Being persistent in prayer can make a difference in your life and the lives of those you pray for. It is one of the greatest weapons God gives us! If you’re struggling, remember the Lord listens to our prayers. Trust Him, knowing He understands what is best in His timing.
Military planners note that while ground troops are vital, air superiority offers an edge. Paul describes our “air support” as prayer, showing how God’s army advances on its knees with faith and devotion. Ephesians 6:18Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. [1]
Praying in the Spirit means that the Holy Spirit comes alongside us to help when we pray, just as Paul reminds us in Romans 8:26.Our enemy tends to attack when we least expect it, so we need to stay alert and attentive to prayer needs as they come up. If our enemy thinks he can win the battle, he will rarely give up his attack, so as people of faith, we must keep praying, no matter how long it takes.
All of Us Need Prayer!
The Apostle Paul shared his prayer needs. Ephesians 6:19 And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike.[2]Paul knew that for his ministry to be effective, he needed believers interceding for him before God’s throne. We also need to realize that if we are going to advance in the spiritual battle, prayer is key. To pray is to rely on God, trusting that He moves ahead of us in ways we may not understand.
Additionally, our prayers can be offered periodically throughout the day, responding to the needs the Lord puts on our hearts. You may walk by someone in a store you do not know, but the Holy Spirit is urging you to pray for them for needs you are not aware of. The important part is not knowing the exact need but responding in prayer by asking the Lord to help them with whatever need they have. Don’t be surprised; the more you do this, the more God will engage you in prayer for others.
Circumstances Can’t Stop Your Prayers
It’s comforting to know that no matter the situation we are in, the enemy can’t prevent our prayers from reaching God’s throne. Paul writes the following verse while he is in prison for his faith. Ephesians 6:20 I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should. [3]
“One of the prominent Christian leaders of the twentieth century, Archbishop William Temple, stated that no matter what else someone might say about whether prayer is effective, he observed that when he prayed, ‘coincidences’ occurred. When he stopped praying, the ‘coincidences’ ceased happening.”[4]
To learn more about being persistent in prayer, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/following-jesus-into-battle
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.
[4] Wright, T. (2004). Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon (p. 78). Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge.