There are many levels of communication that permit us to express ourselves. If we talk “across the fence” to our neighbors, or exchange pleasantries in the Super Market, we may classify most of it as “small talk”. Contrastingly, in our business our group encounters, we indulge in a higher level of discourse as we submit opinions, ideas; things of greater consequence.

Credible also are the things we write. They may be categorized as “considered thought”; even revised many times to be more clear and concise. We can mis-speak, but it is harder to mis-write. None of these, however, require the level of honesty and thought vested in prayer.

Prayer exposes us to the light of truth and scrutiny. We are accountable in no other means. It is there that we show our true selves; nothing is “off the cuff” or revisionary. As we raise our thoughts, hopes expectations, desires, problems, requests, praise, and thanksgiving to God, we are divorced from any agenda.

We may anticipate God’s response, not as two persons communicate. In this , we find greater exposure than in one- on- one with people. Prayer is infinitely different and is the pillar of our faith. While we may, each of us, pray differently; we all pray for the same things or offer similar thanksgiving.

How we may differ greatly from one another is our level of persistence; and even more importantly, in our confidence that our prayers will be answered.

Jesus addressed this in Luke 111: 1-13, concerning the persistent neighbor. When asked by His disciples how to pray, he gave us “The Lords Prayer”, and a parable that posed the question; “Which of you has a friend and will go to him at midnight and say to him; friend, lend me three loaves of bread? A friend of mine who is on a journey has just come, and I have nothing to put before him”. The neighbor refused, declaring it inconvenient; Essentially, “Go away, don’t bother me”. But because of “shameless” persistence, the man arose and gave him the bread. From this came Jesus’ declaration; “Keep asking, seeking, keep on knocking and you will receive what you desire. How much more would our Father in heaven give us upon asking?”

The parable, simple as it is. clearly declares that it is our persistence that wins out.

We can give up in many of our human encounters, but, it is poor practice. We set the pattern for our discouragement and abandonment. This must not happen in our prayers. It is too vital to our lives here and beyond.

In our personal and prayer lives; ” Whatever is true, noble, or right, whatever is excellent or praiseworthy, think (and give voice to) such things” from Phillipians.

God’s perseverence must be a model for ours.