Perseverance In Prayer
EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, GHANA
TEGBI CONGREGATION
THEME: Perseverance In Prayer
(Eʋe: Do Vevie Nu Le Gbedodoɖa Me)
Texts:
Psalm 138;
Genesis 18:20-32; Colossians 2:6-19;
Luke 11:1-13
Introduction:
Luke 11:1 begins with a request from one of Jesus’ disciples: “Lord, teach us to pray…” This simple request opens the door to one of the most profound teachings on prayer — not only how to pray, but the spirit with which we must pray: perseveringly, persistently, and with confidence.
Today, we reflect on what it means to persevere in prayer — not giving up, not losing heart, and not ceasing, even when answers delay.
- The Example of Abraham – Genesis 18:20-32
In this Old Testament narrative, Abraham engages God in an intercessory dialogue concerning Sodom and Gomorrah. His appeal is bold, respectful, but persistent.
Verse 27: “Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord…” — this shows humility and boldness together.
Abraham didn’t ask once. He repeatedly negotiated with God — from 50, down to 10 righteous people.
This teaches us that God is patient with us in prayer, and we should be bold to keep asking.
Lesson: Don’t be afraid to go to God again and again. His mercy is vast, and He listens.
- The Assurance of Jesus – Luke 11:1-13
In Luke 11, Jesus teaches the Lord’s Prayer and follows with a parable about a friend who comes at midnight to ask for bread. The key lesson comes in verses 9-10:
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7-8)
The Greek verbs for “ask,” “seek,” and “knock” are continuous: keep on asking, keep on seeking, keep on knocking.
God is not like the reluctant friend; He is a loving Father.
Verse 13 says, “how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Lesson: We must persevere, not because God is unwilling, but because He is teaching us faith, trust, and dependence.
- The Warning from Paul – Colossians 2:6-19
Paul warns believers not to be deceived or derailed by human philosophy or legalism.
Verse 6: “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him.”
Perseverance in prayer is part of continuing in Christ.
It keeps us rooted, built up, and strengthened in faith.
Lesson: Prayer keeps us spiritually awake. It shields us from being taken captive by empty philosophies.
- The Gratitude of David – Psalm 138
David testifies of the Lord’s unfailing love and faithfulness. He says in verse 3: “When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me.”
David’s life was filled with trouble, yet he persisted in prayer and God heard him.
Verse 7: “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life.”
Lesson: Even in trouble, we must keep praying. God preserves, strengthens, and saves.
Reasons Why We Must Persevere in Prayer:
- God is faithful – He hears us (Psalm 138:3).
- Our answers may delay – but not be denied (Luke 11:8).
- We grow spiritually – through continual fellowship with God (Col. 2:7).
- We intercede for others – like Abraham did (Gen. 18).
- We overcome temptation and deception – by staying connected to the Spirit.
- It builds Faith and patience. Strengthens our trust in God and keeps our hope alive.
- Results of Persevering in Prayer:
- You develop deeper intimacy with God.
- Your faith becomes stronger and unshakeable.
- You experience divine answers, peace, and clarity.
- Miracles and breakthroughs. Doors open, yokes break, and healing comes through prayer.
- You become a vessel of intercession for others.
- You receive the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13), the greatest gift.
Examples of people who Persevere in prayer.
- Hannah-1 Samuel 1:10-20. She was barren and mocked, but she kept going to the house of the Lord year after year. God heard her cry and gave her Samuel.
- Daniel-Daniel 10:12-14. He fasted and prayed for 21 days. The angel later told him that God had answered on the day one, but the Spiritual battle delayed the answer. Had he stopped praying, he might have missed the blessing.
- Elijah.-James 5:17-18. He prayed earnestly that it would no rain, and it didn’t. He prayed again, and the heavens gave rain. He kept sending his servant to check until the answer appeared.
Conclusion:
Beloved in Christ, perseverance in prayer is a discipline, a relationship, and a journey of trust. Like Abraham, David, and our Lord Jesus, we are called to press on in prayer — not just when it’s convenient, but especially when it’s difficult.
Never stop praying. Don’t give up on that situation, don’t lose hope. Be like Abraham, like Hannah, like Elijah, like Daniel, God is faithful.
Do vevie nu le Gbedodoɖa me.
Amen.
Rev. Sylvanu Yao Kpodonu
