The Power of Persistent Prayer

By Randy Harp, Director, Baptist Bible Fellowship International Central Office, Springfield, MO

Read Matthew 7:7-11.

Have you ever found yourself questioning whether your prayers were truly heard? In moments of despair, when life’s burdens weigh heavily on our shoulders, we may begin to doubt the goodness of our Heavenly Father. However, within the depths of this passage, we discover an invigorating truth that transcends doubts or fears. Our gracious Heavenly Father invites us to approach Him with the expectation of receiving abundant blessings.

By boldly asking, fervently seeking, and persistently knocking, we are positioning ourselves to experience the abundant goodness of God. This passage outlines three fundamental actions that guide us toward unlocking the fullness of His blessings.

Firstly, Jesus encourages us to ask, assuring us that when we humbly present our requests before God, He hears us. Our Heavenly Father is neither disinterested nor holding out on us. Rather, He is eagerly waiting for us to draw near and place our petitions at His feet. We must cultivate a heart of constant communication with Him, knowing that He is attentive to the cries of His children.

Secondly, Jesus implores us to seek diligently. As we earnestly search for God’s will in our lives, we reveal the sincerity of our hearts. Seeking His guidance requires both patience and persistence, for His ways are higher than our own. Trusting in His perfect timing, we will find the treasures of His love, grace, and purpose nestled within our pursuit.

By boldly asking, fervently seeking, and persistently knocking, we are positioning ourselves to experience the abundant goodness of God. Click To Tweet

Lastly, Jesus speaks of the significance of knocking. As we approach the door of our Father’s heart, may we do so fearlessly, knowing that it will be opened unto us. Our God is not a God who withholds His goodness or delights in denying our requests. Rather, He longs to lavish upon His children the blessings they need, things far greater than what we can comprehend or envision.

Notice the magnificent truth delicately woven within these words—our Heavenly Father delights in giving good gifts to His children. Even earthly parents, though flawed, inherently possess the desire to bless their children abundantly. How much more, then, will our perfect, loving Heavenly Father provide for us?

Through persistent prayer, we deepen our relationship with God and experience His unwavering faithfulness. While God may not always answer our prayers as we anticipate, He gives us what is best for us. We simply must align our earthly needs with His divine will. Let us approach prayer with confidence, interceding on behalf of others, seeking His guidance for our lives, and trusting in His sovereign goodness.

Reflective Questions

1. Has there been a time in your life where you found yourself questioning whether or not your prayers were being heard? What was the outcome? What did you learn during the time of waiting? 
2. In what area do you need to be persistent in your prayers? What is something specific you are praying persistently for? Are you intentionally aligning your will to God’s? 
3. What is the greatest gift a parent has ever given you? How does that compare to the great gift that God has ever given you?

Memory Verse

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  (Matthew 7:7 NKJV)

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for Your unwavering love and faithfulness. Thank You for the reminder today that You do hear my prayers. Help me to surrender my doubts and fears as I do my best to align my will to Yours. Help me to confidently ask, diligently seek, and boldly knock so that I may experience the fullness of Your blessings. 

Related Scriptures

Matthew 21:22; I John 3:22; John 15:7; Psalm 145:18-19; Jeremiah 33:3; Psalm 81:10; James 1:17; Romans 8:32; Psalm 84:11; John 3:16