A month or so ago, I found a book in my closet. It was not mine, though it was familiar. I recalled seeing the book quite often collecting dust on a shelf at our old apartment in Laguna Hills. At any rate, as I pulled the forsaken book out the pile of assorted sneakers and rebellious shirts that would not abide on their hangers, It occurred to me that the freshly-bound book had barely been-- if not ever-- opened.
I being "the first" to open it, flipped through its pages aimlessly and decided to check it out more thoroughly, later. When I finally decided to read the book intensely, I marveled, for it was just what I've been waiting for.
The book is titled The Complete Works of E.M. Bounds on Prayer. If ever there was a book that explains the power of prayer, this would be the one. I just finished reading chapter 6 and felt compelled to share with you all about "Prayer and Importunity."
Let's first define importunity:
importunity- the quality of being importunate
importunate- troublesomely urgent or persistent in requesting.
E.M. Bounds defines importunate prayer as "the praying with that tenacity and tension which neither relaxes nor ceases until its plea is heard, and its cause is won." One scriptural example Bound used really spoke to my heart.
I being "the first" to open it, flipped through its pages aimlessly and decided to check it out more thoroughly, later. When I finally decided to read the book intensely, I marveled, for it was just what I've been waiting for.
The book is titled The Complete Works of E.M. Bounds on Prayer. If ever there was a book that explains the power of prayer, this would be the one. I just finished reading chapter 6 and felt compelled to share with you all about "Prayer and Importunity."
Let's first define importunity:
importunity- the quality of being importunate
importunate- troublesomely urgent or persistent in requesting.
E.M. Bounds defines importunate prayer as "the praying with that tenacity and tension which neither relaxes nor ceases until its plea is heard, and its cause is won." One scriptural example Bound used really spoke to my heart.
The parable of the widow who sought help from the unjust judge is a great example that demonstrates the effectiveness of importunate prayer. The widow kept returning over and over again pleading for help from the judge. Finally the judge decides within himself "Though I fear not God nor regard man; yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me" (Luke 18:4-5). In other words, the judge granted her help so that she would stop bothering him.
Jesus then makes a profound statement.
"Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily." (Luke 18:6-8).
God is concerned for the lives of his people. His is not bothered by your prayers as the unjust judge, But He desires for you to "pray without ceasing" ( I Thessalonians 5:17). In doing so, we demonstrate our eagerness-- our importunity-- to rely on the promises of God.
Jesus then leaves us to ponder on this question: "Nevertheless, when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:8).
And so I ask you again today, Will Jesus find faith in you when He decides to come to your rescue? Will you continue to pray until your prayers are answered, or will you quit and forfeit the promises of God in your life?
Don't give up.
--Tre Michael.
Jesus then makes a profound statement.
"Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily." (Luke 18:6-8).
God is concerned for the lives of his people. His is not bothered by your prayers as the unjust judge, But He desires for you to "pray without ceasing" ( I Thessalonians 5:17). In doing so, we demonstrate our eagerness-- our importunity-- to rely on the promises of God.
Jesus then leaves us to ponder on this question: "Nevertheless, when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:8).
And so I ask you again today, Will Jesus find faith in you when He decides to come to your rescue? Will you continue to pray until your prayers are answered, or will you quit and forfeit the promises of God in your life?
Don't give up.
--Tre Michael.