Does God want us to ask Him for things over and over or just once and leave it with him?
Sincerely, Don’t Want To Bother Him
Dear Don’t Want To Bother Him,
He wants you to ask over and over – until He gives you an answer. David prayed vehemently for the life of his child until the child died (2 Sam 12:22-232 Sam 12:22-23
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
22 And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who knoweth whether Jehovah will not be gracious to me, that the child may live?
23 But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.
WP-Bible plugin). Paul prayed for his sickness to be removed three times until God told him to accept the pain (2 Cor 12:8-92 Cor 12:8-9
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
8 Concerning this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9 And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for [my] power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
WP-Bible plugin). Cornelius’ prayers were constantly before the Lord until Peter was sent (Acts 10:4-5Acts 10:4-5
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
4 And he, fastening his eyes upon him, and being affrighted, said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are gone up for a memorial before God.
5 And now send men to Joppa, and fetch one Simon, who is surnamed Peter:
WP-Bible plugin). Even our Lord prayed in the garden repeatedly that He might not have to die on the cross (Matt 26:39Matt 26:39
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
39 And he went forward a little, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass away from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.
WP-Bible plugin). The key in all these circumstances was that the requests ceased when God answered. Once God made His decision apparent, whether it be yes or no, acceptance began.
God never gets tired of hearing from His children. Christians are to constantly seek Him in prayer. The most direct example of this is Christ’s parable of the unjust judge in Lk 18:1-5Lk 18:1-5
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
18
1 And he spake a parable unto them to the end that they ought always to pray, and not to faint;
2 saying, There was in a city a judge, who feared not God, and regarded not man:
3 and there was a widow in that city; and she came oft unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
5 yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest she wear me out by her continual coming.
WP-Bible plugin. Christ taught that parable so that “men ought always to pray, and not to grow weary”. God wants to hear from His people. So don’t stop asking for help, He is listening.
Tags: Prayer