Praying with Persistence.

Thomas Manton was a puritan of the 1600’s and 340 years later he is still known as a man of prayer and meditation. Concerning the issue of prayer Manton said, “Though there be not an express rule particularly set down how often we should be with God,” yet God's command and call to prayer “are very large.” He also pointed out that the Word commands us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17) and to be “praying always” (Eph. 6:18). This implies a continual habit of prayer. His words continue to challenge Christians that we should never be afraid to pray to God or hesitate to ask for His help. God does not have to be coaxed into taking an interest in our request. He is ready and willing to hear the prayers of His people. The Lord Jesus said, “Ask and it shall be given to you” (Luke 11:9)

I have always been amazed at the instruction of Jesus to keep on asking, seeking and knocking (Luke 11:9-10). Why is there this call to persistent prayer if God is so willing to answer? Perhaps the answer to that question lies in the fact that persistence in prayer is more about changing those who approach God. It is our lack of faith that needs to motivated by the power of God. Our motives need to be purified and our ingratitude must be challenged. Specifically, persistent prayer helps us in three critical areas.

1. Persistent prayer grows our faith. Faith is like a muscle and the more it is exercised the stronger it grows. Prayer is an act of faith and persistent prayer stretches our faith. Let us not become people that approach God with an attitude of presumption. Jesus says that we “ought to pray and not to lose heart.” The use of the term “lose heart” in the rest of the New Testament is often closely linked with adversity. When we go through adversity, it is so easy to lose heart and give up. In reality our faith has been compromised. Persistent prayer is the antidote to weak faith.
   
   
2. Persistent prayer reveals our true motives. The confidence to continually approach God identifies the extent to which we truly desire, and genuinely need God. Our prayers are not a burden to God nor is He disinterested. Our personal trials and burdens are deeply connected to His greatest passion as a good Father. God delights to shine His glory on our request.
   
   
3. Persistent prayer fosters a heart of gratitude for God’s provisions. In a world of instant gratification and access to many things we can often fail to appreciate what we have. We take things for granted and often fail to grow in the grace of gratitude. We approach God with thankfulness knowing that He will never stop hearing our prayers. We recognize the value that He has placed on those who are the true son’s and daughter’s of God.

Let’s pray together that God will grow us as a community of believers who are quick to persist in the priority of prayer.

Pastor Billy