Fervent Prayer

Throughout the Bible, we are made to understand that impassioned, heartfelt prayer is of vital importance. Everything we do should be done in prayer, and we should never grow weary in prayer, but pray fervently and continuously, knowing that God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8

What a precious promise. How encouraging it is for us to know that if we would but ask our gracious Father in heaven for those things which are needful — believing — we will have them. Jesus was masterful at bringing home Scriptural truths through the telling of parables. Knowing that everyone at some point has been pestered by a friend or relative, Jesus told a parable regarding prayer and the need for diligence in prayer. “And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; saying,There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: and there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him,though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:1-8

Indeed! Shall He find faith? That is the burning question. So many today are fearful and huddled away in their homes. Their lives are empty and sad. If ever there was a time when God’s people needed to have faith and be in fervent prayer, it is today.

We have read how prayer has worked many miracles in the Bible. Moses’ intercessory prayer saved Israel when God had become fed up with our ancestors (Exodus 32:9-14). Joshua’s prayer stopped the universe when the Israelites needed more time in battle (Joshua 10:12-14). Elijah’s prayer brought fire down from heaven when he contended with the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:36-38). Many other examples could be given. Fervent prayer works!

We have seen prayer work miracles in our day. How many mother’s prayers have brought their wayward young men to repentance? How many wondrous things have come about as the result of heartfelt prayer? How many cold hearts have been melted? How many terrible accidents have been averted? How many have been healed? How many have been protected, guided and directed through the effectual, fervent prayers of God’s people? Fervent prayer works! All we need do is ask. He invites us to ask. Why would we not? “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16

Prayer is just as big as God is
Prayer is just as strong as God is strong
Prayer can reach as far as God can reach
Don’t ever give up, just pray
Don’t ever give up, just pray