11. Press on for the promise.

The saints of old prayed specifically for the promise God gave them. For instance, Jacob, in his distress, prayed to God on that fateful night at Jabbok, specifically mentioning the promises made to his forefathers. “O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Issac, O Lord, who said to me, ‘Go back to your country and your relatives and I will make you prosper … Save me, I pray, from the hands of my brother Esau … You have said, ‘I will make your descendants like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted.'” – (Genesis 32:9-12) How are we to pray?

1. Ask: We are encouraged to ask God for anything, which is in agreement with his Word. ‘This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.’ – (1 John 5:14) “Ask and it will be given to you … For everyone who asks receives.” – (Matthew 7:7)

2. Seek: We are instructed to seek the will of God, if our prayers remain unanswered for a long time. “Seek and you will find … For he who seeks finds.” – (Matthew 7:7-8) When we are not sure of the will of God, better to pray as Jesus did : “Not my will, but yours be done.” – (Luke 22:42)

3. Knock: Once made known, we are exhorted to persist in the revealed will of God. “Knock and the door will be opened … For to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” – (Matthew 7:7-8) It takes faith to persist and persistence pays off eventually! – (Luke 11:8) Amen.