The Power of Persistent Prayer
Approaching God with Confident Boldness
Have you ever felt unworthy to approach God in prayer? Perhaps you've wondered if your prayers are even heard, let alone answered. Take heart, for the truth about prayer is far more encouraging than you might think.
Imagine being invited to a prestigious banquet, only to find yourself seated at the head table with dignitaries and guests of honor. You might feel out of place, like an imposter. But what if you were there simply because someone important invited you to take their seat? This scenario beautifully illustrates our position when we come before God in prayer.
We don't approach God's throne because of our own merit or status. We come because we've been invited - even ushered - to the seat of honor by Jesus Christ himself. This reality should transform how we view prayer and embolden us to approach God with confidence.
In Luke 11, Jesus shares a parable about a man who goes to his friend at midnight, asking for bread to feed an unexpected guest. In our modern context, this might seem intrusive or rude. But in the culture Jesus was addressing, hospitality was a moral imperative. The friend inside the house initially refuses, citing the late hour and his sleeping family. However, Jesus says that even if friendship isn't enough motivation, the man's "shameless audacity" or "persistent boldness" will compel his friend to give him what he needs.
This parable isn't suggesting that God is reluctant to answer our prayers and needs to be pestered into action. Rather, it's a contrast. If even a sleepy, inconvenienced friend will eventually respond to persistent requests, how much more eagerly does our loving Heavenly Father want to answer us?
Jesus goes on to say, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." He then compares earthly fathers to our Heavenly Father. If imperfect human parents know how to give good gifts to their children, how much more will God give good things to those who ask Him?
This teaching invites us to examine our hearts and imagine the heart of God. Do we truly believe that God wants to answer our prayers? Do we approach Him with the confident boldness of beloved children?
Hebrews 4:16 encourages us to "approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." The emphasis here is twofold: it's a throne, signifying God's power and authority, but it's also a throne of grace. We're not coming before a harsh judge, but a loving Father.
Even when we feel our prayers are inadequate or poorly expressed, we can take comfort in Romans 8:26, which tells us that "the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans." Like a parent lovingly interpreting their toddler's earnest but incomprehensible babbling, the Holy Spirit translates our heartfelt prayers to the Father.
This intimate relationship with God is further emphasized in Romans 8:15: "The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, 'Abba, Father.'" The term "Abba" is an Aramaic word similar to "Daddy," conveying a close, personal relationship.
Some may hesitate to address God so intimately, feeling more like a rebellious teenager than a beloved child. But this is a lie from the enemy. When we've been born again, we are adopted into God's family. He doesn't love us based on our performance, but because of His choice to love us unconditionally.
Consider the parable of the shepherd leaving the 99 sheep to find the one that was lost. This illustrates that while God desires to save the whole world, He pursues each person individually. If you were the only person on Earth, Jesus would still have come to save you. That's how precious you are to Him.
In our consumer-driven society, we often determine worth by what someone is willing to pay. By that measure, your worth to God is incalculable. Creating the universe cost God only the breath of His mouth, but redeeming you cost the life of His beloved Son. That price has been indelibly marked on your soul.
So how can we cultivate a more vibrant prayer life? Here are three practical suggestions:
Schedule prayer time: Even if it's just five minutes a day to start, make it a habit.
Keep a prayer and gratitude journal: Write down your prayers and record the answers. This practice can be incredibly encouraging over time.
Be ready to pray in the moment: When someone shares a concern, offer to pray with them right then and there. This makes prayer a natural part of your daily interactions.
Remember, prayer isn't about impressing God with eloquent words or perfect theology. It's about coming to Him with the confident boldness of a child approaching a loving parent. God delights in answering our prayers, not just to meet our needs, but so that He might be glorified through our lives.
As you approach prayer, imagine yourself being ushered to the seat of honor at God's table. You're not there because of your own merit, but because Jesus has invited you to take His place. From that position of unearned privilege, pour out your heart to your Heavenly Father. Persist in prayer, not because God is reluctant, but because He delights in your trust and boldness.
May your prayer life be transformed as you grasp the depth of God's love for you and the open invitation He extends to approach His throne of grace. In doing so, you'll discover the power of persistent, confident prayer to change not only your circumstances but your very heart.
