“…The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]” (James 5:16 AMP b)
Sometimes when you have a matter to settle or you desire a change in a situation you don’t have full jurisdiction over, you have to continue in prayer until that change comes. Now this doesn’t negate faith nor mean you’re unbelieving. Actually, the reason you choose not to give up or shift grounds is because you’re acting your faith.
Many are too used to praying “emergency prayers” that don’t work. They wait until the pressure mounts and then start pushing panic-buttons and praying fast prayers for fast answers. But Elijah knew better. We read in our opening scripture what he did when he wanted a miracle: he cast himself down upon the earth and put his head between his knees, praying heartfelt, continued prayer (1 Kings 18:42). He prayed until he got a miracle.
This is what many in the Church today aren’t doing. Years ago, Christians were taught to be earnest and persistent in prayer, but the more they learned the Word of faith, the more some drifted away from the message of prayer. But to be effective, you must have the two together: the Word of faith and earnest, heartfelt, continued prayer.
You must have the willingness to pray with all your heart and continue in prayer until you have the note of victory in your spirit. You might ask, “But when do I stop?” You stop when you “know that you know” in your spirit (not in your head) that it’s done! Remember, this is different from the prayer of faith, where you pray only once and don’t have to go back to pray again about the same thing.
Confession
My faith in God and His eternal Word is the basis of my tenacity as I demand salvation for all my friends, loved ones, colleagues and all those with whom I make contact on a daily basis! I declare that their souls are for Christ, wherever they are, God’s Word will keep coming to them, bringing them salvation, healing and blessings, until Christ is formed in their hearts, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study:
Colossians 4:2
Galatians 4:19
Luke 18:1-8
(Taken by permission from Christ Embassy Church , aka Believer’s LoveWorld Ministries , Lagos, Nigeria. www.ChristEmbassy.org )
