Prayer

By Bob Bunn

Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:5-13, Luke 18:1-14, John 15:7, Romans 12:12, Hebrews 4:14-16

Sometimes, kids just need their dad. Thankfully, the Lord blessed me with a great one. I know that’s not everyone’s story, but I am grateful it’s mine. Through every up and down, my dad has never been farther than a phone call away. Physical distance has never been a match for the bond we share.

Even now, when my kids are grown and starting to have kids of their own, I still reach out to my father when I’ve got a question or a problem. I trust his wisdom because he seems to be right more times than not. And I know that he wants nothing but the best for me and my family.

Of course, our relationship didn’t just happen. We didn’t stumble across some kind of secret sauce for relationships. We’ve done a lot of life together, and the investment of time has brought us closer. More than anything, we’ve learned how to talk to one another.

In Romans 12, Paul challenged his readers to pursue that kind of relationship with their heavenly Father through prayer. And like my relationship with my dad, time and two-way communication were key factors.

At the end of verse 12, Paul encouraged them to “be persistent in prayer.” That word that is translated “persistent” carries a lot of weight. It implies attending to something with intentionality, being devoted to what is in front of you and not being moved from it. It involves intensity and focus.

Honestly, that’s really what makes prayer such an effective tool for believers. It’s one thing to say a quick prayer, but persistent prayer stays the course over time. Persistent prayer means talking to God and listening for His voice even when it feels like our words are bouncing off the ceiling or our tears are met with extended silence.

Scripture is filled with challenges to persevere in prayer. For example, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus challenged His listeners to be persistent in prayer because God really was listening. He urged them to spend time in their quiet spaces, calling out to Him and listening for His response. He promised that the One who hears those secret prayers will answer when the time is right (Matthew 6:5–6).

And the anonymous writer of Hebrews reminded readers that believers enjoy direct access to the Father. Through Jesus, we can enter His presence with boldness and ask Him to meet our needs. Even if we come again and again, He never gets annoyed and never tires of hearing what we have to say. He understands, and He cares. Best of all, He stands ready to answer for our good and His glory.

Sometimes, God’s kids just need their heavenly Father. Investing time with Him, sharing our hearts and listening for His voice, makes all the difference in the world. Persistence never comes easily, but it does lead to God’s best for our lives. And it teaches us how we can put our faith into practice for a world that really needs to see what a genuine relationship with God looks like.

Written by Bob Bunn