The Power of Persistent Praying

What if the answer to your deepest prayer was just one more prayer away—but you gave up too soon? Too often, we quit praying right before the breakthrough, like a runner stopping on the last lap or a hiker turning back just before reaching the summit.

But Jesus teaches us a powerful truth in Luke 11:1-13—persistent praying moves the hand of God!

The Boldness of Persistent Prayer

In this passage, Jesus tells the story of a man who has an unexpected guest arrive at midnight. With no food to offer, he goes to his friend’s house and knocks on the door, asking for bread. At first, the friend doesn’t want to be bothered—he’s already in bed, and waking up the household would be a hassle. But because of the man’s bold persistence, he gets what he needs.

Jesus follows this with a clear exhortation:

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” (Luke 11:9).

Each of these words—ask, seek, knock—indicates continuous action. We are not meant to pray once and stop. We are meant to pray continually, trusting that God hears and answers.

Why Does God Make Us Wait?

God is not like the reluctant friend in the story. He does not answer our prayers because we wear Him down; He answers out of love, grace, and care for us. Sometimes, we wait because God is working something deeper in us—strengthening our faith, aligning our hearts with His will, and preparing us for His perfect answer.

God’s Invitation to Pray

Jesus reassures us that God is approachable, generous, and ready to hear our prayers. Hebrews 4:16 says,

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

So, don’t give up on that prayer request! Keep praying, keep trusting, and keep knocking—because it is the persistent that gets the assistance!

Who or what do you need to lift up in persistent prayer today? Take a moment to bring that request before the Lord, and trust that He hears you.