Being Intentional and Persistent in My Prayer Life

Do you ever feel like you pray for the same things over and over…day in and day out? I used to think there was something wrong with that, but now I know better. 

1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to “pray without ceasing”. I don’t think that means that we have to pray every single moment of the day; although, I do believe in praying throughout the day. I think this verse means we can intentionally bring a specific prayer request to God consistently every day. I like what the Pulpit Commentary says concerning this verse: “This prayer is to be "without ceasing," implying constancy and perseverance.”

I love the parable Jesus tells us in Luke 18:1-8 about the persistent widow who did not give up going to the judge until she received her answer. Jesus told this parable to encourage us not to give up in our prayer life. We can apply this same persistence in our daily prayers!

I’ve realized the importance of this kind of persistence in my prayer life since living with and walking through the struggles that having a son on the autism spectrum has brought into our life. It’s a truth that I’m teaching my son as well. There is nothing wrong with seeking the face of God for a specific prayer request every.single.day. To come before God with a humble heart seeking His victory over struggles we are facing shows a strong faith in our mighty God. I believe that pleases Him.

I’ve also learned the importance of praying God’s Word back to Him. The Word of God has power that we cannot get any other way. We can use its power to tear down strongholds Satan attempts to place in our lives. We are told in Hebrews 4:12:

For the word of God is living and powerful,

and sharper than any two-edged sword,

piercing even to the division of soul and spirit,

and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner

of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Source: 123 Royalty Free

I’ve made it a daily habit to pray two specific verses over my son every.single.night. I’ve seen the difference it has made in his life as I’ve witnessed his victory over struggles that have sought to paralyze him in certain areas of his life. I praise God for the victory! Greater is He that is in my son than he that is in this world (see 1 John 4:4)!

In order to pray God’s Word back to Him, I must be in it every day, I must believe what it says, and I must memorize scripture. I’m teaching this to my son as well. Looking back, I’ve learned so much from my son actually; and my walk with the Lord has deepened because of all that we have faced these past two years now. God can truly work all things together for good (see Romans 8:28).

So you’ll know what I mean about praying God’s Word back to Him, I’d like to share part of my prayer that I pray out loud over my son EVERY night:

"Lord, I pray that Caleb would not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, I pray that Caleb would make his requests known to You. And I pray that Your peace that surpasses all understanding would guard Caleb’s heart and mind through Christ Jesus. Lord, You have not given him a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Help Caleb to walk in this truth every day. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen!"

The verses I use in my prayer are from Philippians 4:6-7 and 2 Timothy 1:7. I have seen first-hand the power of God’s Word working in Caleb’s life and for that I am very grateful. It is why I will continue to be intentional and persistent in my prayer life!

How about you? Has there been a time in your life when you’ve seen the power of God’s Word at work in your life or the life of your loved one? I’d love to hear about it, so please share in the comments.

Walking in His Grace,

Laurie