Until we get a “yes” or a “no” from God, we may assume that He is telling us to wait and pray some more. Our Heavenly Father delights in seeing us come to Him for our deepest needs and so, when we persist in praying, we show our full trust and utmost dependence on Him.
And as we await for Him to answer our prayers, let us rest in the assurance that whether He responds with a “yes” or a “no,” His answer will always be what is best for us.
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” 1 John 5:14
The great King David has modeled this persistence in prayer for us, time and again through the numerous Psalms that he has written. In Psalm 69 for example, he repeatedly sought for God’s help through prayer at a time when his enemies surrounded him. And in that particular psalm, as He urged the Lord to come to His rescue, he also did not fail to declare his trust in His promises, His timing and His sovereign will.
“But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness.” Psalm 69:13
Many years later, our Savior and Messiah Himself showed us how persisting in prayer can help align our will with that of the Lord. The night before His crucifixion and death, He prayed earnestly for the Lord to spare Him, yet He trusted and abided in His plans.
“Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:38-39
And so whatever it is that we are praying for may we have the courage to persist in prayer, and the tenacity to ascertain God’s will for us.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Psalm 69:13-18 and Matthew 26:36-46 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Do you have the courage to persist on prayer? What do you keep praying for and why do you still pray about it even if it has yet to be answered?
Conversation with the Lord: Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for your lovingkindness and delight in hearing our earnest prayers. Please give us the confidence to persist in prayer, and the grace to accept Your sovereign will. Amen.