” . . . we find that the soul’s silence brings us to God and God to us. Silence takes us beyond the limits of consciousness and into the heart and mind and will of God.” – J. Brent Bill, Quaker Pastor/Author

I have a prayer list in my head – things and people I pray for and about every day. Occasionally I wonder if God gets tired of hearing the same requests over and over again. But, he says we should ask. And Jesus even encouraged persistence in prayer. So I don’t think it’s wrong to repeat our prayers.

Even so, there may be times when we should pray without words, sitting silently in God’s presence in an attitude of worship and waiting while we think about him or focus on a verse of Scripture. After a while, we may find a thought enter our head about someone or something we have been praying about – often it will be an insight about what the real need is and how we can better understand that person or situation. Then, when we pray with words, we can pray the prayer God wants us to pray – one that reflects his will.

“There are times when solitude is better than society, and silence is wiser than speech. We should be better Christians if we were more alone, waiting upon God, and gathering through meditation on His Word spiritual strength for labour in his service.” (Charles Spurgeon)

Paul tells us we should pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Does he mean we should be talking all day long? No. Sometimes prayer can be a quiet connection with God.

Or, to paraphrase Francis of Assissi: Pray without ceasing. When necessary use words.

“Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 (The Message)