How long do I pray for a situation to change.

A young guy once asked me, “How long do I pray for a situation to change and are there times I don’t need to pray?” Well, there’re times and certain situations that don’t require you to pray for a protracted period. Some other times and situations require importunity, that is, heartfelt continuity in prayer. Both are very important, depending on what you’re dealing with. But the bottom line is that as a Christian, prayer must be a lifestyle.

The reason for prayer isn’t to convince God that you’re truly serious about your objective for praying. Rather, it’s about spending time in fellowship with Him and what that does in your spirit. Give your best times and most productive moments to prayer. Try not to be in a hurry during your prayer times, because sometimes, even when you think you’re done praying, the Holy Spirit might still want you to continue. He may bring words to you with which to pray. Remember, He has a ministry in our lives; He’s the One who teaches us how to pray.

When we pray, we don’t always know everything we’re supposed to say about certain situations. But God, through the Holy Spirit, teaches us what to say and how to pray correctly and effectively. That’s why giving time and attention to prayer in the Spirit is important. Give attention to praying in tongues; don’t be distracted.

When it’s time to pray, have the discipline to keep everything else aside. The more other things try to distract you, the more you should focus and keep praying. Let your spirit receive that discipline; then, you’ll achieve the primary purpose of prayer, which is the conditioning of your spirit and mind until God’s thoughts become your thoughts, and His words become your words. The specific, creative word on your lips that the Spirit brings to you at such moments of prayer produces the result.

Excerpt from Pastor Chris teaching.