Why pray more than once?

Why do people pray for the same things over and over again?

For instance, you go to church, and you and everyone else prays for little Billy's misshapen head.
The next Sunday, you are back, and Billy's head still looks like a half rotten apple.

You pray again for Billy.
Next Sunday, same thing, pray for Billy.
..and so on...

What is the underlying reasoning here? Does God need to be reminded? Or maybe he needs to be convinced? I was taught that God was everywhere and knew all of our thoughts and deeds.

?2013-08-23T13:12:21Z

Favorite Answer

First off I like your Question. Second it is important to pray more than once. For instance I have a friend who desperately needs Jesus, so I pray. I don't just pray once I pray everyday for her. It isn't so much that God needs a reminder it is more a reminder for yourself. After you continually pray for someone or something you will begin to see slow and steady changes in what you are praying for. Yes He does know all thoughts but it pleases Him to know that his children talk to him. He already knows what you are going to say to Him, He just needs to hear it from your mouth. Just like with Christmas you told your mom and dad that you wanted a toy but you didn't tell them more than once you told them many times, so you don't forget what you want and so that they know. I hope I answered your question!

Anonymous2013-08-24T12:49:20Z

People pray for the same thing over and over again because they don't believe God is answering them. It is their lack of faith in God and their belief in whatever it is that they are fearing.

To beg is to presuppose opposition.

The Bible tells us whatsoever you believe you will receive.

Notice the difference in tenses. Jesus tells us to believe and accept as true the fact that our desire has already been accomplished and fulfilled. That is has already completed and that it’s realization will follow as a thing in the future! The success of this technique depends upon the confident conviction that the thought, the idea, the picture is already a fact in mind. Once you ask, it's a done deal. You should be happy, filled with joyful expectation that the healing is well on it's way. Right now!

Tommiecat2013-08-23T13:06:00Z

The prophet Daniel prayed for 21 days even though The Lord told him that he had heard him on the first day. Praying more than once is not a lack of faith.

I Am Blessed2013-08-23T13:07:48Z

Praying more than once is in many cultures and how even numbers have symbolic meaning... such as Kabbbalah and the meaning of actual numbers (18 means life, 73 wisdom, etc)

?2013-08-23T13:07:48Z

Because Jesus himself prayed more then once at the garden the night before he was to be taken away to be crucified. You are following the example of Christ himself. Prayer isn't to make God better, he has everything he needs allready. Prayer is nourishment for our souls. I cannot imagine my life without prayer.

Show more answers (4)