Have you ever gotten frustrated in prayer?

There are times one would hope for an instantaneous change in our prevailing situation. We would want to see our labor bear fruit overnight. Oftentimes however that just isn't the case and there is a little more that is needed on our part to ensure that results are seen.

Pray again! Yes, it can be unnerving and even a little disappointing, but push past those feelings and pray one more time.

Pray again! The prophet Daniel went on a 21-day fast, praying for the healing of his nation. He was totally surrendered to the Lord and confessed the sins of past and present generations. Daniel laid his supplication before the Lord but did not receive an answer for 21 days. (Daniel 10)

Daniel could have given up after the first day, or even after 19 days; however, he was steadfast in his endeavors. It was at the angel’s arrival that it was made known to Daniel all that he had to endure to deliver the message that Daniel was so desperately seeking; even though Daniel’s prayer had been answered after his first day of praying.

Pray again! The angel told Daniel of a battle that ensued in the heavens how he had to summon re-enforcement from the arch angel Michael in order to prevail in the fight. We have to understand that the forces that arrayed against us are greater than we even dare to think.

I remember one day after getting up from prayer the Lord asked me if I had stopped praying for my family. I was a bit shocked to be honest because maybe I didn't think that the Lord had been interested in that part of my prayers. That question from God shows the concern that the Lord has for his children and how he loves when we speak to him about things concerning us.

At times, whenever it is that I feel low, I sing the hymn Oh Lord, you promised to hear us pray. Just that simple act reassures me that my prayer isn't just going up into thin air.

Pray again! In the garden of Gethsemane, the Lord Jesus prayed, struggling with his humanity...wanting to give up the cup that was placed before him. The struggle was so intense that the scriptures note that he got up and knelt again praying the same words he had prayed initially. The agonizing cries of the saviour led to a nevertheless moment. A moment of pure surrender. (Luke 22:39-46)

In Luke 18:1-8, Jesus gave a parable of a widow before a wicked judge. This widow was so persistent and insistent with her pleas that the judge eventually gave in to her demands. Not because of the kindness of his heart, but because he saw that the old widow would not relent until her need was met.

Pray again! What is it that we need to constantly knock on heaven's door for? Matthew 7:7

Pray again! The Lord never grows weary of us coming to Him. It's ME again God! Isaiah 40:28

Pray again! What has us in utter anguish and turmoil that only God can solve? Genesis 21:17

Pray again! Be persistent in prayer and the Lord will respond to your petition right on time. Genesis 32:26-28

Trust God that he has heard your every groan, seen your tears and was moved by your pain filled cry.

Pray again!

What a friend we have in Jesus,

All our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry

Everything to God in prayer!

Oh, what peace we often forfeit,

Oh, what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry

Everything to God in prayer!

Sources: 

The Bible. Authorized King James Version, Oxford UP, 1998.

https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/789 Charles Crozat Converse (1834-1918)