Topical Bible: Prayer: Faint not In

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Prayer is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, serving as a means of communication with God. The exhortation to "faint not" in prayer is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing perseverance, steadfastness, and faithfulness in one's prayer life. This entry explores the biblical basis for this exhortation and its implications for believers.

Biblical Foundation

The call to persist in prayer is rooted in several key passages of Scripture. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus shares the Parable of the Persistent Widow to illustrate the importance of perseverance in prayer. Luke 18:1 states, "Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart." This parable underscores the necessity of continual prayer and the assurance that God hears and responds to the cries of His people.

Similarly, the Apostle Paul encourages believers to remain steadfast in prayer. In his letter to the Thessalonians, he writes, "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). This directive highlights the importance of maintaining a constant attitude of prayer, integrating it into every aspect of life.

Theological Implications

The exhortation to "faint not" in prayer is deeply connected to the character of God and His faithfulness. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's timing and His sovereign will, even when answers to prayer are delayed or seem absent. The persistence in prayer reflects a deep-seated faith in God's goodness and His ultimate plan for His people.

Moreover, the act of persevering in prayer is transformative for the believer. It cultivates patience, strengthens faith, and aligns the heart with God's purposes. As believers continue in prayer, they grow in their relationship with God, learning to rely on His strength rather than their own.

Practical Application

In practical terms, "faint not" in prayer means developing a disciplined and consistent prayer life. This can involve setting aside dedicated times for prayer, incorporating prayer into daily routines, and remaining open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. It also means being honest with God about struggles and doubts, trusting that He is compassionate and understanding.

Believers are encouraged to pray for a variety of needs, including personal concerns, the needs of others, and the advancement of God's kingdom. The Apostle Paul, in Ephesians 6:18 , urges, "Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints."

Encouragement from Scripture

The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who exemplified perseverance in prayer. Daniel continued to pray despite the threat of persecution (Daniel 6:10), and Hannah prayed fervently for a child, demonstrating unwavering faith (1 Samuel 1:10-20). These examples serve as encouragement for believers to remain steadfast in their own prayer lives.

In conclusion, the biblical exhortation to "faint not" in prayer is a call to unwavering faith and persistence. It is an invitation to trust in God's faithfulness and to remain committed to seeking His presence and guidance in all circumstances.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 18:1
And he spoke a parable to them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Hear, Lord, My Prayer; Let not My Soul Faint under Thy Discipline. ...
... Book I Chapter XV Hear, Lord, my prayer; let not my soul faint under Thy
discipline? Hear, Lord, my prayer; let not my soul faint ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter xv hear lord my.htm

The Pleading Note in Prayer
... to plead with you, and to say: "For this cause we faint not: but though ... are seen
are temporal; but the things which are not seen are ... Give yourself to prayer. ...
/.../whyte/lord teach us to pray/xviii the pleading note in.htm

Prayer Concerns Three.
... usual habit and says plainly what this parable is meant to teach:""that men ought
always to pray, and not to faint." The great essential, He says, is prayer. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on prayer/prayer concerns three.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xviii. 1,"They Ought Always to ...
... 3531] If he then heard her prayer, who hated ... comparison from a contrary case the
Lord had taught that "men ought always to pray and not to faint," [3532] He ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lxv on the words.htm

Letter v. Prayer and Fasting.
... his disciples, and us through them, to "watch and pray." He also teaches us to
persevere in prayer: "Men ought always to pray, and not to faint." The apostle ...
/.../letter v prayer and fasting.htm

Prayer and Importunity
... to pray and not to faint," and the parable in which His words occur, was taught
with the intention of saving men from faint-heartedness and weakness in prayer. ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/vi prayer and importunity.htm

Whether Prayer is Meritorious?
... As to its efficacy in impetrating, prayer derives this from the grace of God to ... our
prayers, since in His loving-kindness He urged us not to faint in praying ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether prayer is meritorious.htm

Whether Prayer Should Last a Long Time?
... 18:1): "We ought always to pray, and not to faint": and it is written (1:Thess.5:
17): "Pray without ceasing.". I answer that, We may speak about prayer in two ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether prayer should last a.htm

Chastity and Prayer.
... and not merely the fruit of training, but given by God with prayer, "All men ... them
to the end that they ought always to pray, and not to faint, saying, There ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/25 chastity and prayer.htm

Prayer and the Word of God
... glory of God's kingdom, are as much involved in prayer, as when Jesus taught men
the Universal Prayer. That "men ought always to pray and not to faint," is as ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/xii prayer and the word.htm