In episode 134, “Pray Persistently”, we talk about different ways we can pray with intention and perseverance. Learn how to practice patience and pray with excited anticipation. We begin our book study mini series over Autumn Miles’ Gangster Prayer in episode 131. Learn how to relentlessly pursue God with passion and great expectation.
CLICK PLAY TO LISTEN!
Navigate the “No”s
Raise your hand if you like being told no…no one? Yes, us too. Getting told “no” is hard, and getting told “just be patient” is hard too. Hang in there! God’s got an answer for you either way. This week we want you to fight the lie: “I have been praying for this for so long with no answer, so I should just quit.” It’s a tough pill to swallow, but if we gave up on everything that didn’t happen in our desired timeline, where would we be? Our guess, it would be grim.
If you’ve ever felt like giving up because you’ve been praying for so long, we caution you to keep praying. Easier said than done, and we know that. We’ve lived it, we’ve practiced it, and it’s still hard for us too. We give a few examples from the Bible, so be sure to scroll up and listen to episode 134: “Pray Persistently” Three key strategies to focus on:
- remain faithful
- diligently pray
- keep eyes on christ
When you pray persistently, you’ll see results. The results may be what you’re praing for, but it could also be unforeseen byproducts such as growth in patience, growth in contentment, etc…but remember that God is working all things together for our good.
If god has promised something to you, be active in prayer, keep listening, and know that God is getting it ready for you. Satan is trying to do everything he can to get you to stop praying, get discouraged, and give up. So, in turn, ask yourself, “Why does the devil want me to stop praying? What is the great thing will happen when I continue to pray?” Satan is trying to throw you of your prayer game, don’t let him win!
Having an active prayer life helps us learn to navigate the no’s. Combine your experiences and rely on biblical truths to help you navigate life, especially in the waiting or in the answer you didn’t necessarily want (but were given). Because we don’t have the perspective that God has, sometimes no’s are the best thing for us, even if we don’t enjoy it in the moment. Keep this in mind as you move through life.
Pray with Patience
Patience is one of the fruits of the spirit, and God helps equip us in this area by teaching us how to wait. One way to develop patience is to start with prayer. The sooner you take your worries, struggles, or aspirations to God, the sooner you’ll see results and Him working in you.
As Christians, we are to grow our relationship with Christ, and one way to do that is through prayer. 1 Peter 5:8 gives us tips on how to stay on mission and continue praying, even when it’s hard. We need to stay alert, ready, and sober minded (which also means calm and collected in spirit). Satan will try to trick us with negative thoughts and feelings, so it’s our job to filter through those (listen to our Get Out of Your Head mini series to learn how to do this).
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
1 Peter 5:8
Gut check time: What is your first reaction to hardship? Are those toxic emotions or feelings you have keeping you stuck and downhearted? We take a moment in episode 134 “Pray Persistently” to talk about some protocols you can have set in place for when your emotions are running high. Here are a few other quick tips:
- Put on the Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18)
- Blast worship music (Psalm 100)
- Ask the Holy Spirit to meet with you (Acts 4:31)
In this episode, we talk about the value of intersession; where people pray on your behalf. If you need some encouragement, hope, or life spoken over you, ask someone to pray for you. We talk about Moses and his staff in the Bible, and it’s such a good representation of intersession. You can find the story in Exodus 17:8-13. We give several other scriptural references in the episode, so be sure to check it out.
Pray Specifically
In episode 134, “Pray Persistently” we encourage you to fight the lie: “My specific prayer request isn’t important to God.” Here’s some good news: if it matters to you, it matters to God. Autumn gives great examples of this in her book, and we talk about one on the episode. Specific prayer gets specific results, and helps us see God working.
What’s holding you back from praying specifically? Friendly reminder, God cares about you, loves you, and He has a caring heart. Do not view asking for help as a sign of weakness. There is no reason to feel embarrassed in front of God; come to Him frequently and with the core motivation to connect.
“If you’re not taking specific prayers to God and giving Him the opportunity to show up for you, you are keeping yourself from a level of knowing God that will transform your life.”
Autumn Miles, “Gangster Prayer”
Specific prayer will change the trajectory of your life. God wants to “wow” you, so pray with holy anticipation and excitement. Keep track of all the amazing things God is doing when he answers your prayers. We are firm believers of journaling, and we have a fun journal line you can see here. What’s something small you can pray for that will build your faith? Have fun, get creative if you want, and then pray expectantly!
We hope you enjoyed episode 134, “Pray Persistently” and that you have practical, actionable steps you can take. Be sure to check out this entire Gangster Prayer mini series about relentlessly pursuing God with passion and great expectation. You can do this! We’re here to help. Click the affiliate image below to get your copy of Autumn Miles’ book.
