Every Word Is Heard

Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.

— Romans 12:12

When you were growing up, how did your parents respond when you asked them the same question over and over? If you’re a parent now, how do you respond to your kids when they do the same? If your daughter asks on Monday if her two best friends can spend the night on Friday and you need time to decide, is it a good or a bad tactic for her to keep asking the question again and again? Probably not a good tactic, right? You might even be so annoyed that your response is, “If you ask me one more time, the answer is no!” Or think of it in terms of your work. If you ask your boss for a raise and time passes without an answer, do you re-approach the subject or are you afraid to bring it up again?

Asking God the same thing multiple times goes against learned behavior, doesn’t it? In fact, the opposite might seem like common sense. If we relate to God the way we relate to people, we might view persistence in prayer as inappropriate.

But life in Christ is different. That’s why we’re told to keep hoping when our circumstances look hopeless, to be patient no matter how long we’ve already endured, and to be persistent in bringing our needs to God, who already knows them. God doesn’t hear your earnest, repeated prayers as disrespect; He hears them as hope, patience, faith, and even obedience. He doesn’t brush you off with annoyance, as if to say, “You already asked that question. Don’t ask again.” He hears every word, every time. He loves you, He hurts when you hurt, and He is always at work. So don’t stop praying.

• Listen to Matthew West’s “Don’t Stop Praying.” What lyrics stand out to you as particularly encouraging? Which stand out to you as challenging?
• In what situation in your life are you looking for breakthrough? Based on Romans 12:12, what do you need to do?
• Read 1 John 5:14-15. Thank God for the assurance that He hears every word you pray and is not annoyed, but is close to the brokenhearted. Acknowledge your need(s), and ask that His power would be revealed, His kingdom would come, and His will would be done in, around, and through your life.