PRESS ON IN PRAYER

7/2/2025

“For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of Him.” (1 Samuel 1:27) 

When I was a young lad, my dad once asked me, “Why are you always praying?”He was so concerned that he even asked, “Is there a problem that I should be aware of?” 

He asked this because his understanding of prayer was that it was only necessary when we wanted God to do something for us. This is the same mindset that has kept many believers from having an effective, consistent prayer life.

Prayer is not primarily about getting God to do something; rather, it is the fellowship and communion with the Spirit that awakens your spirit to the mysteries of the Word. There are certain depths and revelations you will never touch until you continue steadfastly in prayer.

As food is to the body, so is prayer to your spirit. Andrew Murray once said, “If the spiritual life be healthy, under the full power of the Holy Spirit, praying without ceasing will be natural.”

They say “too much of anything is bad,” but not with prayer. Prayer can never be in excess!

“Time spent alone with God is not wasted. It changes us; it changes our surroundings; and every Christian who would live a life that counts, and who would have power for service, must take time to pray.” — M.E. Andross

I remember the story George Müller shared: he began praying for five of his friends. After many months, one of them came to the Lord. Ten years later, two more were converted. It took 25 years before the fourth man was saved. Müller prayed for the fifth friend for 52 years — and even though Müller died without seeing that last friend come to Christ, his faith was rewarded. Soon after Müller’s funeral, that final friend gave his life to Jesus! Hallelujah!

Never underestimate the power of persistent and continued prayer, especially when praying for unsaved family members and friends.

Hannah is another remarkable example. She did not treat prayer as a secondary activity or an emergency measure. Prayer was her life source. She prayed fervently for a son and did not abandon her prayer ministry after he was born.

Before Samuel was born, in 1 Samuel 1:10, we read: “...Hannah prayed to the Lord...”Verse 12 says: “...she kept on praying to the Lord...”

After Samuel was born, we see in 1 Samuel 2:1: “And Hannah prayed...” From 1 Samuel chapter 2 through 10, we see her praying and prophesying.

She did not run to God only when she needed something — she remained consistent in prayer even after her miracle.

Sadly, many people run to church fervently when they have a problem. When the miracle shows up, they vanish. You would think the miracle would inspire greater zeal and stronger faith, but for so many, they forget the God who helped and sustained them.

We must learn from Hannah. In this Month of Prayer, cultivate the habit of praying until something happens — and even after, continue to press on in prayer.

Faith-Filled Confession

Everything about me is brought to perfection in Christ Jesus. I was born excellent by the Word. I do not sponsor mediocrity or laziness. I refuse to accommodate the mindset of a failure. I refuse to have the mentality of a victim. I am born again — a victor over this world and all the cohorts of hell. I know who I am. Christ in me is the hope of glory. Praise God!

Prayer Point

“I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)

1. Thank God for those in authority, declaring that they are positioned for the benefit of the church. Every law and policy made will favor the free spread of the Gospel in our land. We will never be disadvantaged.

2. Declare that no influence or pressure from wicked and unreasonable men will sway our leaders from the path of truth, in the name of our Lord Jesus.

   
   

   “Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment.” (Isaiah 32:1)

3. Pray that our leaders are bold to say "No" to evil counsel and pressure from non-state actors urging them to compromise human rights and jeopardize the future of their nation.

4. Declare that they yield their hearts to the guidance of God’s Spirit, to speak up for the truth, and boldly reject and expose the machinations of evil and the counsel of darkness.

5. Declare that the light of the glorious Gospel shines brighter and brighter and prevails in the nations