THE POWER OF PERSISTENCE (IN PRAYER)
The Bible urges us to pray always, to thank God in all the situations of our life (I Thes. 5:17-18). But what is prayer? When should we pray? How and why should we pray? The first reading (Genesis 18:20-32) and the Gospel (Luke 11: 1- 13) give us answers to these questions. We pray so that we may see the world, people and history as God sees theirs. We need to purify our hearts and this can only happen in prayer. The second reading (Colossians 2: 12-14) tells us what the Christian is. A Christian is one who, through baptism, has become a part of the body of Christ. Being in Christ, the disciple prays like him.
Note: whatever you archive in Life without sacrifice does not Last - it's counterproductive. It fades away suddenly the way it comes. It's just like one dreaming without reality!
Persistent brings breakthrough, open doors of unlimited favors, makes dreams become real! It keeps one faithful, hopeful and committed and diligent.
A persistent person is an undying person (like one who does wrestling)! I like watching wrestling in my free time not because of the physical or entertaining aspect, but in order to get tactics to fight spiritual battles! I learnt persistence from the wrestlers like Hop Horgan who recently died to fight till the last strength and blood, not to give until the game (battle) is over!
Abraham must be given credit when it comes to persistence! He was eager to die for people of Sodom and Gomorrah begging God to spare them (from 50 to 10) (Genesis 18:20-32), and yet, not even 5 righteous persons were found there! This is exactly what happens when our intentions are not inline with what God wants for us! You may be praying for business growth or success, life partner or whatever but deep within you, you've surrendered to God to do His will. And that's why when some pray two to three times will say God is not forthcoming let me find my way after all "heaven help those who help themselves"! You're not patient, you didn't exhibit the quality of a person with the virtue of persistence! Abraham and Sarah prayed and waited for a child for 100 years (Abraham) and 90 years (Sarah) {Genesis 17:16-17,19}! How long have you waited? Are you tired of waiting or exhausted? Are you still faithful and hopeful to God in your period of waiting?
There are four categories of people when it comes to Prayer:
1. those who haven't prayed in their life;
2. those who used to pray but have given up on prayer;
3. those who are engaging God in prayer for one reason or the other;
4. those who are consistent and persistent in their prayer life.
Where do you belong? If you belong to the fourth category you're on the right track!
Many people go from one man of God to the order asking for prayer, if you tell them to go and pray they'll say I don't know how to pray! Or I've prayed and nothing is happening! Prayer is an encounter, a divine romance with God. The woman with the issue of blood have divine romance and encounter with Jesus, her problem left her. Many people are not ready for sacrifice but miracles, that's why when you tell someone to do a novena or Pray for certain number of days, they skip/jump/,miss some days and when you ask them to start afresh, they'll say they're tired! Are you a man or woman of prayer?
Remember: Nothing can substitute patience! No matter how it last, it shall come to pass!
Persistence is a steadfast, continuous practice in a course of action despite difficulties or opposition!
In the depth of each and every one of us is a desire to connect to God. Prayer is the expression of such a desire. The disciples of Jesus ask for the greatest of all lessons; to be taught to pray. In prayer we commune with God. We come to have a beatific experience of God and heaven. Above all, Jesus teaches us that, when we pray, the floodgates of heaven are opened. But how do we open the floodgates of heaven in prayer? The only virtue needed for us in prayer to open the doors of heaven is PERSISTENCE. Any time we pray, we shift the goalpost of life to our area of competitive advantage over the devil. The forces of evil are overpowered when we pray.
PERSONAL DEVOTIONAL
Lord God, my saviour I cry out all day, and at night I come before you. Hear my prayers; listen to my cry for help! Psalm 88:1
It is written, “He disappointed the devices of the wicked so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise” (Job 5:12).
- Everlasting Father, please frustrate all conspiracies and evil schemes directed against me in the name of Jesus.
- Most High God, my life is in your hand, please be my defense (Psalm 7:10, Job 22:25). Protect me when I go out, when I come in, and all the days of my life in the name of Jesus.
Pray with Psalm 91 (meditatively)
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