so peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church. [acts 12:5]
earnest prayer
earnest in the language of the new testament is a thick, rich word. it literally means “stretched out.” it is the idea of one being stretched to the limit. it implies intensity, fervency – desperation.
we think this happens in a moment of crisis – and it does.
but…
what if this was the way we approached the Lord – every time we prayed – desperate, dependent.
what if this was how God longed for us to pray.
what if …
then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. you will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. [jeremiah 29:12-13]
there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul. [deuteronomy 4:29]
with my whole heart i cry; answer me, o Lord! [psalm 119:45]
praying at all times in the Spirit, [ephesians 6:18]
but you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, [jude 20]
for we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. [hebrews 4:15-16]
God longs to hear from you all the time.
but there is something in his heart that goes out toward us …
… when we are desperate to be with him,
… when we are desperate and dependent on him to act,
… when we are desperate for and dependent on him.
go to him now – desperate and dependent – he is listening …
~ john ryan