First, there is the danger that by having a daily prayer time, we fall into the subtle belief that since we have had a prayer time, we have somehow obtained a right standing before God because of our perceived obedience. This is a dangerous belief because it suddenly renders our need for the gospel moot. It is as if we believe that by having our prayer time, we are no longer in need of Christ. No, we will never outgrow our need for our Savior and HIS righteousness. 

I know some will question the title of this post, thinking, “How can having a daily prayer time ever be a problem?” True prayer led by the Spirit cannot be a problem, however, we are fallen beings and since our biggest struggle is with the sin and flesh, we need to be on guard even in our prayers.

What I seek to help us understand as that due to our sinfulness, even knowing the truth to the contrary, we are in danger of letting our daily prayer times trip us up in our spiritual growth.

How so?

First, there is the danger that by having a daily prayer time, we fall into the subtle belief that since we have had a prayer time, we have somehow obtained a right standing before God because of our perceived obedience. This is a dangerous belief because it suddenly renders our need for the gospel moot. It is as if we believe that by having our prayer time, we are no longer in need of Christ. No, we will never outgrow our need for our Savior and HIS righteousness. Thank heavens He is a always making petition for us on our behalf, because we always need Him. Prayer times are a blessing, but they do not render the gospel null and void. We need the gospel just as much now as we did when we first believed regardless of our prayer times.

Secondly, we need to be on guard that our daily prayer time doesn’t somehow become our spiritual talisman against the trials we still face. There have been days where I have had a wonderful prayer time in the morning, only to be followed by the most wretched day in the world. My erroneous thought was: “what the heck did the prayer time get me?”

That is the moment that I realized it was more of a good luck charm, than a time with our LORD.

Finally, one final danger we must understand, a daily prayer time is not prescribed in the Bible. No where does it say, “have a daily quiet time.” No, the Bible says pray always, but it doesn’t require us to have a time where we sip our coffee, read the Bible, think sweet thoughts about Jesus and then go on and forget we are believers the rest of the day.

We are to be praying continuously as we go about our business, trusting in the LORD, asking Him for guidance, protection and wisdom to meet our daily needs. If we JUST have a daily prayer time, we fail in the bigger requirement to pray continuously.

I hope these are helpful. They are to me. I need the reminders as well. Now pray, pray always as Paul tells us, and enjoy your moments alone in the word with our Savior.