The value of persistent prayer is a recurrent theme throughout the Bible. In Luke Chapter 11, right after the disciples ask Jesus to teach them to pray and He gifts them with the Lord's Prayer, He tells the parable about the man seeking three loaves of bread from a friend who is already in bed for the night. He concludes by stating that because of the man's persistence, his friend will relent and "give him as much as he needs". (v. 8) Then again in Luke Chapter 18, Jesus tells them the parable about the persistent widow and the unjust judge to illustrate that "they should always pray and not give up." (v. 1) The verses above written by the prophet Isaiah eloquently reveal that God's praying people who give themselves and the Lord "no rest" will bring about the fulfillment of God's promises to His people. This is an awesome responsbility for us, and we need to take it seriously.

Too many Christians are under the impression that praying about the same thing again and again displeases God. Yet Jesus clearly instructed us about the importance of persistent prayer. I'm inclined to agree with those people who believe that it may be more offensive to God if we do NOT persist in prayer in certain matters. I've heard it said that many times, believers lose heart and give up praying just before their answer comes. The longer I walk with God, the more convinced I am that this is often the case. Since I have studied these verses and prayed for God's revelation, I have proven time and again that persistent prayer is fruitful and pleasing to God. But don't take my word for it. Try it yourself and discover firsthand how a loving God responds to our persistent pleas.

Prayer: Lord, I'm sorry for the times I lost heart and gave up praying before You answered my prayer. I humbly ask You, as Your disciples did--"Lord, teach me to pray." Bless me with godly wisdom and help me to pray the prayers of Your heart. Give me the strength, courage, and faith I need to pray until the answer comes when it's Your will. Thank You for the harvest of answered prayer I'll reap as a result!