How persistent are you in prayer?

Are there areas of your prayer life in which you need to be more persistent? Today, we will study the importance of persistence in our prayer lives. Through Jesus’s teaching and parables, we will explore the power of persistent prayers, trusting God’s timing, overcoming doubt, and praying with expectation.

The persistent friend at midnight

“And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence, he will rise and give him whatever he needs.” Luke 11:5-8

In this parable, Jesus shows us that he wants us to persist in our prayers. When the man goes to his friend, the friend doesn’t want to open the door because it is late at night.

But the man continues to knock, asking his friend for bread. Finally, the friend gets up and helps his friend—but not because of their friendship. He gets up and helps his friend because the friend is persistent in asking.

We are to be like the man in the story. We can boldly and confidently go to God. However, God is unlike the homeowner, who is reluctant to help his friend. God cares for His children and responds generously to our prayers.

Ask, Seek, knock

“And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, it will be opened. “Luke 11:9-10

In these verses, Jesus continues instructing us to keep asking, searching, and knocking. When I read these verses, Jesus tells me that prayer sometimes is work.

Whatever I am praying for will sometimes make me keep asking, or I may dig into His word to search for Him. Sometimes, I feel he doesn’t hear me or that I’m talking to the ceiling. I need to keep knocking.

But we must remember that when God answers, we may not receive the answer we want, but when we remain persistent and pray, our prayers will be answered according to God’s will and what is best for us.

Jesus encourages us to ask, seek, and knock, promising that we will receive, find, and have doors opened for us.

What are you asking, seeking, and knocking for in prayer?

God’s good gifts

“What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent, or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Luke 11:11-13

In these verses, Jesus reassures us that our heavenly Father gives good gifts to those who ask Him. This promise encourages us to approach God confidently, knowing He desires to bless us.

If you have children, you know you want to give good things. This is how God is with us. His heart is to provide us with good things.

What good gifts are you trusting God for today?

Trusting God’s timing

How do you respond when God’s answer is delayed? Do you give up praying? Do you throw a temper tantrum and get mad? Or do you take a deep breath and ask God again?

Trusting God’s timing is essential in our prayer lives. Often, we feel discouraged when answers to our prayers seem delayed. We live in a world where everything is fast-paced and delivered within seconds. And when it’s not, we become upset or move on without whatever we want.

However, God’s perspective is eternal, and His timing is perfect. He knows what is best for us and orchestrates everything according to His divine plan. While waiting can be challenging, it is an opportunity to grow in faith and patience.

Reflect on times when God’s timing proved perfect and how those experiences can strengthen your trust in God today.

Overcoming doubt in prayer

Doubt can be a significant barrier to an effective prayer life. It’s natural to experience moments of doubt. But God calls us to trust Him wholeheartedly.

What are some doubts you have about prayer? Does God hear me? Why does God let things happen?

Overcoming doubt requires immersing ourselves in God’s Word, recalling His faithfulness, and seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Take some time today to reflect on the root causes of your doubts and how you can address them.

Replacing doubt with faith opens the door for God to work powerfully in your life.

Praying with expectation

When you pray, are you expecting God to answer? Praying with expectation means believing that God will answer your prayers. It reflects a heart full of faith and trust in God’s goodness and power.

When we pray with expectation, we align ourselves with God’s promises and remain hopeful even in uncertainty. Remember past prayers that God has answered, boost your confidence in His faithfulness, and reflect on ways to cultivate a heart of expectation.

The power of community prayer

Community prayer brings believers together, fostering unity and mutual support. When we pray with others, our faith grows, and we experience the power of collective intercession.

In my post about the Lord’s Prayer, I shared that when Jesus uses the word “our” for “our Father,” He intends for the prayer to be a model for us when we pray together.

Reflect on how praying with a group has impacted your spiritual journey. Consider the blessings of shared faith and the encouragement from knowing others are lifting you in prayer.

Persistence in prayer.

As you read through each of these seven areas, I hope you saw that persistence in prayer is a good thing.

We must remember that God desires us to come to Him at midnight with our needs, to ask, seek, and keep knocking. God gives good gifts to His children because He loves us.

Also, remember that God’s timing is always His time, not ours. Then, we must read God’s word to overcome our doubts in our prayers. We pray, expecting God to answer us. We must also remember how important it is to pray with and for one another.

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Resources

https://www.bible.com/bible/59/LUK.11.5-8

https://www.bible.com/bible/59/LUK.11.9-10

https://www.bible.com/bible/59/LUK.11.11-13