How quickly do you give up on prayer?
This is a difficult question to answer. In a culture of instant satisfaction the thought of committing to long-term prayer seems foreign. We have free two-day shipping on packages from across the world, we have instant food, and we can even watch an entire season of TV in one sitting.
I do not have evidence to support this, but I would assume most of us are great at praying fervently for a specific need or situation for a few days, but we don’t continue praying longer than that. If God hasn’t shown up in a day or two, like the Amazon package we ordered, then all seems lost and we give up on prayer. We throw our hands us and say that God hasn’t answered us.
God rarely works on our timetable. Prayer takes time and intentionality as it shapes our hearts and transforms us into the likeness of Jesus.
[Read: 6 Prayers Christians Should Pray More]
How To Strengthen Your Prayer Life
Prayer Must Be Honest
Prayer should be a honest and open conversation with God, but some fall into the scripted prayers that only thank God for the day and our food. I’m grateful for food and I’m thankful that I have another day to live on mission with my family, but prayer should be deeper than that. Think of prayer as an ongoing conversation with God. Let Him know if you are mad, joyful, broken, or confused. He can handle your frustrations. After all, He is God.
Prayer Must Be Persistent
Persistent prayer strengthens our faith in Jesus. Your passion for change or opportunities should bring you to prayer each day. Voice these prayers with passion and hope as you seek answers, comfort, or wisdom from God. Don’t give up after a few days of prayer – commit to pray for this area until God moves or He moves your heart.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
In the Bible we see that Abraham waited 25 years for his promised son to be born. David waited over 15 years from the time he was anointed in the pasture until he was the king in the palace. Nehemiah prayed for five months before he was able to return to his home country to rebuild the walls.
Prayer Must Be Consistent
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Philippians 4 remind us of the consistent nature of prayer. Prayer is a spiritual discipline for us to strengthen through consistent obedience. I would suggest coming up with a way for you to capture your prayer that keeps you in a rhythm of praying each day. I prefer journaling in a Moleskine notebook or on my Macbook with the Day One App.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
Now What?
Don’t give up on prayer. God hears you. Be bold. Be Humble. Be willing to invest time each day praying.
