Good morning,
When we pray do we really expect God to answer? Do we pray fervently, persistently, and patiently? Will we pray till God says “yes”, “no”, or “wait”? Jesus gives us an example of persistent prayer in Luke 11:5-10.
“5 And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; 6 For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? 7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. 8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. 9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”
Importunity means “earnestness and perseverance in presenting requests to God on behalf of oneself and others; seen in persistent pleading, faithful intercession and bold appeal.” (8653 Dictionary of Bible themes)
The “friend” had an earnest expectation that he would get his bread. He did not quit asking. He had a need and sought a resolution. He knocked on his neighbor’s door till he received his request.
It is our privilege to do the same. We can go to God boldly. However, remember, we must be praying in the will of God. James 4:3 states, “Ye ask, and receive not, because you ask amiss, that you may consume it upon your lusts.” We need to pray for others, ourselves, our needs and desires, within Scriptural Bible principles.
It is exciting to watch how God answers prayers. God is still in the business of doing the miraculous. Never be limited in what you ask God to do. Never be surprised when He does it.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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