Your Prayers Are Working!

   “But I tell you this – though he won’t do it for friendship’s sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence.” Luke 11:8 NLT

   Over the years, I have written out by hand the countless Scriptures and promises that the Holy Spirit has directed me to pray and stand on for myself, my loved ones, and many others.  One morning when I was spending time alone with God and praying some of these verses, I said out loud in utter frustration, “These prayers aren’t working!”  Immediately, I sensed the Spirit of God saying to my spirit, “ALL OF THEM ARE WORKING!”  That’s when the Lord reminded me of something I heard a godly man say that spoke to my heart – “You’ve got the devil exactly where you want him!  This is NO time to quit!”

   In the Parable of the Persistent Neighbor in Luke Chapter 11, Jesus instructs us how to pray with persistence.  He talks about a fellow who knocks on his neighbor’s door in the middle of the night until the man gets up and gives him bread for his visiting guests.  Jesus says: “I tell you, although he will not get up and supply him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his shameless persistence and insistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs.” (Luke 11:8 AMP)  Then, in the next verse, Jesus drives home His point: “So I say to you, ask and keep on asking, and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking, and you will find; knock and keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who keeps on asking [persistently], receives; and he who keeps on seeking [persistently], finds; and to him who keeps on knocking [persistently], the door will be opened.” (Luke 11:9-10 AMP)  This Amplified Bible Translation shows a footnote that says, “Here the use of Greek present imperatives (asking, seeking, knocking) emphasizes persistent, constant prayer.”  The Apostle Paul reiterates the Savior’s lesson when he writes, “Be unceasing and persistent in prayer.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 AMP)

   Why is persistent prayer so important to the believer?  Because Satan knows that he has absolutely no defense against a praying believer who refuses to give up.  Jesus told us clearly to count the cost of following Him. (Luke 14:28)  Praying prayers like these will cost us.  They will cost us time and energy that we never thought we could afford.  And this is one reason why God gave us His Holy Spirit to strengthen, empower, and guide us – even in prayer. (Romans 8:26)  Today, I am telling you what the Lord told me – your prayers ARE working, so don’t quit and give up before your breakthrough comes!

   Lord, help me to consistently walk by faith, and not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7)  Remind me often that “better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing.” (John 20:29 MSG)  Teach me how to pray with shameless persistence according to Your will.  Guard me from discouragement and impatience.  Thank You for the abundant harvests of blessings that I will reap as a result!

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