He also spoke a parable to them that they must always pray, and not give up, saying, 'There was a judge in a certain city who didn't fear God, and didn't respect man. A widow was in that city, and she often came to him, saying, 'Defend me from my adversary!' He wouldn't for a while, but afterward he said to himself, 'Though I neither fear God, nor respect man, yet because this widow bothers me, I will defend her, or else she will wear me out by her continual coming.' ' Luke 18:1 WEBThe widow in this story kept going to the judge with her problem, even though he had refused to help her. She came back again and again and again, until the judge gave her what she asked of him. She really wanted it. She was persistent.
In Mark 7:27, there was a woman who asked Jesus for help with her daughter. Jesus refused at first, saying that it was not right to take the children's bread and to throw it to the dogs. In other words, it wasn't time for the gentiles yet. Yet she persisted and said that even the dogs eat the crumbs under the table. Impressed by her determination and humility, Jesus did what she asked.
There are times when you have to really want it. You have to come to God in prayer over, and over, and over, until you get the answer. In 1Kings 18:43, Elijah went back and prayed for rain seven times before the small cloud rose out of the sea. In Matthew 26:44 on the night of His betrayal, Jesus went back and prayed the same words three times. He tells us that we are to pray always and not lose heart (Luke 18:1).
There is a battle going on and you are in it, even if you choose not to be. Ignorance will not protect you from it. Keep on praying, keep on seeking, keep on knocking, and the door will be opened. Sometimes you have to pray it in, and you have got to really want it. Don't give up just because you prayed once and you don't see it yet. Elijah would have never gotten his rain if he had stopped after the first prayer. He continued praying until he saw it manifest.
Prayer: Heavenly Father I thank You so much for all that You have done in my life. Please give me encouragement today, strength, wisdom, and lead me into all that You have for me here. Help me to know the times and the seasons, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.Note: Happy Friday! The "Spiritually Single" group hosts an event each Friday called "Fast & Pray Friday". The event is to lift up our pre-believing spouses and loved ones, but if you wish to join in and fast for other purposes, feel free to do so. Carol Pady, who leads the group, posts scriptures, videos and teachings each week to inspire us. For a full description on the event and how the members are fasting, here is the link (and if wish to join and have trouble, just post anywhere on the website, and we will help :)):
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Prayer: Heavenly Father I thank You so much for all that You have done in my life. Please give me encouragement today, strength, wisdom, and lead me into all that You have for me here. Help me to know the times and the seasons, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Thank you Amen
Amen!! Always pray God may answer in a day, week, month or year, but continue to pray he will answer you!!
Amen!
Amen!
Amen! A timely good reminder Pastor Dion! Thank You and Sylvia for all you do for all of us here at RHM. :)
Amein Lord
Amen
Amen
Yes, there is a battle going on but Jesus has us covered. Please continue showering me with your love and mercies Lord, help me to be everything you want me to be. I need wisdom and a heart overflowing with love. Be with me and strengthen me for whatever lies ahead. I am so grateful for all you have done in my life and for giving me gift of salvation. I love you and praise you for all your blessings. In Jesus name. Amen
Amen! Father,, please hear us when you can, our nation is in trouble!
God please. Amen
Thank You Father for all You do for me! I will not give up praying. You know the right time for the answers..
Amen! :)
Amen God is so wonderful and we are blessed!
Father I praise you and thank you for listening to my prayers. Amen
Heavenly Father, You know how persistent I have been praying over things I need Your help with. I know it is Your time not mine and I will keep asking for Your grace,in Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Amen
Praise the Lord for this devotional!! I have heard this 2 or 3 times lately, and so happy I have! For some reason, I have believed that if I pray more than once for/about something, that it meant I didn't have faith enough when I prayed it the 1st time...it is such a relief to know it's ok to continue to pray about something; I no longer have to feel guilty about it! Thank you & God bless you
Amen!
Amen! Thank you Pastor!
Thank you for this great message today. Prayer works!!!
Like the prayer. Have kept praying & believing for good outcome. Just in a week unexpected happening of discouragement showed up in hurtful way. Never expected...ever. In midst of cancer. Believing God for good outcome something close to my heart happened to stab it taking away hope for future. God can do anything. In counseling because of it. Prov 13:12...Hope deferred makes the heart sick is where I am. So how much can I handle? Put your hope in God is in Psalm 42 when our soul is cast down it says...lived in this Psalm a long time many years ago while feeling very down. All turned around for good. Dealing with a major threat and a dagger got added....Help my unbelief, Lord!
Be strong dear Cheryl, the Lord is with you, please know that you are in my prayers! Love and hugs, Liesel
Thank you Leslie
Amen. Praise God! Thanks Pastor Todd! Heavenly Father I thank You so much for all that You have done in my life. Please give me encouragement today, strength, wisdom, and lead me into all that You have for me here. Help me to know the times and the seasons, in the Name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.
Amen