Be Persistent in Prayer
“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Luke 11:9-10)
The eleventh chapter of Luke records a conversation between Jesus and His disciples, after the disciples had asked Jesus to teach them how to pray. His instruction to them has become one of the most commonly used Scriptures when talking about prayer. Jesus says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Luke 11:9)
The Greek language used in the original text of this passage literally translates to “keep on asking, keep on knocking, and keep on seeking.” In other words, be persistent! Don’t just ask one time and move on. Continue praying and asking for the desires of your heart.
Think about a little child at Christmas time. When there is a certain toy he wants, he doesn’t just ask his parents for it one time. He asks for it constantly. Every time a commercial for the toy pops up on TV, the child points it out. Every time the child walks by the toy in a store, he makes sure his parents notice. Every time someone asks the child what he wants for Christmas, he mentions that specific toy. He shows this kind of persistence, not out of a desire to be annoying or because he doesn’t think his parents heard him the first time, but because the toy is important to the child.
Naturally, we are more persistent when something is important to us. Our prayers should be no different. When something is important, when we have a strong desire in our hearts, or when something is weighing heavily on us, we should be praying about it. God hears every single one of our prayers. He is attentive when you talk to Him, and He wants to answer your prayers for your good and for His glory. Accordingly, don’t just pray for something once and give up. Pray continuously, consistently, and persistently!
The eleventh chapter of Luke records a conversation between Jesus and His disciples, after the disciples had asked Jesus to teach them how to pray. His instruction to them has become one of the most commonly used Scriptures when talking about prayer. Jesus says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Luke 11:9)
The Greek language used in the original text of this passage literally translates to “keep on asking, keep on knocking, and keep on seeking.” In other words, be persistent! Don’t just ask one time and move on. Continue praying and asking for the desires of your heart.
Think about a little child at Christmas time. When there is a certain toy he wants, he doesn’t just ask his parents for it one time. He asks for it constantly. Every time a commercial for the toy pops up on TV, the child points it out. Every time the child walks by the toy in a store, he makes sure his parents notice. Every time someone asks the child what he wants for Christmas, he mentions that specific toy. He shows this kind of persistence, not out of a desire to be annoying or because he doesn’t think his parents heard him the first time, but because the toy is important to the child.
Naturally, we are more persistent when something is important to us. Our prayers should be no different. When something is important, when we have a strong desire in our hearts, or when something is weighing heavily on us, we should be praying about it. God hears every single one of our prayers. He is attentive when you talk to Him, and He wants to answer your prayers for your good and for His glory. Accordingly, don’t just pray for something once and give up. Pray continuously, consistently, and persistently!
Recent
Archive
2023
January
Finding Godly MentorsYes and No in ScriptureFocus Like an ArcherSeeking the Presence of GodA Defining EncounterOnly by GraceOvercoming ExhaustionExcited and Expectant over PrayerThe Five Parts of PrayerThe Still Small VoiceThe Lord’s Amazing PowerHandling PersecutionDiving into God’s WordReceiving EncouragementA Desire To ServeGiving and ServingA Thrill RideThe Sweet Voice of GodGet off the BenchOut of AlignmentFrustration Is InevitableListening Instead of TalkingWatch God MoveWalking in the LightKnown by Your FruitThe Good ShepherdBoldly Stand for ChristHonor the LordPraying in FaithDealing with DoubtLearning To Be Alone
February
2022
September
Never Stop WorshipingWalking Humbly with GodIt’s All About JesusPraise the LordPraying To Remind YourselfReal FriendsReplacing GodSpecific ConfessionSpiritual AlignmentThis World Is Not Our HomeOpen the GatesAre You Thirsty?Quiet Time Fills YouWait in ObedienceListen to GodRun to GodThe Power of the CrossRemember the MomentSheep and PigsIn Your Pain, God Is NearThe Purpose of Your PainIt’s Okay To GrieveFriendship During LossGod Heals BrokennessRelease PeopleDon’t Worship Your PastorBroken over SinCaring People WeepChoose Joy over WorryYour Life Is an Example
October
Think Before You SpeakThe Spiritual BattleSaved by GraceEngaged GivingTransformational GivingA Sacred SermonPreaching Your SermonProtection from EvilYour Training ManualHearing Directly from GodDo Not WorryFollow Godly ExamplesBenefits of PraisePraising GodBe Persistent in PrayerGet into the Game!Biblical Decision-MakingThe Lord Will ProvideBorn and Born AgainAligning with God’s PlansDelight Yourself in JesusThe Danger of AddictionEternal SecurityAre You Stuck in Your Sin?Forgive Like JesusForgivenessDistraction-Free TimeJustifying Your Own WayHave You Been Saved?Are You Serving?Engaging in Christian Community
No Comments