Praying With Persistence
Have you ever persisted in prayer over a long period? Most of us have. Praying with persistence may mean a lengthy campaign of intercession, but Paul instructs us to “always keep on praying” (Ephesians 6:18 NIV). What does it mean to be persistent?
Persistence as we understand it in our day is “refusing to give up or let go.” Let’s look now at a Biblical definition.
Jesus tells a parable about a man who goes to a friend at midnight and asks for three loaves of bread. But the friend tells him his door is locked, and his family is in bed so he will not answer his request. Here is what Jesus says:
“I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs. So I say to you, ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”(Luke 11:5-8-10 NKJV)
Biblical scholars say this teaches persistence in prayer, along with a sense of urgency and boldness. The three imperatives are in the Greek present tense, denoting a continuous asking, seeking, and knocking. This encourages us to keep on asking boldly for God’s intervention in a situation. 1
We can keep our divine connection viable by simply talking to Father God and Jesus our Savior, even as we would talk to our best friend. Express our deepest feelings. Admit our mistakes. Pray as the Holy Spirit leads.
Listen for His answers—an essential element in effective prayer. And consider praying more persistently.
You may want to join us in praying this from our book Warfare Prayers For Women:
“Lord Jesus, pray with persistence? Yes, I desire to be more bold, specific and purposeful in intercessory prayer. You commended a man’s persistence when he kept on asking, seeking, knocking until a door was opened (see Luke 11:5-10). Lord, I desire that my steadfast prayers stay focused on Your power, not on trying to overcome Your reluctance to answer. You are such a loving caring Shepherd. As an intercessor, I want to be on call to pray for any situation or person You alert me to pray for until that prayer burden lifts, and I feel a release to pray for something else. Make me sensitive to when You are leading me into prayer assignments. May the Holy Spirit help me pray more effectively with bold, continual, relentless prayers that hit the mark and accomplish what is on Your heart. I give Father all the glory and thanks for every answered prayer, Amen.”
Scriptures: “Let us come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
“Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God’s consecrated people).” (Ephesians 6:18 AMPC)
“… according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.”(Ephesians 3:10-12 NIV)
1.Jack Hayford, ed. New Spirit-Filled Life Bible, notes on Luke 11:5-9, 1534.
2. Warfare Prayers for Women, Quin Sherrer and Ruthanne Garlock, Chosen Books, 2020, page 28.
Comments (0)