Lord, you are the God who saves me; day and night I cry out to you. May my prayer come before you; turn your ear to my cry. —Psalm 88:1
The Bible offers guidance and persistence in your prayers. It may seem as though asking for the same thing repeatedly is a sign that we don’t trust God or perhaps that we’re not satisfied with the answers He’s given us. In truth, it is this consistent presentation of requests that pleases the Lord and could make it more likely that our requests be granted. Luke 11:5-13 discusses a parable of two friends. One man keeps knocking on another’s door, asking repeatedly for bread. In the story, the homeowner gives the other man bread because he kept asking. The verse also says that those who seek are the ones who will receive. Other portions of the Bible show the power of persistent prayer, rather than telling about it. Paul pled three times before he was answered. David regularly addresses the same requests throughout the book of Psalms. Jesus himself prayed multiple times before His crucifixion, each time asking the same thing. Taking our pleas to God delights Him. It may be hard for some people to understand that, since for humans it can be irritating when someone asks for something again and again without respite. From the Lord’s point of view, however, things are different. Each time we present a request, we’re acknowledging that it is only by His power that it can be done. We’re affirming His magnitude, but also our own faith—both of which are beautiful things. Today, do not give up on your requests because they are yet unanswered. Instead pray diligently, and always
give glory to God.
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