Wesley L. Duewel: "In certain wonderful times prayer prevails in an instant. Moses' prayer for the healing of Miriam from leprosy was very brief.
'O God, please heal her!' (Num. 12:13).
But Moses had been walking close to God in a face-to-face relationship. He did not need to prepare his heart to obtain God's favor and ear.
The situation was comparatively uncomplicated in that the wills and attitudes of other people were not involved, and Aaron and Miriam were already repentant. So Moses received an almost instant answer from God.
Elijah's prayer on Mount Carmel was exceedingly brief—scarcely half a minute in length.
'Then the fire of the LORD fell' (1 Kings 18:38).
Probably Elijah had not even reached the amen of his prayer. I am sure he would have prayed longer if God had not answered so instantly. But what a dramatic and nation-changing answer:
'When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, 'the LORD—he is God! The LORD—he is God!' (v. 39).
But remember, Elijah had been praying for three years as he hid from wicked Ahab and Jezebel. He had been carrying an intercessory prayer burden constantly and had had no other public form of ministry.
He had announced to Ahab three years before that he himself stood in God's royal presence as one of His attending ministers of state (1 Kings 17:1). You can be sure Elijah was interceding day and night.
Sometimes what seems like a simple, instant answer to prayer is but the crowning climax of days, months, or even years of faithful intercession.
When did Elijah prevail? On Mount Carmel, or at the Kerith ravine while the ravens fed him, or at Zarephath while hiding with the widow and her son? The answer is that it was all part of his prevailing in prayer.
The answer proved that Elijah prevailed. But all the time while he was prevailing, God was with him supplying his needs and protecting him. Prevailing prayer always involves a price, and Elijah paid that price for at least three year.
Look again at Elijah. Immediately after the fire fell from heaven, Elijah went alone to the top of Mount Carmel and prevailed for rain. Again and again he prayed and expected the answer and then asked his servant to go and look out toward the sea.
But only the seventh time did God's cloud appear—at first, only the size of a man's hand (1 Kings 18:44). Instant prevailing one hour does not guarantee instant prevailing in the next situation.
There is often great mystery concerning the time span required in prevailing prayer. The secret of prevailing prayer is simply to pray until the answer comes. The length of time is ultimately immaterial.
It is God's answer that counts. The length of time required may often seem perplexing and may prove a test of your faith. We will consider this matter more carefully later.
Prevailing prayer may be repeatedly necessary in some situations before final achievement of God's will is secured.
Thus, when Joshua was struggling against Amelek, as long as Moses interceded with uplifted hands 'to the throne of the LORD.'Joshua was winning. But when Moses lowered his hands, Joshua began to be defeated. By the help of Aaron and Hur, his hands were held up continuously till sundown and complete victory was won (Exod. 17:11-16).
Similarly, Epaphras prevailed in prayer day after day for the church in Colosse (Col. 4:12 -13). Paul also prevailed continuously for the Jews, even though he was primarily an apostle to the Gentiles (Rom. 9:1 -3)."
Used by permission of the author and Duewel Literature Trust, Inc., Greenwood, Indiana
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#5 The Time Span in Prevailing Prayer
by Wesley L. Duewel
(pp. 15-17) Zondervan
by Wesley L. Duewel
(pp. 15-17) Zondervan
with words}
Today’s Bible verse: Ps. 61:2 "From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I."
Today’s quote: "When we are overwhelmed, peace and protection are ours through God's Son, Jesus Christ. 'In me you may have peace,' Jesus said. 'In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world; (John 16:33). Jennifer Benson Schuldt
"Dear God,I am frail and defenseless, but You are mighty and powerful. Please help me find peace and rest in You when I am overwhelmed. God is our refuge." (ODB 12/28/15)
"Dear God,I am frail and defenseless, but You are mighty and powerful. Please help me find peace and rest in You when I am overwhelmed. God is our refuge." (ODB 12/28/15)
Some thoughts today: Read the Bible. Pray to be able to understand it. Take time to meditate and memorize portions that are relevant to you and your situation. God wants to have His Word in you so He can draw it out when needed...If I can memorize a verse or two, you can, too! We have to be persistent, though, repeating it daily until it is "in there".
~ The book of St. Matthew begins the New Testament with the genealogy of Christ, proving the authority of His mission
of making a way back to the Father for us.
~ Matthew gives many references from the old Testament in his first several chapters, which refer to Jesus. We can believe in Christ's life, death on the cross, and resurrection!
~ The book of St. Matthew begins the New Testament with the genealogy of Christ, proving the authority of His mission
of making a way back to the Father for us.
~ Matthew gives many references from the old Testament in his first several chapters, which refer to Jesus. We can believe in Christ's life, death on the cross, and resurrection!
7th- Thursday’s post:
#6 The Levels of Prevailing Prayer
Wesley L. Duewel
9th- Saturday's post:
Worth Waiting For
Dutch Sheets
10th- Sunday evening's post:
Forgiveness Does Not Come to Those
Lee Forbes
12th- Tuesday's post:
#7 Levels of Uniting in Prayer
Wesley L. Duewel
#6 The Levels of Prevailing Prayer
Wesley L. Duewel
9th- Saturday's post:
Worth Waiting For
Dutch Sheets
10th- Sunday evening's post:
Forgiveness Does Not Come to Those
Lee Forbes
12th- Tuesday's post:
#7 Levels of Uniting in Prayer
Wesley L. Duewel
A popular post: Gospel for Asia 
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