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Why the Quantity of Our Prayers Matters

Why the Quantity of Our Prayers Matters

Last updated on: September 16, 2026 at 8:33 am by Jocelyn Soriano

Why the Quantity of Our Prayers Matters 2026-08-17T11:41:53+08:00 Jocelyn Soriano

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We may have heard some people say that when it comes to prayer, quality is more important than quantity. After all, it is the sincerity of our hearts that counts at the end of the day. Why pray frequently when you pray absentmindedly?

In a way, these sayings point to something real. We should never exchange sincere, heartfelt prayers for frequent yet empty prayers.

But what if we could pray wholeheartedly more often? Could there also be something powerful about the frequency of our prayers that can help us in growing closer to God?

Prayer is a habit that forms character and virtue

Prayer need not be a single powerful act. If we can make prayer a habit, it can change our character and help us grow in virtue.

“Virtues are formed by prayer. Prayer preserves temperance. Prayer suppresses anger. Prayer prevents emotions of pride and envy. Prayer draws into the soul the Holy Spirit, and raises man to Heaven.” – St. Ephraem of Syria

“Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints.” -Ephesians 6:18 (NRSVCE)

Christ is the vine and we are the branches

Prayer is the connection that helps us to be united with Jesus Christ. By praying more often, we continue to remain in Him, who is the Source of all good things.

“I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.” – John 15:5 (NRSVCE)

Praying more often helps us remember

It is part of our human frailty to forget. If we do not consciously try to remember, we often forget the many blessings God has given us. Sometimes, we forget how much God loves us.

By praying more often, we help ourselves to remember these things. We place ourselves in God’s presence once again and we recall His generosity, kindness and love.

“Prayer is the inner bath of love into which the soul plunges itself.” – St. John Vianney

Praying frequently deepens our relationship with God

Before human friendships are formed, we need to spend time with people so that we can know them and enjoy doing various activities with them. Even after being friends, we still need to renew our bond by meeting them, talking and staying in touch.

It is the same with God. It is not enough to simply know Him through one encounter. Ours is a relationship that needs to deepen with time, and prayer is the key to do that.

“‘My daughter…why do you not tell me about everything that concerns you, even the smallest details? Tell Me about everything, and know that this will give Me great joy.’ I answered, ‘But You know about everything, Lord.’ And Jesus replied to me, ‘Yes I do know; but you should not excuse yourself with the fact that I know, but with childlike simplicity talk to Me about everything, for my ears and heart are inclined towards you, and your words are dear to Me.’” –Jesus to St. Faustina, Divine Mercy in my Soul (2; 921)

We can pray without words

We need not fear that we sometimes find it hard to say anything in prayer. We can pray not only with words but with our hearts. Instead of saying much, we can also spend our prayers listening to God and abiding in His holy presence.

“Prayer is an aspiration of the heart, it is a simple glance directed to heaven, it is a cry of gratitude and love in the midst of trial as well as joy…” – St.Therese of Lisieux

We can pray while working

Let us remember that we can pray even while we are working. God knows our needs, and He knows the many things we must do. But we can do all such things with God in mind and keeping our hearts close to His.

“Know that even when you are in the kitchen, our Lord moves amidst the pots and pans.” – St. Teresa of Avila

We can pray while resting

We can also pray while resting. Isn’t our true rest found only in His merciful heart? Let us cast away our worries and lay down our burdens at His feet. And let our prayer of trust refresh our souls.

“Break off from your cares and labors. Make a little time for God and rest a while in him.” – St. Anselm

Pray without ceasing

The truth is that we must never stop praying. Whether at work or at rest, we must abide in God’s presence through prayer.

Let us avail of this priceless means of uniting ourselves with God. Pray always and persevere in prayer. Even when we think that our prayers are imperfect, and even when we can’t find the words to say, let us continue and lift up our hearts to God. God knows our intentions and He will make up for what we lack.

Pray and trust in Him who loves you. Remain always in His love.

“Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 (NABRE)

“My little children, your hearts, are small, but prayer stretches them and makes them capable of loving God. Through prayer we receive a foretaste of heaven and something of paradise comes down upon us. Prayer never leaves us without sweetness. It is honey that flows into the souls and makes all things sweet. When we pray properly, sorrows disappear like snow before the sun.” – St. John Vianney

Jocelyn Soriano is the author of the book To Love an Invisible God. “How do we know that God loves us? How do we love Him back? Is it possible to love Someone we cannot even see?”

Get the book from Amazon

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You may also want to read “Which Religion Is About Relationships?”

General Christian

About Jocelyn Soriano

Jocelyn Soriano is an author, poet, and book reviewer. She is an introvert who enjoys a cup of coffee and listening to the cello ****** while working.

She wrote the books To Love an Invisible God, Defending My Catholic Faith and Mend My Broken Heart. She also wrote books on poetry including Poems of Love and Letting Go and Of Waves and Butterflies: Poems on Grief. She has published more than 15 books and developed her own Android applications including God’s Promises and Catholic Answers and Apologetics.

She writes about relationships and common questions about God and the Catholic faith at Single Catholic Writer. She is currently single and happy and she would like everyone to know how happy we can be by drawing close to the love of God!

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