Finding Encouragement to Persist in Prayer
By Christine Perry
"Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer." Romans 12:12 NKJV
A recent Pew Research Center poll of the frequency of prayer among Christians showed 68% of Christians pray daily. Living in an instant gratification society, we are not very patient and often give up when we don't see the results we want. In DL Moody's book Prevailing Prayer, he shares this story, "About 1,500 gathered for two hours of lively, focused prayer. Later, I asked Pastor Jim Cymbala why so many were attending the Brooklyn Tab prayer meetings when many other churches have canceled their prayer meetings for lack of interest. He answered, 'You would also have a full church on prayer meeting night if your people actually believed that God answers prayer!'"
When we face delayed answers, we tend to grow weary of praying. But, remember, the God we are praying to is the same God who: gave Sarah a son past child-bearing years, parted the Red Sea, brought forth water from a rock and manna from heaven, shut the mouths of lions, rescued three men from the fiery furnace, healed the lame, gave sight to the blind, and paid for the penalty of sin so we could spend eternity with Him. Is there anything too hard for God? No! When we pray, the power does not rest on our abilities. Instead, it rests on the character of who God is. And lest we forget, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). St. Augustine said, "If God seems slow in responding, it is because He is preparing a better gift. He will not deny us. God withholds what you are not yet ready for. He wants you to have a lively desire for His greatest gifts. That is to say, pray always and do not lose heart."
If you feel battle-worn and tired of prayer, take heart, it happens to us all. Scripture recorded when Jesus kept waking his disciples to ask them to pray. I don't know about you, but I have been guilty of falling asleep instead of praying. Where do we find the strength to pray when we don't see answers? Hebrews 4:14-16 says Jesus is a sympathetic High Priest who tells us to come boldly to the throne of grace. Friends, Jesus knows we will grow weary and tired. He doesn't condemn us; instead, He prays for us and lives to make intercession (Hebrew 7:25). We are not alone in praying.
Intersecting Life and Faith
One way to help fuel your prayer life is by keeping a prayer journal. George Muller, a man devoted to prayer, had over fifty thousand specific recorded answers to prayers in his journals. Can you imagine? Muller said thirty thousand were answered the same day or the same hour he prayed. Additionally, God funneled over half a billion dollars (in today's currency) through his hands in answer to prayer. If God can turn five loaves and two fish into feeding over 5,000 people, we should wonder what God might do with five minutes on our two knees. 2nd Chronicles 16:9 NKJV says, "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him." Isaiah 30:18 NKJV says,
"Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you; and therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; Blessed are all those who wait for Him."
It makes you wonder if God is waiting for us to persist in prayer. Another way to help you persist in prayer is to ask another believer if they would pray with you once a week. It can even be over the phone during your lunch break. Matthew 18:20 NKJV says, "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them." Stay energized in prayer. God hears. He longs to be gracious. And, He is still in the business of answering prayers!
Further Reading:
- Don't Dismiss the Incredible Power of Prayer
- Hudson Taylor's Remarkable Christian Conversion
- The Half-Century Prayer Request of George Muller
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Tinnakorn Jorruang
Christine is just a lady who was given the gift of being raised in an incredible family. For reasons unknown to her, God has blessed her with an amazing life full of beautiful friendships, remarkable experiences, and a love from Him that is completely underserved. She desires to encourage others and share hope as we journey through the highs and lows of life. Christine is the author of How I Met Peace and For the Weary Life Traveler, a 31-day devotional. Check out more of Christine's work at her website: Learning to be fearless and her Patreon.
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