Prevailing in Prayer

Prevailing is a word that carries weight. It is heavy and intense, especially when we engage in prayer. Considering prevailing in the context of prayer paints a picture of one who is laser focused and serious about consistently and earnestly seeking God. At some point, and in multiple seasons of our lives, we will all find ourselves provoked or prompted to prevail in prayer.

Prayer warriors are not wimpy, watered-down, or weak. They understand their prayer commitment must endure and go the distance. When we pray from a prevailing posture it is not passive or casual. Instead, it is authoritative and tenacious. In order to do this, we must be courageous and bold in God. Our confidence is not in our own ability, but in God’s ability to answer our prayers.

Prevailing in prayer is often accompanied with travailing. When God gives us a prayer assignment that requires us to be faithful in our place of prayer over a period of time, it is not because we need to convince God of His promises to us, or influence His will concerning our situation. We are not begging or bargaining with God. Rather, we are giving our full attention and devotion to prayer. Our conviction must be unwavering, undaunting, and unfailing however long it takes to see the manifestation of what we have prevailed over in prayer.

The Bible offers us much encouragement about this persevering position in prayer:

- Ephesians 6:18 (NIV): And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

- Colossians 4:2 (NIV): Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

- Romans 12:2 (NIV): Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV): Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

One important aspect to prevailing in prayer involves intercession. The majority of the time when God has led me to assume a posture of prevailing prayer, it is usually attached to interceding on behalf of another person. May your heart be strengthened today as you are reminded that your praying is never in vain. I whole-heartedly believe God uses our prayers of intercession as part of His plan to divinely intervene in the lives of those we pray for as we remain persistent in our praying. Don’t be discouraged, don’t give up on God, and whatever you do - don’t stop prevailing in prayer!