One of the greatest hindrances to our prayer life is a lack of perseverance. Oftertimes people quit praying too soon. We feel that since we have asked, our answer should immediately be forthcoming or our need should quickly be met. God is not a bellhop, waiting to give us just what we want the moment we ask. We often have to exercise patience and continue praying.
Every believer is givenly the Hole Spirit to seal our relationship to God, and it is He who counsels us how to pray.(Romans 8:26) We have the idea that we need to come to God only when we have a need. However, prayer is about intimacy. If God gave us whatever we wanted as soon as we asked, we would not be able to understand the dynamic of our relationship-we might never learn important skills like patience or dependence.
Think of Paul, who tells us that he implored 3 times for his "thorn in the flesh"to be removed before God gave a firm answe of no. (2Cors. 12:
This probably refers to three protected periods of time Pail begged for relief. When we have been praying for a long time about and don't feel as if out words are going anywhere, that is not the time to quit. You have to pray through those situations.
God is listening attentively to our cries, and His Spirit is our constant companion-even when we cannot "feel" His presence or involvment. Instaed of ceasing to pray, will you call on the Holy Spirit to aid you in presevering?
