There is really no bad time to pray. God always hears us when we approach His throne in prayer. But perhaps when we consider the different times we can or should pray, it will help us to pray more often.

In the Morning

The Psalmist said, “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee and will look up” (Psalms 5:3). Morning prayer is particularly beneficial. Talking with God and asking Him to direct us through the day and keep us safe is a great way to start any day. It helps to put things in proper perspective and reminds us that we are not alone as we go out into the world and face the difficulties of a sinful society. God does hear our prayers. When you ask God to watch over you and to keep you and your family safe throughout the day, there is no reason not to have confidence that He will do so. In fact, only a lack of faith would cause one to conclude otherwise. It doesn’t do much good to ask for God’s help if you don’t expect to get it. James said, “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed” (James 1:6). Before you go out into the cold, cruel world that we live in, and face all of the problems of daily life, don’t forget to pray.

At Night

In Psalms 88:1, 2 we read, “O Lord God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee. Let my prayer come before thee: incline thine ear unto my cry.” Night is another excellent time to pray. At night, when the kids are in bed and one has some peaceful quiet time, prayer is especially appropriate. Just like prayer is a good way of starting a day, it is a good way of ending a day as well. God has answered our prayer of watching over us for another day, and so it is appropriate to thank Him for answering that prayer and making provision for us for yet another day.

At night before we go to sleep is a good time to ask God to forgive us of any sin we may have committed during the day. Remember, God is a forgiving God, but we must confess our sins and ask Him to pardon them for us (1 John 1:9). We do not have to itemize each sin that we have committed and call them each by name, for there may be a sin committed of which we are unaware. We merely need to ask God to forgive us of any sins we may have committed, and His grace will do the rest. Of course, if you are aware of a particular sin you committed, you should name it specifically, but a general prayer for forgiveness is always a wise prayer to offer before we go to bed at night.

In Time of Need

No one is more willing and able to help us in times of need than our heavenly Father. God receives as much joy in helping us out of the difficulties of life as we do helping our own children. Shouldn’t we cast our cares upon Him in times of need? (1 Peter 5:7). It is certainly unwise not to take advantage of such a great resource of help as we have in God. When we neglect to pray to God in times of need, it is like saying, “I like my problems and do not want them resolved.” Worse than that, it demonstrates a lack of faith in God to do what He says He will do, that is, help us in times of need. Why not trust God? Hasn’t He come through for you and a countless number of other Christians in times past? When you’re in trouble, that’s a good time to kneel before God in prayer.

In Times of Prosperity

It is all too common for God’s people to forget Him when things are going well. Moses warned the Israelites, “Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God… Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein; And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage” (Deuteronomy 8:11-14). Let’s learn from the poor example of Israel. When we prosper, we must remember that all good gifts come from God (James 1:17). When things are going well, the best way to assure that they continue to do so is to thank God in prayer.

It is always a good time to pray. Take heed to the exhortation of Paul and pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).