“Hear my cry O God, attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will l cry to You. When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I. (Psalm 61:1-2).
Sometimes you can feel discouraged to pray when you have been praying for so long regarding a particular situation. You feel discouraged to pray the same prayer again and again and again.
There are times we pray for something just once, or for a short period of time and we know God has granted our request. And there are times we pray about certain things and we know that God wants us to let go (Jesus in Luke 22:44, Paul in 2 Cor. 12:8-9).
But there are other times God wants us to persevere in prayer (Luke 18: 1-8). During such times discouragements can set in and weaken our faith.
The Bible teaches us importunity in prayer. When you feel discouraged because of delay in answer to your prayers remember these:
*Jesus prayed the same prayer in Gethsemane three times (Matt. 26:44).
* Remember Jesus’ encouragement not to quit praying in the face of delayed answers to prayer (Luke 18:1-8).
* Walk by faith and not by your emotions (2Cor.2:7). Discouragements many times will surely come but be encouraged and have faith in God.
* Trust in God’s character (Psalm 28:7, Num.23:19). He is listening and ready to intervene (Jer. 32:27).
* Don’t get tired of repeating or following the same prayer routine at such times of discouragement e.g. praise, worship, singing a hymn or choruses, Bible reading, listening to an audio Bible version or reading a daily devotional if you use one, waiting quietly on Him till you can pray etc. As you move in faith in spite of your feelings the Holy Spirit will step in and lift up your spirit in prayer.
* Sit and just talk to God heart to heart, unburden your heart to Him honestly. You came to meet with Him, you can be sure He is there with you – quietly, patiently, completely attentively listening (Psalm. 103:13).
* Simply sit quietly in His presence: “Father here I am before You. I need You. You know everything. Help me Lord. Bless me Father.” Psalm 46:10.
