Do you think praying for something more than once is showing lack of faith?

Question

Now I know there are a lot of heated debates on religion on Yahoo Answers, but I just found this interesting and I was curious to see what other people thought.

I talked to someone recently who believed that if they prayed for something more than once it was demonstrating a lack of faith. And that God shouldn’t need to be reminded repeatedly that, for example, you hope someone gets well or whatever the case may be.

What do you think?

Answer 1

I really think God admires and rewards persistance. Jesus told about a widow who bugged some guy almost to death--the squeaky wheel got the grease in that parable. where it says in the Bible "Ask and you shall recieve" the original scripture should have been translated to say "Ask and keep on asking....." now, it is good to have a short one-time faithful prayer... i will never say that that is wrong.. but it pays to bug God. when i first learned about prayer for healing people, i was a pit-bull on God's pantleg--and i didnt let go until that person got well. i continue to be a pit-bull on God's pant leg--and i continue to see people get well.
the first thing i learned about "asking in prayer" was to KNOW GOD--and to know God is to KNOW God is GOOD.
knowing this, you can faithfully pray for anything that is GOOD. and God has never punished me for coming to Him over and over again on the same matter
i would say to look at the results of a "one prayer person" and look at the results of a "persistant prayer person" are they both the same? if so, why? if not--why?.

Answer 2

I don't think it is a lack of faith, but that is an interesting question.

I believe in praying continuously. . . .lol. . .wonder if God sometimes wishes we would only ask once.

The thing I struggle with most is actually expecting to receive what I am praying about. . . .it is easy to pray and then continue to worry. . .which is not really how it is supposed to work.

Answer 3

Philippians 4:6: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
1Th 5:17 Pray without ceasing

Pray always, for everything you want, need, have, see in need...pray all day. This just means to keep him in your heart always, and pray for what you need no matter how small if you know he can provide it. Do not forget the thanksgiving though! Praise him in your prayers also!

Answer 4

we are asked in scripture over and over again, to be persistent in prayer- no there is no place in God's word that says not to pray for the same thing more than once-
There was a woman who kept going to the judge to plead her case- the judge kept turning her away- finally after many requests he granted her plea, because she kept after him.

How much more will our heavenly Father give us what we ask when we persistently come before Him- He is not human like this judge- He is divine.

Answer 5

I have never heard that. Sometimes I have prayed many, many times before I had a prayer answered. I see nothing wrong with it.

Answer 6

It is not Biblical.
The Holy Bible prophets, disciples, apostles, Almighty God, & Jesus Christ tell us not give up or quit at one prayer and they encourage believers to keep praying, keep asking, keep knocking, keep seeking...all through The Old and New Testament.

Answer 7

No. Jesus listens to the continued, furtive prayer of the faithful.

Answer 8

HMM...I DON'T THINK SO I THINK IT'S JUST SHOWING GOD YOUR PASSIONATE ABOUT SOMETHING...(EVEN THO HE KNOWS EVERYTHING) I PRAY EVERY NIGHT THAT MY RELATIONSHIP WILL WORK OUT FOR THE LONG RUN AND I ALSO PRAY FOR THINGS I MIGHT WANT/NEED AND FOR BLESSINGS FOR OTHERS.

Answer 9

Instead of trying to find the 'right' answer, try finding the answer that makes sense you to personally. You'll never go wrong.

Answer 10

Jesus once laid His hands on a blind man twice.
Mark 8:22-26
I don't think that was because of His unbelief.