PRAYING THROUGH

 

1 Samuel 1:15 (NLT)
“Oh no, sir!” she replied. “I haven’t been drinking wine or anything stronger. But I am very discouraged, and I was pouring out my heart to the Lord.

Many wear wristbands having the inscription P.U.S.H, that is, Pray Until Something Happens as part of their prayer slogan. On a closer inspection, it’s fast becoming a cliché and an avenue to brag about how long or how hard one prays. Though not a bad idea, it should, however, be placed within the right context of coming to God in supplication.

As prerequisites, some have cited location as in Hannah’ case, others have cited frequency as in Elijah’s case and some others still mark a particular time of the day. However, praying through is not a function of time or place, but it is a function of the heart’s motive (Jam 4:3).

The Word of God makes it clear that fervency should not be ignored for effective prayers, but the real subject matter should be the state of one’s heart. Is the heart right with God or does it still harbor sin, guilt, doubt, etc.? (1 Thes 5:17, Jam 5:16, Psa 24:3-4, 66:18).

Therefore, in order to pray through, in sincerity, we must pour out or confess from our hearts the Word of truth with respect to any issue of worry, totally putting our trust in Him, without any provision for fleshly options. When we do this, as was the case with Hannah, we will experience peace (1 Sam 1:18, Phil 4:6-7).

Go into today, knowing that as you open up your heart in prayer, persistently focusing on God’s truth, you’ll soon receive your heart’s desire.