How can we apply Elisha's persistence in prayer to our daily lives? The Scene in 2 Kings 4:35 “ Elisha returned and walked back and forth in the house and once again stretched himself out on him, and the boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes.” What Persistence Looked Like • Elisha had already prayed and acted once; nothing happened. • He refused to concede defeat, pacing the room, seeking God’s next move. • He stretched himself on the child again—same posture, same faith, deeper resolve. • God honored the prophet’s refusal to quit; life flooded back into the boy. Why God Honors Persistent Prayer • It declares our confidence that He alone can answer (Psalm 62:5–6). • It keeps us dependent, not drifting into self-reliance (John 15:5). • It lines us up with God’s timing; His delays shape our character (Romans 5:3–4). • It puts God’s glory on display when the breakthrough finally arrives (John 11:4). Practical Steps to Pray Like Elisha 1. Return to the need. – Elisha “returned.” Circle back daily to the same request (Luke 11:9–10). 2. Walk and talk with God. – Pace, journal, sing—keep conversation active (Psalm 55:17). 3. Stretch yourself out. – Engage all of you: mind, heart, body. Kneel, lift hands, fast. 4. Repeat as necessary. – Elisha acted “once again.” We keep going until God closes the door or answers. 5. Expect tangible results. – He watched for the child’s eyes to open; we watch for God’s fingerprint. Promises That Fuel Our Perseverance • “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) • “The prayer of a righteous man has great power and produces results.” (James 5:16b) • “Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night?” (Luke 18:7) • “Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it.” (John 14:13) Staying Motivated in the Waiting • Recall past answers; gratitude sparks fresh faith (Psalm 77:11). • Enlist a trusted friend to agree with you (Matthew 18:19). • Limit voices of doubt—turn down media noise, turn up Scripture (Romans 10:17). • Celebrate partial progress; Elisha noticed the boy’s seven sneezes before full recovery. Living Out Persistent Prayer Today • For prodigal children—name them daily, trust God’s pursuing love. • For a strained marriage—keep laying it before the Lord while sowing small acts of kindness. • For cultural revival—intercede regularly, believing God can breathe life into dry bones (Ezekiel 37:5). • For personal holiness—ask again and again for Spirit-empowered change (Philippians 2:13). Just as Elisha would not be denied, we keep pressing in until we see eyes open and hearts revived, confident that the God who answered him still answers us. |
    |