In this sermon, Basil E. Shlink emphasizes the power of persevering prayer and its ability to bring about miraculous answers from God. He explains that persevering prayer requires constant effort and a willingness to wait patiently for God's response. Shlink references biblical examples, such as Jacob wrestling with God, to illustrate the importance of persisting in prayer and seeking God's blessings. He also highlights the need for prayers to be in alignment with Jesus' teachings and spirit in order to receive God's assurance and answers.

God lives and works today. However, if you haven't experienced God's power in your life, perhaps it's because you haven't experienced the power of persevering prayer. What is persevering prayer? And why is it more likely to be answered than other kinds of prayer? Listen to today's meditation by Basilia Schlink. O faith brings God's almighty power To men so weak and lowly When tempted, victory we'll share If we but trust God wholly For nothing can our way oppose Even iron doors will give to those Who trust in God almighty Be constant in prayer, calls the Apostle Paul to us. Our prayers should not be slack, for God's promise is given to prevailing prayer. The persevering prayer does not become weary, even when it sees no apparent fulfillment, but often the contrary. Persevering prayer has the ability to quietly persist and to wait. This is a humbling kind of prayer. It humbles one to have to wait and to have to ask again and again, what is the reason that thou canst not answer my prayer? Is there perhaps a sin barrier in my life? However, the outcome of persevering prayer is usually a truly miraculous answer from God. He manifests himself in such a way that his greatness and power are magnified before men. Therefore, the persevering prayer also has his special promise. It allows great things to come to the petitioner who is purified by such byways of waiting. With persevering prayer, God calls us to an effort, a struggle. It's a real wrestling with God, as with Jacob at Jabbok. I will not let you go unless you bless me. Such prayer pleases God. Jesus says that God will answer such prayer. Here, however, it must be emphasized that God gives assurances and answers in such a prayer struggle only if these prayers are uttered in Jesus' name and are of his mind and his spirit. Self-willed prayers have no promise of an answer. For such a wrestling in prayer, it's especially important that we take our stand on the promise and assurance which God has given, and then that we hold fast right to the end. It is always his will that we come to him in steadfast prayer. Should it not, therefore, lie in our heart that we hold on steadfastly in prayer so that God can be revealed in his mighty power and greatness? Should we not answer his love that has so much patience with us? Shouldn't we answer it with trusting love, love that is steadfast in prayer? The trusting soul inherits all the heavenly kingdom's riches. The Father's hands let blessings fall while bond and deity changes. Though we be told of things you lack, in joyous praise we answer back, we trust in God Almighty. This program by Basilea Schlink has come to you from the Little Land of Canaan. If you would like a free leaflet by the same author, please write to God Lives and Works Today, 9849 North 40th Street, Phoenix, Arizona, 85028-4099. That's God Lives and Works Today, 9849 North 40th Street, Phoenix, Arizona, 85028-4099. God bless you.