8613 prayer, persistence in

An answer to prayer may not come immediately. Petitioners are to continue praying earnestly. This requires patience, determination and, at times, a willingness to wrestle with God for the desired outcome.

The principle of persistence in prayer

Prayer should be made with patience and perseverance Ps 40:1; Ps 88:1 See also 1Ch 16:11; Ps 116:2

Jesus Christ taught his disciples to persist in prayer Lk 18:1-8 See also Lk 11:5-10

Persistence in prayer was exemplified in the early church Ac 1:14 See also Ac 2:42

Paul exhorted the churches to practise persistent prayer Eph 6:18 See also Ro 12:12; 1Th 5:17

Examples of persistence in prayer

Abraham pleads persistently for Sodom Ge 18:23-33

Jacob persists in wrestling with God Ge 32:24-32

Moses persists in interceding for Israel Dt 9:25-29 See also Ex 32:31-32

Hannah persistently asks for a son 1Sa 1:10-11

Elijah persists in prayer about the rain Jas 5:17-18 See also 1Ki 18:36-44

The psalmists persist in calling out to God Ps 88:1-18; Ps 119:147-149; Ps 130:1-6

Jesus Christ persisted in pursuing the Father’s will Lk 22:42-44 pp Mt 26:36-43 pp Mk 14:32-40

Persistence in prayer is exemplified in waiting for God

Mic 7:7 See also Ps 27:14; Ps 33:20; Ps 37:7; Ps 38:15; Ps 40:1; Isa 26:8

See also