“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving”
“Continue earnestly in prayer”
As we saw last time, it is remarkable how often the Bible talks about the necessity of daily exercise in Christian disciplines. The Bereans were said to be “noble” because they daily searched the Scriptures (Acts 17:10-12). The psalmist cried unto the Lord daily (Ps. 86:3). Paul challenged the believer to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thes. 5:17). Jesus said to “take up our cross daily” (Lk 9:23).
Note how often God enjoins us to pray on a continual basis:
1 Samuel 12:23, “Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way.”
Psalm 55:17, “Evening and morning and at noon
I will pray, and cry aloud,
And He shall hear my voice.”
Psalm 119:164 “Seven times a day I praise You,
Because of Your righteous judgments.”
Luke 18:1, “Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart.”
Acts 6:4, “But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
Romans 12:12, “Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer.”
1 Thessalonians 5:17, “Pray without ceasing.”
Principle:
God wants us to acquire a persistent habit of prayer.
Application:
Persistent prayer does not mean that God wants us to do nothing but pray, but He expects us to develop a habit of prayer. God wants us to keep the receiver off the hook. He wants us to stay in touch with heavenly Headquarters. He wants us to keep in touch with Him.
