The Discipline of Persistent Prayer
The past several months, I have really wanted to pray for people’s physical healing. Sue and I have seen some results from these prayers, but we haven’t seen the big outpouring of healing we’re hoping for. One day I was thinking about this, and I said to the Lord, “I really wanted to
see more results.”
“I know,” He replied. “My question for you is, will you continue to pray for this, even if you don’t see those results?” When I said I would, He replied, “Good. Then I am preparing you for when it does occur. You won’t be consumed by it. You will have learned the discipline of just praying for the sick. It is My job to do what I’m going to do.”
Persistence in prayer is a spiritual discipline just like Bible reading, fasting, worship, and practicing the presence of God. As we combine our faith with persistence and keep going to God for the same thing, we won’t be overcome when He gives us the incredible miracle we are asking for.
Ask and Keep Asking
Every persistent person will receive what he asks for. Every persistent seeker will discover what he needs. And everyone who knocks persistently will one day find an open door. (Luke 11:10 TPT)
When the disciples asked Jesus, “Will You teach us to pray?” He gave them the Lord’s Prayer. It is a simple but excellent prayer model that covers the main theological points of our faith: who our Father is, that His kingdom can come to earth, how we respond to our sin and others’ sin, etc.
Immediately afterward, Jesus told a parable about a man who needed bread. The guy went to his neighbor and knocked on the door, saying, “Please help! Some friends have shown up at my house, and I don’t have any food for them. Do you have any bread?” The neighbor replied, “It’s late, and I’m already in bed with my kids. We’re all tucked in. Go away.” But the 1st guy kept knocking and wouldn’t leave until he had what he was asking for.
Jesus explained, “The neighbor won’t get up and give you what you want because he’s your friend. But he will give it to you because of your persistence. Your heavenly Father wants prayer warriors who are just as persistent as that man. Ask and keep asking. Seek and keep seeking.”
As we are persistent in prayer, God builds within us a foundation that will sustain the weight of His glory. That glory is coming, and we will see it if we don’t give up.
The Open Door
What are you asking God for?
Keep praying. Don’t stop knocking on that door, whatever it is, because one day it will open.
