The Power of Persistent Prayer

Persistence is not always easy. Persistence is continuing in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition. Persistence is a valued character quality in business, in family, in the fulfillment of dreams.

Jesus’ teachings on prayer always require persistence on the part of the person making the request. It is the secret ingredient of seeing prayers answered. Cornelius’ prayers, plural, came before God as a memorial. The scripture teaches persistence and gives multiple examples.

One of my favorites is Jesus’ parable of the widow and the unjust judge in Matthew 18. In this illustration our attention is drawn to the importance of continued prayer. We are encouraged to continue requesting from God until the answer comes.

There aren’t many examples of one and done prayers. Most of the things we need in life require persistent request from God. Notice we are not told why God delays our requests. Perhaps He is aligning the circumstances and moving all the pieces to the right places.

What we are told is God loves to give good gifts to His children. Jesus doubles down of this premise: God cares and delights in blessing His children. I know when we don’t receive instant response we conjure thoughts of why isn’t God answering me? Is there something wrong with me? Does God care for my circumstances?

There are numerous false reasonings we ruminate on. Some are from self and others are from our enemy, the devil. Wherever the origin, we must dismiss them by reminding ourselves we are the children of God and He deeply cares and delights in answering prayer.

Ask God.

Be persistent.

Renounce false doubt.

Look to God with anticipation that the answer is on its way. He will answer is due season. Remember, the answer is on the way this I know, for the Bible tells me so.

With Gratitude, Pastor Jesse