who makes the impossible possible.

So don’t beat around the bush trying to get something done that is beyond your control. Go straight to the source for whatever you need, whenever you need it.

And then, whether God has answered yet or not, ask Him again. Be persistent. He is our all-occasion God, so let’s stop talking to Him only for special events.

Questions for Reflection

• Why do we think we are bothering God when we pray?

• How is one way you could shift your mindset toward prayer?

• What is the most frivolous thing you’ve ever prayed for?

Weekly Memory Verse: