Persistence in Prayer

By, Dee Coroneos
Director of Prayer
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Micah 7:7 “There is power in persistent prayer”
These past seven years have been such a growing, maturing experience for me. After my husband’s discouraging diagnosis, and struggling to accept what the doctors had concluded, I turned my attention to the Lord in prayer. I searched encouraging scriptures on healing, faith, trust, surrender, perseverance, and above all the power of persistent prayer. I’ve kept these promises handy, for they stand mighty against any challenge. Although we have not seen complete healing yet, persistent prayer has pulled us through several bad reports on Chris’ health. We’ve experienced the miraculous hand of God upon us both, as Chris has bounced back over and over again after each downturn. He’s come to believe in the power of prayer, and the Lord has taken us both on such a ride, He takes our breath away!

I have consistently been on my knees in prayer, and He answers each time, amazing us, and maturing us both in Him. Although we don’t know the Lord’s final plan for my sweetheart, we are certain He is always there holding us up, providing all our needs, and placing the desire within us to want to know more of His heart and character, depicted in His word. We’re learning to wait upon Him with hopeful expectation one day at a time.

Isaiah 40:31-1 “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

Jesus gives us the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8, telling us to ALWAYS pray and not lose heart. She kept asking the ungodly judge to grant her justice against her adversary, and was sent away time after time, until finally, the judge granted her petition.

In Luke 18:6 the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to Him day and night?”

The Lord can do mighty work through us during the time of persistent prayer and waiting. Do not lose heart, but fan the flame of your faith by pressing on and keep on asking!
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James 1:3 “You know the testing of your faith develops perseverance”

THE POWER OF COMMUNITY AND CORPORATE PRAYER
Matthew 18:19-21 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them”

I’ve learned to seek the assistance of Godly women, dear sisters in Christ, when facing difficulty, for there’s mighty power in community prayer. Many times the Lord will speak to us through others, and He might even say things we’re not expecting to hear, but He will provide us with solution to our problems, if we are willing to trust Him and have faith in His unchanging promises.

Oasis has brought the concept of community prayer to life, as we pray for each other, and anyone else in need of prayer, during our study gatherings. Our Oasis prayer team dedicates time to pray online for any requests submitted through our website. It’s such a blessing to pray for people we have never met, and a double blessing when we hear back from them, expressing their gratitude and praise reports! Here’s the direct link when asking for prayer: https://oasisministriesintl.com/prayer-requests/

A biblical example of corporate prayer is king Jehoshaphat who reigned over everyone in Judah, but when facing the threat of a vast army against him, he humbled himself and called a fast and prayer throughout the land. He recognized his insufficiency, and humbly asked for everyone’s assistance under him. As a result, the Lord was faithful, and granted the king favor and victory!

2 Chronicles 20:3-4 “Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek Him”

In closing, I’ve made a habit when praying for others to always include scripture reflecting their petition. I often pray the scripture by incorporating the person’s name in it. I find praying this way to be powerful, encouraging and faith-building to the one receiving the prayer. Here’s an example using a fictitious name in this scripture, we all know and love:

Jeremiah 29:11 “I know the plans I have for (Grace),” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper (her) and not to harm (her), plans to give (her) hope and a future.

Enjoy the rest of the summer with family and friends, remembering the Lord is only a prayer away, and as Dr. Charles Stanley says: “When you fight your battles on your knees, you always win!”