How long should someone pray for something?

My feelings as well.
I think there is a difference between repetition and persistence.

repetition - not so great.
persistence - great.

Somethings i cant help returning to - present life issues.
My daughter is going to have surgery and I can't help being both repetitive and persistent for her wellness.

As the Spirit leads?

 

You can put your fleece out.

 

Until God releases you from that commitment to keep on praying. I prayed for 30 years that both my Father and good friend would be saved by God, and finally received peace to stop ting, and God saved each of them later on!hat request

 

We are to pray, without ceasing.

Repetition has to do with saying the same words over and over and is used by many to get into some euphoric estate of mysticism more often when coupled with musical elements. This has no place in the believer.

Persistence is a highly regarded attribute. One that the name it and claim it folks neglect.

 

Many of you have probably heard of "praying through the psalms". It helps to break up the monotony that prayers can sometimes become.

Take the psalm of the day (for today they are 16, 46, 76, 106, 136), read verse by verse looking applications to your situation. It is helpful.

For example, Psalm 16:1 "Preserve me oh God, for I put my trust in You."

Meditate on the words. We have God's ear. We can ask for His hand of protection as we trust His ultimate decisions. Pray the inspired words of God back to God.

"I ask for your protection, Oh Lord. Preserve me in the present situation. Never allow my trust in You falter" and so on.

Peace to you

 

" And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites [are]: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen [do]: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him." ( Matthew 6:5-8 ).

" Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." ( James 5:16 ).