Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  8000 The life of the believer  »  8600 Prayer and worship of the believer  »  8602 prayer  »  8613 prayer, persistence in

An answer to prayer may not come immediately. Petitioners are to continue praying earnestly. This requires patience, determination and, at times, a willingness to wrestle with God for the desired outcome.

The principle of persistence in prayer

Prayer should be made with patience and perseverance

Psalm 40:1; Psalm 88:1 See also 1 Chronicles 16:11; Psalm 116:2

Jesus Christ taught his disciples to persist in prayer

Luke 18:1-8 See also Luke 11:5-10

Persistence in prayer was exemplified in the early church

Acts 1:14 See also Acts 2:42

Paul exhorted the churches to practise persistent prayer

Ephesians 6:18 See also Romans 12:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Examples of persistence in prayer

Abraham pleads persistently for Sodom

Genesis 18:23-33

Jacob persists in wrestling with God

Genesis 32:24-32

Moses persists in interceding for Israel

Deuteronomy 9:25-29 See also Exodus 32:31-32

Hannah persistently asks for a son

1 Samuel 1:10-11

Elijah persists in prayer about the rain

James 5:17-18 See also 1 Kings 18:36-44

The psalmists persist in calling out to God

Psalm 88:1-18; Psalm 119:147-149; Psalm 130:1-6

Jesus Christ persisted in pursuing the Father's will

Luke 22:42-44 pp Matthew 26:36-43 pp Mark 14:32-40

Persistence in prayer is exemplified in waiting for God

Micah 7:7 See also Psalm 27:14; Psalm 33:20; Psalm 37:7; Psalm 38:15; Psalm 40:1; Isaiah 26:8

See also

8459  perseverance
8653  importunity to God
8672  striving with God