God Answers Desperate, Persistent Prayer
I’m convicted. Convicted about my lack of persistence and travail in prayer.
It all came about through revisiting past blog posts here and compiling the post about David Brainerd.
If you teach Sunday school or serve Christ through serving others, I’m sure you’ve noticed that you receive more than you give. You’re the one who receives the blessing.
That’s what happened yesterday as I put together a fasting archive post and the post about David Brainerd and shared links to the posts on social media. In doing so, I re-visited the material. As I did, the Holy Spirit embedded truths in my spirit that confronted me upon waking today and as I entered my morning time of prayer.
I’m reading Don’t Just Stand There, Pray Something by Ron Dunn (an author who has impacted me deeply, especially early in my illness through his incredible book When Heaven is Silent.) This book is no less insightful and helpful than his others.
As I lay in bed last night waiting to get drowsy, I read a chapter called “How Long?”. The Holy Spirit combined everything I read yesterday—from the posts here at Shades of Grace to Ron Dunn’s book—to speak a timely word and expose my prayerlessness. Oh I’m praying, but casually when compared to the picture of agonizing, wrestling, travailing in persistent, desperate prayer.
Here I am struggling over not getting to have hot chocolate or coffee (because of the fast) on the only day in several years that it actually snows … and I peer into a man’s life and see him praying until he’s all over “wet with sweat”—not just one day in his life; this agonizing marks his prayer life. It’s a way of life for him—disconnecting from the world through fasting and connecting to God through desperate, travailing prayer.
If I were praying like that on my fast, hot chocolate or coffee on a snow day would be the last thing on my mind!
A Moment of Candor
As I shared in another post, the past few years have been some of the most draining and wearying of my life—seemingly crushing me spiritually, physically, and mentally.
God made promises to me several years ago and since then, all means of fulfillment have entered a death sentence. (It mirrors the season of my severe illness when God promised restoration, but year after year things only grew worse and contradicted His promise.) Not only has the one area of life been affected, the subject of God’s promise, God has allowed seemingly every other area of my life to enter a death sentence. You would think it wouldn’t affect me—that having been through this exact process before, though the circumstances were different, I would be unfazed and remain steadfast in hope. But things are different enough, have persisted long enough, and affected me in such vulnerable areas that the enemy has used it to discourage me to the core. And it has affected my prayer life.
Someone reading this post is in the same situation—you feel like you’ve prayed till you’re blue in the face and the opposite of what you’re asking is taking place. Heaven seems silent. You find it hard to even pray anymore. You feel like the Psalmist in Psalm 42:
Sometimes I ask God, my rock-solid God, “Why did you let me down? Why am I walking around in tears, harassed by enemies?” They’re out for the kill, these tormentors with their obscenities, Taunting day after day, “Where is this God of yours?” (vs 9-10)
Maybe you feel like God has let you down. So the enemy is using the tool of discouragement to whisper lies like, “Where is your God you said was so faithful?” Perhaps you’re allowing the devil to silence your prayers before they even form on your lips.
Beloved, I challenge you to not grow weary in well doing. I challenge you to rebuke the devil and persist in prayer.
We get discouraged because we’ve taken our eyes off of God. Do as the Psalmist did in the next verse and fix your eyes on God:
“Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God—soon I’ll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He’s my God.” (Psalm 42:11, emphasis added)
Fix your eyes on your faithful, loving, mighty, covenant-keeping God! And persist in secret, desperate prayer!! Why? Because …
God Answers Desperate Prayer
In The Gospel of Prayer, Leonard Ravenhill says:
I Samuel 1:1-15 gives an account of the yearly trip Elkanah and his wife, Hannah, made to Shiloh to worship and sacrifice to the Lord. During this time, Hannah had been distressed that she was not able to bear a son for her husband. This passage of Scripture gives quite a descriptive account of her time in prayer concerning the barrenness of her womb. It says that Hannah wept. More than this, she wept until she was sore. She poured out her soul before the Lord. Her heart was grieving; she was bitter of soul, provoked, and of a sorrowful spirit.
Now that’s a pretty good list of afflictions—sorrow, hardship, and everything else that came upon this woman. But the key to the whole situation is that she was a praying woman. In verse 20 it says that she reaped her reward. “And it came about in due time, after Hannah had conceived, that she gave birth to a son; and she named him Samuel, saying, ‘Because I have asked him of the Lord.’”
Now I say very often—and people don’t like it—that God doesn’t answer prayer. He answers desperate prayer! Your prayer life denotes how much you depend on your own ability, and how much you really believe in your heart when you sing, “Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling….” The more self- confidence you have, the less you pray. The less self-confidence you have, the more you have to pray.
What does the Scripture say? It says that God takes the lowly, the things that are not. Paul says in I Corinthians 1:28 that God takes the things that are not to bring to nothing the things that are, so that no flesh should glory in His presence. We need a bunch of “are nots” today.
God Answers Persistent Prayer
In Don’t Just Stand There, Pray Something, Ron Dunn writes:
Some say it is a lack of faith to ask more than once for the same thing, an act of unbelief that voids our prayer. The argument runs something like this: At four o’clock a boy asks his father to take him to the ball park the next day; the father says yes, he will. At five o’clock the boy asks again, and the father again says that he will. At six o’clock the boy asks again, and again at seven o’clock, and again at eight. Why does the boy keep asking? Obviously, he doesn’t believe his father. And this certainly grieves the father. Thus, if we really have faith, we need ask only once.
I admit this sounds reasonable (and it may have some merit) but I don’t think it’s scriptural. Jesus believed in persistence. He gave us only two parables about prayer, and the emphasis in both is on persistence (the friend at midnight, Luke 11, and the woman and the judge, Luke 18.) In Matthew 7:7-11 Jesus tells us to ask, to seek, and to knock. The tenses of the verbs say ask and keep on asking, seek and keep on seeking, knock and keep on knocking. So we need to ask and keep on asking until we receive, or… [1]
Dunn then continues to list the other conditions under which we stop asking. We ask until:
1. We receive the answer.
2. Until we have the assurance that we will receive it.
3. Until God says no.
I needed the reminder that of the only two parables Jesus gave about prayer, the emphasis in both is on persistence.
Did you need that reminder, too? If so, I encourage you to get your Bible and read those parables in Luke 11 and Luke 18. Hear Jesus speaking them as if He’s talking to you one-on-one.
Whatever your cause for fasting, whatever your burdens and needs are, persist in prayer. Don’t hesitate to pray desperately—to wrestle and agonize in prayer.
An Example: David Brainerd
David Brainerd’s prayer life is an example of desperate, persistent prayer. The following are two entries from his diary:
“Monday, April 19. I set apart this day for fasting, and prayer to God for his grace… Accordingly, in the morning, I endeavoured to plead for the divine presence for the day, and not without some life. In the forenoon, I felt the power of intercession for precious, immortal souls; for the advancement of the kingdom of my dear Lord and Saviour in the word; and withal, a most sweet resignation, and even consolation and joy in the thoughts of suffering hardships, distresses, and even death itself, in the promotion of it; and had special enlargement in pleading for the enlightening and conversion of the poor heathen. In the afternoon, God was with me of a truth. O it was blessed company indeed! God enabled me so to agonize in prayer, that I was quite wet with perspiration, though in the shade, and the cool wind. My soul was drawn out very much for the world; for multitudes of souls. I think I had more enlargement for sinners, than for the children of God; though I felt as if I could spend my life in cries for both. I enjoyed great sweetness in communion with my dear Saviour. I think I never in my life felt such an entire weanedness from this world, and so much resigned to God in every thing.–O that I may always live to and upon my blessed God! Amen, Amen.” [2]
______________________
“Monday, June 14. Felt something of the sweetness of communion with God, and the constraining force of his love: how admirably it captivates the soul, and makes all the desires and affections to centre in God!—I set apart this day for secret fasting and prayer … Had little life and power in the forenoon: near the middle of the afternoon, God enabled me to wrestle ardently in intercession for absent friends:—but just at night, the Lord visited me marvellously in prayer: I think my soul never was in such an agony before. I felt no restraint; for the treasures of divine grace were opened to me. I wrestled for absent friends, for the ingathering of souls, for multitudes of poor souls, and for many that I thought were the children of God, personally, in many distant places. I was in such an agony, from sun half an hour high, till near dark, that I was all over wet with sweat; but yet it seemed to me that I had wasted away the day, and had done nothing. Oh, my dear Jesus did sweat blood for poor souls! I longed for more compassion towards them.—Felt still in a sweet frame, under a sense of divine love and grace; and went to bed in such a frame, with my heart set on God.” [3]
Questions:
- Are you discouraged in prayer?
- Are you praying, while also depending on your own ability? Or are you travailing in desperate prayer, depending on God’s ability alone?
- Are you persisting in prayer, like the the friend at midnight (Luke 11) or the woman and the judge (Luke 18)?
RELATED ARTICLES ON PRAYER:
- Get Alone With God: The Religion of the Closet
- Prayer Is a Two-Way Conversation
- Don’t Get in a Hurry in the Prayer Closet
- Praying With Heaven and Earth at Your Disposal
- Prayer Is an Invitation to Experience God’s Boundlessness
- Satan Trembles When He Sees the Weakest Saint Praying
- Drawing Near: Treasuring Communion (Part One)
- Drawing Near: Treasuring Communion (Part Two)
- Reigning Through Prayer, Part One: Jesus, the Interceding Ruler
- Reigning Through Prayer, Part Two: Joining Jesus at the Throne of Intercession
- Kings and Priests—Praying with Authority
- I Will Run to You: A Prayer of Pursuit
- Persisting in Secret Prayer
- Why Is It So Hard for Christians to Pray? (David Wilkerson Sermon)
- The Touch of God – Moses: Sermon by David Wilkerson
- “A Call to Anguish” by David Wilkerson
- Holy Abandon
- Training to Pray With Great Power
- Bite-Size Encouragements to Being a Person of Prayer
- Perfect Solitude: Following Our Master’s Steps
- Andrew Murray on Prayerlessness and God’s Holiness
- Prayer for Revival Cannot Be Answered Until…
- Come Up and Wait
- The Gospel of Prayer (by Leonard Ravenhill)
- Desperate Prayer by Leonard Ravenhill
- God Answers Prayer
- The Power of Prayer
- Your Father Gives Good Gifts
- Waiting Expectantly: Praying in Hope When Times Seem Hopeless
- Waging War With Your Promise
- God Promised: Do I Still Pray About It?
- How Do I Pray for Lost Loved Ones?
- Renew Your Passion to Pray for the Lost: 5 Thoughts from George Mueller
- Finding a Quiet Hour to Connect With Heaven
- Begin Your Prayers With Praise
- What Will You Do With Your Arrows
- The Mind-Blowing Mystery and Privilege of Prayer: Francis Chan Sermon
- Resources to Encourage You in Prayer: Sermons, Webcast, and Prayer Journal Apps
FASTING DAY 19 FROM THE ARCHIVES:
- Fasting Day 19: The Calvary Road, Part 2
- God is Able: He Won’t Fail
- Fasting Day 19: Faith, Bravery, and the God Who is Able
- Fasting Day 19: Breaking Bondage, The Disciples’ Fast
- Call for the Watching, Fasting Women
- Fasting Day 19: Returning in Power, Part 2
- Fasting Day 19: Returning in Power, Part 3
OTHER ARTICLES ABOUT FIXING YOUR EYES ON GOD:
- My God Is: Names and Attributes of God
- Praise You, Jesus: Alphabet of Praise, (Part 1)
- Praise You, Jesus (Part 2)
- 300+ Names, Titles, and Attributes of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
____________________
- Ron Dunn, Don’t Just Stand There, Pray Something (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1992), 208-209
- Brainerd, David; Edwards, Jonathan (2013-06-04). The Life and Diary of David Brainerd with Notes and Reflections by Jonathan Edwards (Illustrated) (Kindle Locations 742-756). Kindle Edition.
- Ibid., 932-946
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, Shades of Grace will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
“Natalie Grace Nichols is experiencing God’s grace and freely expressing it. My wife, Betty, and I thank God for the ministry of Jesus through Natalie.”
“I’m so thankful that God is raising up women like Natalie for a new generation, providing biblically balanced teaching, encouragement, and comfort for people who are enduring life’s trials.”
I was falsely accused of DWI when a trooper wrongfully went into my purse and found my medication legally prescribed. He lied despicably on the discovery. The tape clearly shows I am perfect, but my lawyer said the corrupt prosecutor refuses to drop the charges because "it will make the police look bad and open them to a lawsuit." PLEASE PRAY FOR GOD'S HAND TO MOVE AND EXPOSE THEIR CORRUPTION
I don't know how desperate God would want me to get..I am tired now and do not have the strength to pray.. I do not want to give up on prayer… But it's getting really hard.. Please pray for me
It is a tremendous help to have family and friends to pray with you. My son has recently been dealing with headaches. He had been going through Ct scans, M.R.I's, etc. On Christmas Eve eve, he got a call to get to the emergency room immediately, they had found a blood clot on his brain in his most recent test(deep vain CT scan). I was stunned and unable to voice a word. My in-laws were all at my house for Christmas and immediately began laying on hands and praying. We were in the ER many hours but he was sent home and is doing well now. Thank you Jesus for a praying family, friends, and church.
Ive been falsely accused myself above and below many levels of – i miss my kids. Always after their born the mad man takes them from me and gives them over to another mad man- how does this form a beautifully made world' im not getting better at anything' same person just about as i always had been' i need to do soo much but doing so little causes what the worlds like and does. I needed my people to support me and guide me right without feeling more loss and broken. I need the help and support, plz im begging
I've prayed for years. I've been on the floor, pleading with God, crying till I thought my heart would break. My prayer would be easy for God to answer. I'm not asking for a miracle or anything selfish or self-serving. All I pray for is a friend. I've been alone for years, and it's been hard without any friends or family (all are gone or passed away). I've become independent and strong in many ways, but there are times when I really need someone. I don't even have an emergency contact for medical emergencies. I go out to meet people every chance I get, but nothing has worked. Why would God say "no" to me for years, time and time again?
Hey Val!
I don’t know if you’re still looking for a friend, but it’s worth a try. I’ll be your friend! I would love to, if you let me.
Hope to hear from you soon, so we can start this new path of friendship.
Cheers.
Praise the lord. please touch and agree with me that in the mighty name of
Jesus our savior heals Javon body complete of ALL SICKNESS & DISEASES and
makes me Whole. im in need of Supernatural Miracle. My wife is also
dealing with infirmity in her body. i have made my request known to God
and petitioned him to do it. God who forgiveth all thine iniquities who
healeth ALL thine DISEASES. Behold the lord is God of ALL flesh. Nothing is too hard for him. He sent his WORD and HEALED. Glory to God. where 2 or 3 touch & agree he will be in the
midst. i know he is able. i take all limits off of God. For with God
NOTHING shall be IMPOSSIBLE. I know all things work together for good.
thank you. i love you. im praying for you that Our father will bless u and
your family and your ministry. In Jesus mighty name. Amen! Im also believing God
to release a financial blessing that i can be a blessing to kingdom
It don’t work, either I’m not worth it, or else prayer don’t work because I have been praying for a miracle for months nothing has happened, not even an answer. So there is proof.
I said before that prayer don’t work I tried for months and nothing
Please Pray for me'I have nothing;I have no insurance,no job, no bank account,I am a few steps away from being homeless.I desperately need a Financial blessing from the Lord.My Mother is aged ,and suffers from pain and bad health.Please pray for a miracle touch from God.In Jesus's Name I pray this.Amen
I ran across this article because just like so many others, I’ve been feeling so discouraged. I have been wanting and praying for my 3 adult children to get saved and live for Christ but to this day, the same old issues.
This article, however, is a blessing to me. I am going to read Luke 11 and Luke 18 as suggested because when the author said that someone felt that they had “prayed until they were blue in the face…” and that the opposite of what they’d been praying for has happened…and just feeling completely discouraged and not even knowing how to pray anymore – that person is me. In fact I’ve said those exact words using the same exact terms. It made me laugh when I read that part because I knew it was no coincidence that I came across this article. So I take this as an answer to prayer for help. God is faithful. Thank you, Lord. Have mercy on me.
Wow, Aski! It seems God couldn’t have made it more clear to you. He used your exact words, just to remind you that He is El Roi, that He sees… and that He is hearing your prayers and answering! I love how he brings us across just the right word from Him at just the right time!
I join you in praying and claiming your three children for the Lord.
You might find these three articles encouraging also:
1. How Do I Pray for Lost Loved Ones
2. Renew Your Passion to Pray for the Lost: 5 Thoughts from George Mueller
3. Waging War With Your Promise