Prayer: Importunity in Jacob
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The concept of importunity in prayer is vividly illustrated in the life of Jacob, one of the patriarchs of Israel. Importunity, characterized by persistent and earnest pleading, is a theme that emerges in Jacob's encounters with God, particularly in the narrative of his wrestling with the angel at Peniel.

Jacob's Wrestling with God

The most notable instance of Jacob's importunity in prayer is found in Genesis 32:22-32. As Jacob prepares to meet his estranged brother Esau, he is filled with fear and anxiety. In this moment of desperation, Jacob is left alone, and a mysterious man wrestles with him until daybreak. This encounter is not merely physical but deeply spiritual, symbolizing Jacob's struggle with God and his own identity.

In Genesis 32:26 , the man says, "Let Me go, for it is daybreak." But Jacob replies, "I will not let You go unless You bless me." This response exemplifies Jacob's importunity—his refusal to release the divine being without receiving a blessing. Jacob's persistence is rewarded, as the man blesses him and changes his name to Israel, meaning "he struggles with God."

The Significance of Importunity

Jacob's importunity in prayer is significant for several reasons. First, it demonstrates the power of perseverance in seeking God's favor. Jacob's determination to hold on until he receives a blessing reflects a deep faith and reliance on God, despite his fears and uncertainties.

Second, Jacob's encounter at Peniel marks a transformative moment in his life. The blessing he receives is not merely material but spiritual, signifying a new identity and relationship with God. In Genesis 32:28 , the man declares, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men, and you have prevailed." This change of name signifies a new beginning and a divine endorsement of Jacob's role in God's covenantal plan.

Lessons from Jacob's Importunity

Jacob's importunity in prayer offers several lessons for believers. It underscores the importance of persistence in prayer, encouraging believers to approach God with boldness and determination. The narrative also highlights the transformative power of divine encounters, where earnest prayer can lead to profound personal change and a deeper understanding of one's purpose in God's plan.

Furthermore, Jacob's experience teaches that true blessing often comes through struggle and perseverance. His willingness to wrestle with God until he receives a blessing serves as a model for believers to remain steadfast in their faith, even in the face of challenges and uncertainties.

In summary, Jacob's importunity in prayer is a powerful example of how persistent and earnest seeking of God can lead to divine blessing and transformation. His account encourages believers to approach God with unwavering faith and determination, trusting in His promises and seeking His favor with all their heart.
Nave's Topical Index
Genesis 32:24-30
And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.
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Library

Because of his Importunity
... is nothing but His putting of Jacob's words, "I ... book which Thou hast written." That
was importunity, that would ... content until, in answer to his prayer that God ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter iv because of his.htm

Prayer and Importunity
... Jacob, wrestling all night with the angel, gives ... shows how, in things spiritual,
importunity succeeds, just as ... Elijah repeated and urged his prayer seven times ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/vi prayer and importunity.htm

"Nothing is Impossible to Industry, "Said one of the Seven Sages ...
... brought God to the rescue, changed Esau's attitude and conduct, changed Jacob's
character, saved ... Importunity, it may be repeated, is a condition of prayer. ...
/.../bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter vi nothing is impossible.htm

The Man who Knocked at Midnight
... Jacob is the father of all men of importunate prayer. Jacob was called no more Jacob,
but Israel, because of his all-night importunity in prayer. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/whyte/lord teach us to pray/xiv the man who knocked.htm

Prevailing Prayer.
... no degree of desire or importunity in prayer is improper. A Christian may come up,
as it were, and take hold of the hand of God. See the case of Jacob, when he ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture iv prevailing prayer.htm

The Insistency of Prayer
... the Syrophenician woman, where her wit, faith, and importunity together did ... and urging
us to be instant, insistent, continual in prayer. We have Jacob wrestling ...
/.../forsyth/the soul of prayer/chapter vii the insistency of.htm

Prayer Answered, Love Nourished
... The first prayer was a prayer for ourselves; we asked that ... You would soon be tired
of such importunity as that ... Thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob." He has ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/prayer answered love nourished.htm

Prayer and Desire
... began to set down what I had seen." " JACOB BEHMEN. ... The secret of faint heartedness,
lack of importunity, want of courage and strength in prayer, lies in ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the necessity of prayer/iv prayer and desire.htm

Prayer Essential to God
... the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father ...
Persevering prayer always wins; God yields to importunity and fidelity. ...
/.../bounds/the weapon of prayer/i prayer essential to god.htm

Concentration in Prayer
... and with discrimination, and with importunity prayed for ... as to times or as to places
for such prayer. ... his circumstances: how Abraham did, and Jacob, and David ...
/.../whyte/lord teach us to pray/xix concentration in prayer.htm

Resources
Why is daily prayer important? | GotQuestions.org

What is a prayer vigil? | GotQuestions.org

What are the different types of prayer? | GotQuestions.org

Prayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Prayers

Prayers of Christ

Prayers of the Unrighteous

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Prayer: Importunity in Elijah
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