Persistent Prayer: How long should we pray for something?

Several Bible verses talk about persistent prayer.

• 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us, “Keep on praying.”
• “The Lord’s Prayer” (Matthew 6:9-13) teaches us to pray for our daily needs.
• “One day Jesus told his disciples a story to illustrate their need for constant prayer and to show them that they must never give up” (Luke 18:1). The next verses tell of a widow who pleaded with an unjust judge. He finally gave in to her request, worn down by her determination. How much more will God, the righteous Judge, listen to the persistent prayers of His loved ones?
• “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
• “O LORD, I cry out to you. I will keep on pleading day by day” (Psalm 88:13). “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Our joy, prayers, and thankfulness to God should not fluctuate with our circumstances, needs, or feelings. Obeying these three commands -- rejoice, persevere, give thanks -- often goes against our nature. But if we make a practiced, conscious decision to be obedient, we will gain a new perspective.

Impatience is short-sighted. God answers prayer in His timing, in His way, for His purpose. Although we may not understand, perseverance may bring unexpected blessings.

1 John 5:14-15 reminds us that God does indeed hear each prayer: “And we can be confident that He will listen to us whenever we ask Him for anything in line with His will. And if we know He is listening when we make our requests, we can be sure that He will give us what we ask for.” Note that asking “in line with His will” is required. People often pray for things that they want instead of what God desires for us. Our all-knowing, loving God wants the best for us.