Written by: John Sernaque
Dear Reader.
Books / Pr - Prayer (2002) / Chapter 8—Prevailing Prayer
Our Prayers Are to Be Earnest and Persistent—God does not say, Ask once, and you shall receive. He bids us ask. Unwearyingly persist in prayer. The persistent asking brings the petitioner into a more earnest attitude, and gives him an increased desire to receive the things for which he asks. Christ said to Martha at the grave of Lazarus, “If thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God.” John 11:40. {Pr 71.1}
But many have not a living faith. This is why they do not see more of the power of God. Their weakness is the result of their unbelief. They have more faith in their own working than in the working of God for them. They take themselves into their own keeping. They plan and devise, but pray little, and have little real trust in God. They think they have faith, but it is only the impulse of the moment. Failing to realize their own need, or God’s willingness to give, they do not persevere in keeping their requests before the Lord. {Pr 71.2}
Our prayers are to be as earnest and persistent as was the petition of the needy friend who asked for the loaves at midnight. The more earnestly and steadfastly we ask, the closer will be our spiritual union with Christ. We shall receive increased blessings because we have increased faith. {Pr 71.3}
Our part is to pray and believe. Watch unto prayer. Watch, and co-operate with the prayer-hearing God. Bear in mind that “we are labourers together with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9. Speak and act in harmony with your prayers. It will make an infinite difference with you whether trial shall prove your faith to be genuine, or show that your prayers are only a form.—(Christ’s Object Lessons, 145, 146.) {Pr 71.4}
The Bible says to believe on the Lord and you shall be saved, thou and your household. Faith must prevail over doubt and fear. When the skies look dark, look to the Sun of righteousness. It is when you feel least like praying that you need to pray the most. Realize and proclaim to God that you need Him. Surrender your life to Him. He will hear and answer your prayers. Remain persistent in your prayer life and pray without ceasing. This will bring you closer to Jesus and Him closer to you. Believe and see the glory of God.
Our kind and gracious Heavenly Father,
We come to You, in faith, with thanksgiving and prayer. We thank You for giving us yet another opportunity to come into Your presence. We thank You for giving us Your breath of life. We pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to lead us, guide us, and keep us on a safe path. We pray that You speak to us and that we hear Your voice and follow thee where You lead. We are sorry that there is any doubt in our minds whatsoever of Your love for us. We go through trials and feel alone when You do not answer us. We understand when You are silent, only because the time is not right or our prayer is not Your will or for our good. We pray that we may draw closer to You and You draw closer to us. We pray to please You and to do what is right in Your sight. We are but children that do not know how to come in or go out. We pray for wisdom to recognize the things that are and are not of You. You are all knowing and we know very little about all there is to know. Please help us to increase and strengthen our faith. Help us to see the things that are unseen. Remove any fear and doubt that beset us while we go through times of trouble. Give us the peace and comfort that only You can give. Grant us Power from on High to resist doubt, fear, and temptations Satan wants to ensnare us. Help us to do our part that You may do Yours. We are to pray, watch, and believe. Help us when we do not feel like praying to realize that this is when we need to pray the most. We pray to see Your glory. We thank You for hearing and answering our prayers, in the name of Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.
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