THE MOTIVE FOR PERSEVERING PRAYER

Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.

Psalms 116:2

The motive of God in requiring our prayer cannot be questioned.  It is pure, worthy, and sufficient.  The command of God to pray is the guarantee of His hearing.  So, like Paul, we must pray without ceasing.

A – The Motive

The Psalmist speaks of God here as though He were bowing down to place His ear close to our mouth.  There is no way our feeble and sinful lips could be worthy of His hearing, yet He doesn’t miss one word.

B – The Determination

He said, “I will call.”  Prayer requires some effort.  The person that does not take it seriously and determines to put some effort into it will likely see very little results.  We must prepare and then perform as we would any other work for God. 

The Psalmist also indicates that we can have a measure of confidence as we pray.  Unless we are assured that He will hear and answer, our voice may falter and we may not even try.

Then there is an indication that our prayer must be earnest.  Not just a feeble whisper, but a loud cry.  A public prayer, if you will.  Not just once in a while or when we have a need, but as long as we shall live. 

C – The Divine Intention

Why should God answer our prayer?

TO INCREASE OUR FAITH – HE WANTS US TO BELIEVE THAT HE WILL

TO INCREASE OUR BOLDNESS – HE WANTS US TO PRAY FOR BIGGER AND BETTER THINGS

TO BRING US INTO HIS PRESENCE

God loves us and wants to help us, but He also longs to hear from us.  But, unless we pray, He will not hear.  A prayerless Christian will become a Godless Christian.

Have you met with God today?

Thank You for visiting this site. If we can be of help in any way, please do not hesitate to ask. Much Blessings on you and yours, Dr. Joseph A.Carson Northland Baptist Ministries