Robin J Johnson

As we journey into the new year of 2021 I would like to invite you to consider four important and powerful words — Constant Consistent Persistent Prayer.

“God does nothing apart from prayer and everything by it.” John Wesley

The need for prayer and intercession never changes. What can change are the things that we pray about, apart from the basics that are a part of our daily prayer routine. Jesus spoke to His disciples reminding them of the importance to keep praying, never stop and not to lose heart (Luke 18:1).

  • Constant — continuously seeking the face of God
  • Consistent — unwavering from our commitment to prayer
  • Persistent — resolute no matter the circumstances or situation
  • Prayer — devoted to bringing our requests before our God with thanksgiving

There are often numerous calls from different ones to join in a period of concentrated prayer and many of these are not without value. We then choose which one we can identify with and to participate in. I don’t want to discourage participation or be critical of these invitations to prayer, but neither do I want these to be our only motivations to pray or the only times we pray.

Constant Consistent Persistent Prayer is our goal. Certainly join the various calls to prayer, but please do not be limited by these, or be limited by what they list to pray each day, which are often prepared before the event. Use the material as a ‘prayer guide’ not a ‘prayer law’.

Praying is not a religious duty. It is a personal, spontaneous, relevant and faith response to the needs around us believing in a God who answers prayer.

Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.  Jeremiah 29:12 (NASB)

Pray the Word

Our CCPP should always be partnered with the Word of God. The Bible is, “The revealed will of God” stated Derek Prince. The Bible is full of prayers and promises that we can identify with. A helpful tool is the Pray the Word App.

As we read the Word and listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit in our daily prayer times we can find His leading and direction to align with His will for each moment. Even when we don’t know how to pray the Spirit does.

And in a similar way, the Holy Spirit takes hold of us in our human frailty to empower us in our weakness. For example, at times we don’t even know how to pray, or know the best things to ask for. But the Holy Spirit rises up within us to super-intercede on our behalf, pleading to God with emotional sighs too deep for words.  Romans 8:26 (TPT)

Pray for all in authority

Our God is the God who governs governments and therefore it is His rule and will we seek. The Bible tells (1 Timothy 2:2) to pray for those who govern us. The temptation to pray only for the one who we think should be in power is limiting, even if we believe (think) we heard from God on the matter. Considering the context when the apostle Paul exhorted us to pray for government, it definitely was not a democratically appointed government. It was a cruel, violent, merciless and tyrannical governing body. Paul’s charge was,

“….so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.”

Beyond self-interest

Another important factor that we must consider is, “It’s not all about me!” Yes, we can and should bring those things which are important to us to the Throne of Grace, eg family and friends. However, we need to guard against self-interest being our only focus of prayer. Pray must be for more than what effects us most. Praying regularly for our local church leaders, government, social issues, problems in your community and so on.

Then there are many other options beyond our own immediate circumstances where we can direct our prayers and potentially see great results. Here are a few suggestions where we can target our Constant Consistent Persistent Prayer.

  • A missionary family still serving in a foreign land
  • A national worker serving Christ in his/her homeland

There are thousands of believers out on the frontline serving in difficult and dangerous places, risking their lives daily for the cause of Christ — They need our prayer and intercession!

  • Medical staff working tirelessly on the frontline caring for sick and dying people
  • Police to stay on top of crime and prevent drug trafficking etc
  • Scientists working on a vaccine/cure for covid19
  • Against the covid virus, that it will mutate on itself and become inactive

A spiritual battle

All these and more must be fought for and/or against in the spirit realm, where our prayers will win the victory.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Ephesians 6:12 (NASB)

It is prayer that wins the battle, so we can go and reap the harvest!

Don’t be frustrated

For all those folk who are presently shut out of their fields of service (as we are) your ongoing prayers are most important. I am sure you have contact with your associates and teams in the nations and are hearing of their needs and challenges, which they still face. Though we cannot be there in person we can still have a powerful impact through our prayers and intercession. Do not let any frustration caused by worrying about the things you cannot do diminish your passion, but be reassured that your Constant Consistent Persistent Prayer can and will make a difference.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7 (NASB)

Two sides to every story

While we call out to our God, wrestling with each and every situation in prayer, we must also live our lives to the full, serving Christ whole heartedly and make the most of every opportunity to witness of His grace and power. Bold prayer is one side of the battle, the other is the bold proclamation of the Good News of the Kingdom of God.

Be faithful to pray as intercessors who are fully alert and giving thanks to God. 3 And please pray for me, that God will open a door of opportunity for us to preach the revelation of the mystery of Christ, for whose sake I am imprisoned.  Colossians 4:2-3 (TPT)

But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully.  1 Peter 3:15 (AMP)

The work of God continues, the Gospel is being preached all across the world, a mighty harvest is being reaped, therefore we absolutely need — Constant Consistent Persistent Prayer, in Jesus name!

 

(NASB) New American Standard Bible (TPT) The Passion Translation (AMP) Amplified Version
Photo by Ben White on Unsplash