Persist in Prayer
Wednesday, April 29
Persist in Prayer
This is the confidence we have in His presence: if we ask anything that accords with His will, He hears us. 1 John 5:14
Scripture often encourages us to persist or remain in prayer. Often we may pray for something and nothing seems to happen. It isn’t that God is deaf to our prayers. Pastor Rick Warren tells us that God in His infinite wisdom answers every single prayer – it’s just not always the answer you may want. Pastor Rick goes on to giving us the four answers to look for during prayer.
When the request is not right, God says, “No.” Just like parents say “no” to their kids for a hundred good reasons, God doesn’t owe you an explanation every time he says “no” to your request.
When the timing is not right, God says, “Slow.” There’s a big difference between a delay and a denial. “No” and “not yet” are not the same thing, and learning and accepting the difference shows spiritual maturity.
When the request and timing are right, but you’re not right, God says, “Grow.” He wants to do something in your life before he answers your prayer because you’re not yet ready to handle the answer.
When the request is right and the timing’s right and you’re right, then God says, “Go.” God often gives us the green light to our prayers—and it’s a reason to celebrate!
Over the years I have come to understand that there is so much more to prayer than just talking to God. When you pray you should also grow. Prayer isn’t or shouldn’t be one-way. As I talk to God, I also need to listen to Him and, as I gain a clearer understanding of His purposes, I can align my hopes, desires and prayers to the Father’s heart. And, more than that, specific requests increasingly receive specific answers now that I’m asking according to His will.
Prayer for today: Father, as I walk with You today, please help me to listen and to hear all that You want me to hear. Help me to persist in prayer and do not lose hope as You are doing an even greater work within me. Please reveal Your heart and purposes for me so that I can pray according to Your will. In the name of Jesus, Amen.