Persevering Prayer

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 Basilea Schlink.

O faith brings God's almighty power To men so weak and lonely 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 prayer 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.

You have been listening to a program written by Basilea Schlink of the Little Land of Canaan. To learn more about how God lives and works today, visit us at our website, www.canaan.org. That's K-A-N-A-A-N dot org. If you contact us, we would be happy to send you a free inspirational booklet.

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