THE POWER OF PERSISTENCE IN PRAYERS II
December 9, 2024
TEXT
Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Today, we shall conclude our discussion on persistent prayers by examining how to overcome obstacles to effective prayers, as well as biblical examples of individuals who persisted in prayers at different points in time.
OVERCOMING OBSTACLES TO PERSISTENT PRAYERS
- Distraction is one obstacle that can hinder our persistence in prayers. The moment you see another god or demonic source that seemingly holds the promise of giving you your desires, it can prevent you from looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. (Matthew 14:13)
- Discouragement is another obstacle. Remove everything that can leave you perplexed, overwhelmed, and discouraged. When it seems as though God is answering everyone except you, encourage yourself! When it seems as though your problem is the biggest in the world, encourage yourself still!
- Another obstacle that needs to be overcome is doubt. Apostle James, in his epistle, likened a man who prays with doubt to a wave being tossed about by the sea. He also stated that a double-minded man is unstable in his ways. (James 1:6-8)
BIBLICAL CHARACTERS WHO PRAYED PERSISTENTLY
- Elijah: This rugged prophet of God, after sealing the heavens, needed to unseal it. He prayed a difficult prayer, placing his head between his knees for hours. He sent his servant to check the outcome of his prayers more than three times, and on each occasion, he increased the tempo of his prayers. (1 Kings 17:1, 18:46)
- Daniel: This man prayed, and God sent a response. However, his response was hindered in the second heavens, and it took persistence on his part to win the battle. If he had relented, he wouldn’t have gotten his request.
- Nehemiah: This man spent a lot of time praying over the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem and eventually got his response.
- The disciples before and on the day of Pentecost: Jesus had told them prior to His ascension that He would beg His Father to send the Comforter to the disciples, urging them to tarry and wait for it in Jerusalem. The disciples, numbering about 120, faithfully prayed in Jerusalem for the coming of the Holy Spirit, and God granted them their request. (Acts 1:14, 2:1-4)
- Paul and Silas: These two men were imprisoned at Philippi for healing the girl with the demonic spirit. Despite this problem, they were praying persistently and singing hymns to God, and God hearkened to their voice. (Acts 16:16)
- Hannah: This woman persisted in the place of prayer until her joy was full. At a point, she was inadvertently insulted by Eli, the priest, yet she remained humble despite it all. The same priest was the person who declared an answer to her petition. (1 Samuel)
These are just a few examples of many people who tarried in the place of prayer before God.
SEARCHLIGHT
God answers those who call upon Him in truth and with consistency. We must persist in prayer, trusting God to answer at His own time.
PRAYER
Grace to trust in God at all times, fall upon my life now, in the name of Jesus.
BIBLE READING
Genesis 28-30, Luke 24
PST. MICHAEL OMOLE
