Is it acceptable to repeatedly pray for the same thing?
The question of whether it is acceptable to repeatedly pray for the same thing is common among believers. On one hand, some may feel unsure if persistently praying about something shows a lack of faith in God’s timing and plan. On the other hand, examples in the Bible demonstrate believers continuously praying for the same request. So what does the Bible say about persistently praying for the same thing?
First, Scripture encourages believers to pray continually and persistently. Jesus told the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8 to illustrate the importance of persisting in prayer. The widow kept appealing to the unjust judge until he granted her request. Jesus concludes the parable by saying, “And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily” (Luke 18:7-8a). This parable encourages continued prayer, emphasizing God’s attentiveness and eagerness to answer persistent prayer.
The Apostle Paul also urges believers to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and “continue steadfastly in prayer” (Colossians 4:2). Hebrews 4:16 invites Christians to “approach the throne of grace with boldness” so they can receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. While constant prayerfulness does not require nonstop formal prayer sessions, these verses do indicate prayer for specific needs should be frequent and ongoing. Biblically, persistence in prayer is portrayed as a virtue, not a lack of faith.
In fact, many examples throughout Scripture show believers praying persistently for the same request. In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul prays three times for God to remove his “thorn in the flesh.” God answers not by removing the thorn but by assuring Paul of His sufficient grace. Jesus prays up to three times for God to “let this cup pass” from Him in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46). Though the Father did not grant this request, He did send an angel to strengthen Jesus and affirm His will. In Genesis 18:22-33, Abraham persistently intercedes for Sodom by appealing to God’s justice when God informs Abraham He will destroy the city. Though God did not relent in sparing Sodom, He appreciated Abraham’s boldness and compassion in interceding repeatedly for these cities.
Based on such examples, repeatedly praying for the same request is not necessarily showing lack of faith. Rather, it demonstrates dependence on God and His sovereignty. Christians are to bring their heartfelt concerns before God while resting in the assurance that “we have the requests that we have asked” because God grants requests aligned with His will (1 John 5:14-15). Paul prayed repeatedly regarding his thorn because he knew his weakness provided opportunity for God’s power and grace to be displayed. Jesus prioritized God’s will above His own desire to avoid the cross. Abraham relied on God’s righteousness in interceding for Sodom. Their persistence reflected faith in God’s character and trust in His ultimate plan.
This does not mean God promises to grant every request if prayed for often enough. But repeatedly praying about something is like the persistence of a friend coming to another friend in need. Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” (Luke 11:9). God invites His people to keep seeking, asking and knocking expectantly. As a good Father, God may sometimes delay answering or say no for purposes that go beyond our limited understanding. Yet as believers persist in prayer, their dependence on Him increases. Their desires align more closely with His purposes. And they gain strength to say, “Not my will but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42).
The Bible gives two major cautions regarding persistent prayer. First, Jesus warns against thinking the repetition itself earns God’s answer, as in the practice of “babbling.” Matthew 6:7-8 says, “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Secondly, Scripture warns that persistent prayer must come from a right heart motive – not selfishness but genuine faith. James 4:2-3 says, “You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.” So persistence must come from humble dependency, not vain repetition or selfish motives.
Overall, the Bible clearly demonstrates that repeatedly praying for the same thing can be acceptable if done 1) continually, 2) persistently, 3) expectantly, 4) in submission to God’s will, 5) from right heart motives, and 6) with trust in God’s ultimate plan. Some key takeaways are:
– God encourages bold, ongoing prayer about requests and desires. He is pleased with persistence and attentiveness to prayer.
– Repeated prayer is often seen positively throughout Scripture as an expression of faith and reliant trust.
– While God may delay or say no, persistence demonstrates the petitioner’s reliance on the Father’s purposes versus one’s own desires.
– Two major cautions are to avoid repetition as a meaningless exercise, and pray from humility more than selfishness.
– Approaching God frequently and persistently with the same request can strengthen one’s relationship with Him. It trains a believer to yield their will to His purposes.
In summary, praying persistently and repeatedly for the same thing can absolutely be acceptable according to God’s Word. It expresses faithful dependence, reliant trust, and a desire for God’s perfect will. Through continued prayer, believers grow in relationship with Him and willingness to surrender to His sovereign plan.