I was having lunch with a friend on Wednesday when the topic of prayer came up. As it turned out, not only am I this guys friend, I am also his pastor and so, of course, when the topic of prayer was raised it would seem like I would be the one to ask the penetrating questions. Not this time. As we talked, he asked me how often and how boldly I went to God in prayer? Not sure of where he was going with the questioning I asked why? His answer was so convicting. He said, "Blake God wants us to come to Him again and again and again and ask for what we want. He isn't looking for pleasant sounding, anemic prayers that we think God wants us to pray, but rather He is looking for the truth about how we feel and what we desire. Those are the kind of prayers He answers." I thought for a moment and said, "You're right!"
Now that I have been convicted, let me ask you. What prayers are you taking to God again and again and again? What is the desire of your heart? What victory do you need God to give? What mountain do you want Him to help you climb? What problem do you need Him to help you solve? Have you asked? If not, my suggestion is ASK! Check out this passage from Luke 18 that demonstrates the principle of persistence that I was reminded about this week.
The Story of the Persistent Widow
Jesus told them a story showing that it was necessary for them to pray consistently and never quit. He said, "There was once a judge in some city who never gave God a thought and cared nothing for people. A widow in that city kept after him: My rights are being violated. Protect me!'
"He never gave her the time of day. But after this went on and on he said to himself, I care nothing what God thinks, even less what people think. But because this widow won't quit badgering me, I'd better do something and see that she gets justice—otherwise I'm going to end up beaten black-and-blue by her pounding.'"
Then the Master said, "Do you hear what that judge, corrupt as he is, is saying? So what makes you think God won't step in and work justice for his chosen people, who continue to cry out for help? Won't he stick up for them? I assure you, he will. He will not drag his feet. But how much of that kind of persistent faith will the Son of Man find on the earth when he returns?
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