What to Do When We Are WaitingSample

Perseverance in Prayer: Seeking God in the Wait

In the quiet corridors of waiting, prayer emerges as a vital, transformative practice. Prayer is the fourth thing we should do while waiting. As they waited in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit, the early church set an example of steadfast devotion to prayer. This teaches us an essential lesson: waiting times are prime opportunities for deepening our prayer life.

Acts 1:14 emphasizes their united and persistent devotion to prayer. It wasn’t just a casual or occasional activity; it was a central part of their life during this period. They understood that even though Christ had promised the Holy Spirit, their role in prayer was still crucial. Prayer is not a passive act; it’s an active engagement with God’s promises and purposes.

This understanding challenges a common misconception about prayer. We might think of prayer as a last resort, saying things like, “There’s nothing I can do but pray,” as if prayer were a powerless act. But the early believers remind us that prayer is not a sign of inaction or desperation; it’s a powerful and effective tool in our spiritual arsenal.

Reflecting on this passage, John Calvin, a 16th-century theologian, highlights that true faith stirs us to call on God. Prayer is about earnest desire and confident expectation. It’s an exercise in patience, teaching us perseverance as we await God’s timing. The delay in God’s response is not a denial but a divine strategy to cultivate steadfastness and resilience in our prayer life.

Let us embrace prayer as a powerful expression of our faith. Let us pray confidently, knowing that God hears, honors, and responds to our prayers. Prayer is our way of actively participating in God’s work, aligning our hearts with His will, and expressing our dependence on Him.

As you find yourself in a season of waiting, deepen your commitment to prayer. Take the opportunity to seek God earnestly; to express your desires, fears, and hopes; and to listen for His guidance. Learn from the early church’s example. View prayer not as a last resort but as your first and most powerful response.