Lately, I have been receiving a clear message from the Holy Spirit about persistence in prayer. Not long ago, I was watching a message by Karen Wheaton, and she used a skit about a man who goes to a friend’s house at midnight to ask for bread for a visitor. (See Luke 11: 5–10.)
But when he knocked on the door, his friend said to him: Do not bother me; the door has already been shut and my children and I are in bed. Verses 8 (Amplified Bible) continues on to say: I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything just because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence and boldness, he will get up and give him whatever he needs. Then verse 10 (AMP) says: For everyone who keeps on asking (persistently), receives; and he who keeps on seeking (persistently), finds; and to him who keeps on knocking (persistently), the door will be opened.
This skit had a great impact on my heart. I have heard that scripture before, but the visual illustration brought it home to me in a more profound way. As an intercessor, sometimes it can seem like the heavens are silent as you pray concerning a need, situation, or person. After hearing that message, within a few days two answers came through that I had continually brought before the throne of God, one for over 30 years and the other for three years.
It seemed like I was in a dream that my prayers had been answered. It brought so much joy to my heart! And even though at times I suffered with unbelief in my heart, God was forever faithful and answered my persistent prayers! How utterly wonderful to know that whatever we ask according to His will He will answer! (See 1 John 5:14.) Just knowing that has definitely helped me to keep knocking and seeking.
So, my encouragement today is DON’T STOP KNOCKING OR SEEKING OR PRAYING!! The answers will come...and by the way, He did answer once again with a blessing far above what I could have thought or imagined!
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you that we can come boldly to Your Throne of Grace in time of need (see Hebrews 4:16). That You love to hear our voice (see Song of Solomon 8:13) and delight in answering our prayers (see Proverbs 15:8). Help us to pray without ceasing and to continue to ask, seek and knock, for You are a rewarder of those who diligently seek You (see Hebrews 11:6). Let us not grow weary in well doing or in praying because in due season we will reap rewards for our efforts (see Galatians 6:9). Our joy will be full as we see You respond and answer us in amazing and profound ways. We love You and acknowledge and celebrate You as El Shama, the God who hears and listens.
Divine Exercises and Journal Prompts
- Write down 3 areas of your life that you need to continue to ask, seek, and knock until you see the breakthrough of God's faithfulness.
- After you have written down those 3 areas, craft 3 prayers that you can pray daily to petition the Lord for His answers.
- Meditate on 3 scriptures abouts God's faithfulness to answer your prayers and the prayers of others.
Key Scriptures
Here are a few key Scriptures to remind you of God's faithfulness:
- Jeremiah 33:3
- Psalm 34:15
- John 16:24
- 1 Peter 3:12
- Proverbs 15:29
- Jeremiah 29:12–13
- Matthew 6:9–13
- 1 John 5:14
- Isaiah 65:24
- Matthew 7:7
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