Commit to Memory: “One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.” (Luke 18:1 NLT)
Prayer is an awesome opportunity to come into the presence of the living God. It delights the ear of God, melts His heart and then opens His hand to bless but often times, we are weak in prayers. It is for this reason the will of God concerning every Believer is that you pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Joseph and Daniel persisted in prayers such that they both interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh and Nebuchadnezzar which eventually brought them to limelight, James was put in prison and beheaded and in the thereafter, Peter was to follow such doom; but when the disciples persisted in prayers Peter was delivered supernaturally. Jesus persisted in Prayers for forty days and forty nights before he started his ministry and his exploits are countless till date.
In Luke 28:1-8, Jesus gave a parable of a wicked judge and a helpless widow. This dishonest judge did not fear God or man. The widow keeps showing up in the judge’s courtroom day after day, demanding justice. Notwithstanding the judge cared less about justice, the judge became tired of the woman wearing him down and pestering with her persistent petitions. So, reluctantly, he gives this woman justice, hoping she would finally leave him alone. That’s the picture of a tenacious faith in persistent prayer!
Friends, God isn’t like the judge in the parable. Though He’s a judge, but not unrighteous. He’s the righteous Judge whose pronouncements are pure and holy. The Bible says God is not unrighteous to forget the labour of your love. John 16:24 says
“Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”
So we see that if the persistent petitions of a widow seeking justice can persuade a dishonest judge, then how much more will God, who is righteous, work justice for you? How much more will God not answer as many that call upon him in sincerity in the secret place. Let persistency count in your prayers today and watch your intimacy and confidence in God increased and sustained.
Reflection: Persistency in prayers keeps us connected and strengthened in times of crises.
Prayer Lines
•Father, help me to travail in prayer and joy.
•Father, give me results that will silent my years of delays.