Prayer For Strength to Persevere

Prayers for Strength

Have you ever needed supernatural strength to face a situation head-on, but not known what to pray? God is waiting and wants to offer us strength in time of need. Do not be afraid to pray and ask God for His strength to fall upon you! When you are weak, weary or unready to stand, and unsure of what to ask, pray along with these words! 

A Prayer for Strength

Lord, I’m weary. My energy is sagging, and my motivation is lagging. And I am so in need of you. I need your strength and your fresh touch to get back on track again. Your Word says the joy of the Lord is my strength. If that's true, then I need your joy to replace all the bone-tired parts of my mind, body, and soul.

The pressures of life sometimes push me into a corner, rendering me helpless to move forward. A hundred voices call my name, and I feel paralyzed at times to answer, not knowing where to turn. Lord, help me not to quit, to keep running the race faithfully, and to find strength in that safe, secret place of yours, under the shadow of the Almighty.

I need your strength to say no when I'm tempted to surrender to harmful things, or when selfishness clings to my clothes and won't let go. I need your strength to say yes, when cowardice and fear nudge me to deny the convictions of my heart. I need your strength to reach out in love to those both close to me and all around me. When don't I need your strength, God?

Renew my strength, Lord. Fill me with your supernatural power to overcome each obstacle in my path. With my eyes on you, Lord, with you walking beside me, working through me, I can make it. Thank you, Lord!

In Jesus's name, Amen

A Prayer for Strength and Encouragement

Lord, David, I need your encouragement in a time of trial and anguish. Thank you that you are always on the throne, always my God, ready to save. Thank you for being the same God to me that you were to David.

Thank you for always being near and always rescuing me from my fears and hurts. Lord, help me remember that daybreak might be just ahead, that this trial will not last forever.

Fill me with hope that daybreak is coming and that your love will always prevail! In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
~ A Good Thing Devotional

Lord, I am weary and don’t know when this “race” will end in my life. I feel I’ve been running forever, trying to outrun this trial. Help me to stop trying to outrun my pain but rather run with endurance the race you have set before me. I know that because of you I am ultimately a victor over the trials in my life.

I know that nothing in this world can separate me from your steadfast love. Please give me a measure of your love today; give me the strength to endure this trial.

Thank you for your love for me that never ends! And thank you for the crown of joy that awaits me forever in your Kingdom!
~ Adrian Rogers, Love Worth Finding

What are you praying for strength for today? Join our large praying community in the comments below and experience the power, hope, and comfort of being joined in prayer! 

Here are more Prayers for Strength when you need God to lift you up in hard times!

Additional Prayer Resources

Here is a collection of some of our favorite Bible verses about the promises of God's strength. May these give you hope and encouragement to persevere with a bold confidence! Find the complete list at BibleStudyTools.com's Scripture page.

• “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” ~ Isaiah 40:29
• “those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” ~ Isaiah 40:31
• “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9
• “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” ~ Psalm 46:1
• “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.” ~ Psalm 28:7-8

Rebecca Barlow Jordan is an inspirational author, speaker, and passionate follower of Jesus who loves to encourage others heart to heart.

She has written 11 books and over 1700 other articles, greeting cards, and other inspirational pieces. Her daily devotional Daily in Your Presence is available for delivery through Crosswalk.com.

You can find out more about Rebecca at www.rebeccabarlowjordan.com.

Publication date: August 4, 2015, Updated: January 22,2018

This article is part of our larger Prayers resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.

Prayer for Healing
Prayer for Strength
Prayer for Protection
Morning Prayers
Good Night Prayers
Serenity Prayer
A Birthday Prayer
Sinner’s Prayer
Prayer for Forgiveness
Prayer for Guidance
Intercessory Prayer
Prayer for Peace
Prayer for Faith
Prayer for Love

Now available is our new Daily Prayer devotional! An easy way to find start your day with prayer, read today’s prayer and sign up to receive by email.

Источник: //www.crosswalk.com/faith/prayer/a-prayer-for-strength.html

Prayers for Strength: Powerful & Inspirational Prayer Requests

On this page you’ll find powerful prayers for strength. Life is tough as it is but these prayers will strengthen your body mind a soul to move forward and be close to God. We may come across times in our life where we are tested in body, mind and spirit. We may hit rock-bottom or we may just bogged down by everyday struggles.

Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me

It can be tempting to turn your back on God when it feels you have the weight of the world pressing down on you. But there is no need to panic when facing unexpected demands.

The bible says that God won’t ever leave you and God won’t tempt you more than you can stand. God fully equips you to handle any of the difficulties that come into your life.

So do not run away from God, especially in times of weakness.

By moving forward, you may see God’s strength come into its own in your weakness. However, sometimes you won’t be able to see God’s strength within your weakness. But believe that God and his power are there. All you have to do is ask for his strength.

Colossians 1:10-12 – We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul…Strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy…Strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that the Father has for you.

The glorified strength God offers is capable of enduring the endurable and spilling over into joy. Therefore, do not fear your limitations and weaknesses for they were designed to open you up to the power of God. Stay connected with God and trust in his limitless resources. Talk to God and listen to him as he talks your through each challenge or obstacle.

Luke 1:37 – For nothing is impossible with God.

Our natural tendencies are to plan out our life, in hopes of knowing what will happen. God prefers that we depend on him and trust him to guide and strengthen us as needed. Trust that life’s ups and downs will make you stronger in the end. Overcome the adversity to live a life worth living. Relax and trust in God’s strength.

Prayer for strength and comfort

I know I am weak Lord, so I will allow you to carry me through this valley. I struggle to think clearly, so I depend upon your living word to lift me. I feel such darkness around, so I look to your light.

I walk with a heavy heart, so I will give you each burden. I wonder if my heart can take the strain, so I rest in your love and peace.

I light a candle tonight to remind me of the warm glow of your hope in dark places.

Amen.

Almighty Graceful One 
(a prayer for strength and patience)

I need to give out so much more than I can give alone. I need the strength that comes from you, Almighty graceful one. I need the strength of wisdom, so that just a tree, I can grow roots deep in you that others do not see.

I need the strength of gentle peace, so that just the sea, I can rise and fall each day and lead others gently onwards. I need the strength of steady love so that just wind, I can blow or hold my breath with patience deep and kind.

I need to give out much more than I can give alone.

I need the strength that comes from you, Almighty graceful one.

Basil of Caesarea

Steer the ship of my life, good Lord, to your quiet harbour, where I can be safe from the storms of sin and conflict. Show me the course I should take.

Renew in me the gift of discernment, so that I can always see the right direction in which I should go.

And give me the strength and the courage to choose the right course, even when the sea is rough and the waves are high, knowing that through enduring hardship and danger in your name we shall find comfort and peace.

Requesting Strength, Wisdom, Courage, Serenity

Dear God I come to you for strength—strength of body, strength of mind and strength of soul. I feel the infilling of your Spirit. I feel the assurance of your upholding presence. Thank you, God, for strength.

Dear God I come to you for wisdom—wisdom to know what I should do, wisdom to choose the course that means growth and understanding. Thank you, God, for wisdom.

Dear God I come to you for serenity—serenity of heart and spirit. Bless me with your untroubled Spirit of peace. I feel your calming touch upon my heart. I feel your love enfolding me. Thank You, God, for serenity.

Nothing Blocks Me

I pray that the desires of my heart lead me to a happy and fulfilling life. I pray that I am free of tendencies and habits that do not contribute to my well being. Dear God I ask you to give me the strength needed to put aside unwanted habits and tendencies.

As I pray, I affirm the truth of the overcoming of God’s Spirit within. I feel strong and stable. I become a master of my thoughts, feelings, and actions. I accept the heritage of complete freedom over my former self.

Dear God with your help I live in freedom and in accord with my best self.

In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.

Prayer for Strength to Succeed

Lord, I come to you today to ask for affirmation. I have done all things and stayed away from all the food I am not supposed to have. Bless me, Father, for more strength to keep it this way.

Give me the grace to be stronger and encourage me to keep pushing on. With you, my God, nothing is impossible. I believe that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Thank you, Father for listening to my plea.

I pray this with all your angels. Amen.

Hold my Hand in Weakness

Lord God, you are my strength. Hold my hand in my weakness and teach my heart to fly. With you, there’s nothing to fear, nothing to worry about. Hold me tight in your embrace, so that I can be stronger than the challenges in my life. Amen.

Prayer for Strength and Hope

Holy and gracious God, Thank you for the fact that no matter where I am, you are with me. When I make decisions, you are there to comfort me. God I pray that today you be with me each second. I am struggling with everything right now, and I pray that you give me the hope to go on.

Please give me hope and purpose so I have a goal to achieve. Please help me as I uncover your will for my life, and give me the strength to take steps in the right direction. I know you have a purpose for me. Reveal it to me and help me to have the strength required to overcome my shortfalls and insecurities.

Please be with me and help me.

In your Son’s holy and precious name I pray, Amen.

Strength to Overcome Daily Obstacles

Lord, thank you for your promises to never leave or forsake me. Please be with me this day, help me to overcome obstacles and never hesitate to remember that you are with me. Amen.

Prayer for Strength

Righteous God, I need your strength today and every day. Of myself, I can do nothing, but I can do all things only through Jesus Christ, Who will strengthen me.

I do need this strength almost every day, especially the older I get. You can uphold me by your righteous right hand, and only by your Spirit can I endure.

When my own strength fails, yours takes over, and I thank you for having access to you through Jesus Christ, in whose precious name I pray. Amen.

Bible  Verses for Strength

Psalm 107:28-30 – Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and God delivered them from their distress. God made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and God brought them to their desired haven.

Joshua 1:9 – Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Psalm 28:8 – The Lord is the strength of his people; he is the saving refuge of his anointed.

Isaiah 41:10 – Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 – My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Isaiah 40:31 – They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength!

Deuteronomy 31:8 – The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

Источник: //www.holylandprayer.com/prayer_for/prayers-for-strength-hope/

10 Powerful Prayers For Strength

Prayer does not need to be a flowery speech; its how we talk to God. We pray when we want to communicate thanksgiving or a need to our Heavenly Father.

He is the source of our strength and every one of our prayers is heard by Him. He not only listens and answers our prayers; He also tells us how to pray. We see the model for prayer as given by Jesus in Matthew 6.

  I list the model below amongst these ten powerful prayers for strength.

Jesus Taught Us How To Pray

Jesus Teaches Us to Pray; Physical and Spiritual Strength

Matthew 6:9-13 (KJV) After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.

Amen.

Jesus Acknowledges God’s Strength in Raising Lazarus

John 11:41-42 So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.”

Jesus Needed Strength; He Petitioned The Father

 John 12:27-28 “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 

Jesus Prays For All Men; the Strength of Selfless Love

John 17  1When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him.

 3 And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.

 5And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.

 6 “I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you.

 8For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. 9I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours.

 10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. 11And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.

 12 While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.

 14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15I do not ask that you take them the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

 17Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.

 20“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.

24Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me.

 26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

Jabez Prayed for Strength in an Enlarged Land

I Chronicles 4:10 Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked.

Nehemiah’s Prayer; Strength For a Big Project

Nehemiah 1:5-11 …“O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father’s house have sinned. We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses. Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples, but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of heaven, from there I will gather them and bring them to the place that I have chosen, to make my name dwell there.’ They are your servants and your people, whom you have redeemed by your great power and by your strong hand. O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.”

Jonah’s Prayer from the Belly of a Fish

Jonah 2:2-7 …“I called out to the LORD, my distress, and he answered me; the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice. For you cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the flood surrounded me; all your waves and your billows passed over me.

 Then I said, ‘I am driven away from your sight; yet I shall again look upon your holy temple. ‘The waters closed in over me to take my life; the deep surrounded me; weeds were wrapped about my head at the roots of the mountains.

I went down to the land whose bars closed upon me forever; yet you brought up my life from the pit,O LORD my God. When my life was fainting away, I remembered the LORD, and my prayer came to you, into your holy temple. Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love.

 But I with the voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you; what I have vowed I will pay.  Salvation belongs to the LORD!”

O Strength and Stay (John Bacchus Dykes; Ambrose of Milan)

O Strength and Stay upholding all creation,Who ever dost Thyself unmoved abide;Yet day by day the light in due gradation

From hour to hour through all its changes guide.

Grant to life’s day a calm unclouded ending,
An eve untouched by shadows of decay,
The brightness of a holy deathbed blending
With dawning glories of the eternal day.

Hear us, O Father, gracious and forgiving,
Through Jesus Christ Thy co-eternal Word,
Who, with the Holy Ghost, by all things living
Now and to endless ages art adored. 

Lead Me (Sanctus Real)

I look around and see my wonderful lifeAlmost perfect from the outsideIn picture frames I see my beautiful wifeAlways smiling

But on the inside, I can hear her saying…

Chorus:

“Lead me with strong handsStand up when I can’tDon’t leave me hungry for loveChasing dreams, what about us?
Show me you’re willing to fightThat I’m still the love of your lifeI know we call this our homeBut I still feel alone”
I see their faces, look in their innocent eyesThey’re just children from the outsideI’m working hard, I tell myself they’ll be fineThey’re in independent

But on the inside, I can hear them saying…

(repeat chorus)

So Father, give me the strengthTo be everything I’m called to beOh, Father, show me the wayTo lead themWon’t You lead me?
To lead them with strong handsTo stand up when they can’tDon’t want to leave them hungry for love,

Chasing things that I could give up

I’ll show them I’m willing to fight
And give them the best of my life
So we can call this our home
Lead me, ’cause I can’t do this alone

Father, lead me, ’cause I can’t do this alone

Our God is Greater (Chris Tomlin)

Was This Article Helpful?

If this article was helpful to you, please consider linking this article to your own blog or sharing this through the social buttons to the left. For other related articles that may interest you take a look at:

10 Popular Bedtime Prayers

Sources:

The Holy Bible, King James Version

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version

“Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”

.com “Our God is Greater” by Chris Tomlin

Image: nuchylee / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Would you to get the daily question in your messenger? Just click the button below to get started.

as: Bible Verses by Topic, Jesus Christ, Prayers, strength

Share this post: SU | Reddit | Digg |  | 

Источник: //www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/10-powerful-prayers-for-strength/

Why Keep Praying?

In the year 587 BC, the city of Jerusalem was conquered by the Babylonians after an 18 month siege. Once they controlled the city, the Babylonians deported most of the leading citizens to exile in Babylon and set up military control over the southern kingdom of Judah.

There were resistance fighters who carried on the war hoping to overthrow the new rulers and the foreign governor who had been left behind to assure compliance.

The Babylonian military official at this time was Gedaliah, and soon after the siege he and a party of his men were ambushed by Jewish guerrilla fighters and they were killed.

Of course, this was against God's will because through the prophet Jeremiah God had told the Jews to comply with their new rulers.

After the plot was discovered by Jewish civilian leaders, they became afraid of the retaliation by the Babylonians and so began planning an escape to Egypt. Before they escaped they went to seek counsel from the prophet Jeremiah.

In Jeremiah 42 we pick up their story, which will raise the question that I want to discuss with you in this Mini Book.

Then all the commanders of the forces, Johanan the son of Kareah, Jezaniah the son of Hoshaiah, and all the people both small and great approached and said to Jeremiah the prophet, “Please let our petition come before you, and pray for us to the Lord your God, that is for all this remnant; because we are left but a few many, as your own eyes now see us, that the Lord your God may tell us the way in which we should walk and the thing that we should do.” Then Jeremiah the prophet said to them, “I have heard you. Behold, I am going to pray to the Lord your God in accordance with your words; and it will come about that the whole message which the Lord will answer you I will tell you. I will not keep back a word from you.” Then they said to Jeremiah, “May the Lord be a true and faithful witness against us, if we do not act in accordance with the whole message with which the Lord your God will send you to us. Whether it is pleasant or unpleasant, we will listen to the voice of the Lord our God to whom we are sending you, in order that it may go well with us when we listen to the voice of the Lord our God.” Now it came about at the end of ten days that the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah.
– Jeremiah 42:1-7

As for Jeremiah's answer, he said not to go, to remain in Judah and God would protect them. The Jews refused and many of them sought the protection of Egypt. Eventually, the Babylonians returned to defeat the Pharaoh and the rebel Jews in Egypt.

There is a good lesson here about being careful in obeying God's word and trusting in His strength – but the verse I want to highlight is verse 7 – Ten days later the Lord gave His reply to Jeremiah.

Isn't it amazing that even though Jeremiah was a good and faithful servant of God, even though he was an experienced prophet, even though God knew the answer – Jeremiah had to wait 10 full days for a word of prophecy! Seems to me that God could have just as well revealed the message to Jeremiah on day 1 as day 10 – yet He chose to make Jeremiah persevere in prayer.

We find ourselves in similar positions today, asking God over and over again for certain answers, certain things to happen, but He make us persevere in prayer. He encourages us to keep praying a long time before an answer comes.

I believe there are several good reasons why He does this…

1. Waiting is good discipline

When our prayers are not answered right away it means we have to wait and waiting upon the Lord is a good spiritual exercise. Note what Isaiah says are the benefits of waiting upon the Lord:

Why do you say, O Jacob, and assert, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord, and justice due me escapes the notice of my God”? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.
– Isaiah 40:27-31

The person in this verse thinks that God does not hear his prayer, is unaware of his problems. He is tired of waiting, he is growing impatient. Isaiah explains what the discipline of waiting upon the Lord will do for him: waiting helps an individual grow strong and overcome his enemies (whoever or whatever they are).

Isaiah reminds this tired and impatient person that God is not him: He does not get tired or impatient when things don't happen right away.

When our petitions are not immediately answered and we experience a period of prolonged prayer, let's remember that time spent waiting upon the Lord is never wasted.

2. We may not be ready to understand God's will yet

I used to have my own “formula” to successful and fast acting prayer:

• Believe God can do it (pray believing)
• Ask clearly and specifically
• Ask in Jesus' name
• Be ready to receive NO as an answer

This was a “safe” combination, if I could get all these little ducks in a row it would be buying something from a vending machine: you make the right selection, put in the right change, bingo you get your candy! Of course these things are correct, you must ask believing and put your needs before God coming before Him in Jesus' name; however, one element I did not consider in those days was if God thought I was ready or the time was ready yet.

Abraham and Sarah desired and prayed for a child most of their married life but their prayer was answered only when she was 90 years old! Both she and Abraham were not ready in matters of faith when they first began to ask.

The fact that she had a child at 90 years of age served God's purpose better than if she had had one at 19. She could have at 19, but the birth at 19 would not have created the glory that it did when she had a child at 90.

Paul the Apostle desired in his prayers and strategy to go to Asia to preach the gospel. God prevented (blocked) it, limited it, thwarted his plans, and refused his prayers in this thing.

Paul didn't realize that by going west he would establish the church in the dominant culture of the future.

Because Christianity went west instead of east, it became the largest organized religion in history.

When we pray and say that we are ready to accept God's will, we must be ready that it be radically different than our own. It is important to persevere in prayer because if we do, God will not simply answer the prayer, He will reveal His will to us – this is much more important.

3. Perseverance in prayer reveals the quality of our faith

James says, “I will show you my faith by my works” in James 2:18. When we read this we usually think of good works as those things done to help others in a holy and dedicated lifestyle. But “prayer” is also a work of faith.

• To direct our words to Christ – this is faith.
• To believe that He hears, He answers – this is faith.
• To continue to do so over and over again, to wait patiently for an answer – this is showing that our faith is sincere.

This is a work of faith. That we pray to God in Jesus' name shows that we believe the right things in the right way. That we continue to do so, that we persevere in it is a way of showing that our belief is not only accurate but that it is strong, and real, and goes deeper than just our lips.

Sometimes God leaves us in prayer for a long time because the testing and shaping of our faith is more important than the answering of our prayer.

A good example of this is Paul's constant prayer to God to remove “a thorn in the flesh” that he was suffering from (II Corinthians 12:7). We never find out what the thorn was, and until that moment Paul says that God had not answered his prayer.

When we become bored repeating our prayers at meal times, or prayers during worship; when we become discouraged when our prayers are not answered the way we want, or not answered at all – we need to remember an important reason for persistent prayer.

It is more important that we are a faithful people than a people where prayers are always answered, or quickly answered. Persevering in prayer may not always produce a satisfying answer but it is always a sign of a sincere faith.

When Jesus returns it won't matter what we're praying about so long as He finds us persevering in it.

Practical Pointers in Persevering in Prayer

Prayer is every other exercise, whether physical or spiritual. The more you do it, the better you get at it. If you're going to persevere, here are a few pointers to help your prayer life:

1. Focus on God, not on what you want

The most precious benefit of constant prayer is fellowship with the Lord. If your focus is only on the thing you want, then you're missing the whole point. Jesus says that God knows what you want and need before you even ask for it (Matthew 6:8).

The purpose of prayer is not to continually describe and request what you want; the purpose of prayer is to draw you closer to God, to know Him and His son Jesus Christ.

Jesus says that if we seek His kingdom (His will in our lives) first, He will grant us everything we need.

The great benefit of persevering in prayer is that we develop a relationship with God, not that we finally get what we want.

Remember that it's about:

2. Submission not repetition

Many think that the “thing” to be accomplished in persevering prayer is to repeat every day what it is that they want. Two times a day is better – morning, noon, and night is great. Jesus says, “…

they suppose that they will be heard for their many words” (Matthew 6:7).

This passage is speaking of those who thought their prayers were effective because they repeated them over and over, or they were very flowery and elaborate.

The goal of prayer is surrender, not repetition until you get what you want. In Luke 11:5, Jesus tells the parable of the person who wakes up his friend at midnight to borrow bread. The repeated knocks on the door in the middle of the night were a sign that this man had surrendered all his reserve and pride and was willing to lower himself to disturb his friend because his need was great.

John Powell, in his book “Happiness is an Inside Job,” says that God communes with us through all of these. Constant prayer sees us surrendering our lives bit by bit to God who will provide all the things we need – including the things we ask for, or the ability to live without the thing we ask for. Therefore, submission in prayer yields greater blessings than repetition in prayer.

3. Peaks and valleys

Be ready for mountain top experiences where the presence of the Lord is almost palpable, where His word is so rich and convicting, His will for your life so clear, that your time in prayer will leave you breathless. The only thing stopping you from continuing in the moment is your own weak flesh. These prayer times are separated by many hours of dry reading and times where you think you're only talking to yourself.

We should not be discouraged, even the Apostles who were physically with Jesus, spent many hours simply walking the dusty roads from town to town or rowing across the Sea of Galilee to their next stop.

The time of uninterrupted fellowship in a glorious setting will come when Jesus returns, for even we must persevere in prayer and await those times the Holy Spirit fills us with insight and holy encouragement in the Lord.

Summary

The title of the Mini Book is, “Why Keep Praying?” because I assume all of us are already doing this on a regular basis. If you are not praying or only praying once in awhile, you are limiting your spiritual growth and the blessings that come with constant faithful prayer.

There are a lot of things that come with hard work, talent, drive, and dedication — but these things will not produce spiritual balance, or understanding of God's will, or a strong faith — only constant prayer can give you these things.

If these things are missing in your life, perhaps it is time to renew your prayer life before God.

Источник: //bibletalk.tv/why-keep-praying

8 Prayers for Strength and Power in Prayer

Prayer is a powerful tool for communicating with our Heavenly Father. It is an opportunity to become one with the Creator and Giver of all things. Prayer helps us to find strength for today and hope for our future.

We should actively pray and trust in its power to change our circumstances for good. Your faith life directly correlates to the quality of your prayer life. Prayer has the power to change not only the people and things around you.

Prayer also has the power to change you from the inside out. Here are eight prayers for strength and power in prayer:

Direct Me

When you’re in need of strength, remember that God is the number one healer and can guide you in endless ways. If your heart and life are centered on God, His Word and His Holy Spirit, you can rest assured that He will direct your path. God’s primary means for giving us guidance is in the Bible.

“Jesus answered, ‘I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and spirit.’” (John 3:5). If you’re ready to trust in God’s ability to direct your life, pray this prayer silently or out loud: Heavenly Father, as I arise today, I pray that Your strength pilot me, Your power uphold me, and Your wisdom guide me.

May Your eye look before me, Your hand protect me and Your shield defend me. Amen.

Strengthen My Mind, Body and Spirit

Our God has worked in history to defeat sin and Satan and hell and death. He did this through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. God has the power to strength your mind, body and spirit if you allow Him to be at work in your life.

If you’re ready for God to step in and transform you from the inside out, pray this prayer silently or out loud: Heavenly Father, I ask you to strengthen my mind, body and spirit today. When I’m weary, may I be refreshed. When I’m worn, may I be renewed. When I’m broken, may I be restored. When I’m fearful, may I become faithful.

I pray that I walk in complete confidence today knowing that the Lord Almighty is with me. Amen.

I Surrender All

God calls on all of us to make total surrender to God. If you’re in need of strength and are ready for a change in your life in a way that you’ve never known before, God demands that you allow the Lord to become the ruler of your life. We can only do this when we surrender to Him.

If you’re ready to fully let go and let God, pray this prayer silently or out loud: Heavenly Father, I surrender every area of my mind, will and emotions to You. I choose to dwell in Your goodness and faithfulness so that the good seeds You’ve planted in my life will take root.

Keep me close to You and direct my steps down the good path You have prepared for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Thank You for Your Protection and Direction

When you’re in need of strength, one of the best things you can do is call on God for protection and direction. He will direct Your paths for good.

If you’re ready for His guidance and protection, pray this prayer silently or out loud: Heavenly Father, I come to You today giving thanks. Thank you for keeping and protecting me. Thank you for Your guidance and direction.

Thank you for picking me up when I was at my lowest. You are an awesome God and it is because of You I choose to live and walk in Your favor. In Your name I pray. Amen.

Help Me to Know the Power of My Words

We know from Scripture that our words have real power. God spoke the world into being by the power of His words (Hebrews 11:3) and we are in His image in part because of the power we have with words. Words do more than convey information or deliver a message.

The power of our words can actually destroy one’s spirit, even stir up hatred and violence if we’re not careful.

If you’re ready for your words to bring positivity in your life and the life of others, pray this prayer silently or out loud: Heavenly Father, help me to change my negative words and intentionally transform them into ones that bring life no matter what challenges are placed before me.

Words of faith, strength, courage, success confidence, trust, peace, happiness and joy are just some of the positive attributes I want to reign in on my life. Guide me to recognize the power of my words, that they might give glory to You, and also give me strength. In Your name, I pray. Amen.

Strengthen My Family

It’s important that we ask God to bless our families and protect them from harm. God has the power to give them grace, forgiveness and strength to overcome all the difficulties they face.

He also has the power to keep your family together when the world tries to pull them apart.

If you want to lift up prayers to strengthen your family, pray this pray silently or out loud: Heavenly Father, thank you for today, Thank you for my dear family and all that You have blessed me with. I pray that you fill My family with peace and strength.

Источник: //www.beliefnet.com/faiths/prayer/8-prayers-for-strength-and-power-in-prayer.aspx