Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us come boldly to the throne of a gracious God. There we will receive his mercy and we will find grace to help us when we need it the most.” Pray boldly. Pray courageously. Be persistent. If you want the supernatural help of God, then boldly ask for it. Bill Hybels told of a day years ago when at the close of worship, many gave their lives to Jesus and were baptized. After the service, he bumped into a woman in the stairwell who was crying. He stopped and asked her if she was alright. “No, she said, “my mother was baptized today and I have prayed for her every day for 20 years.” Bill Hybel said, “And that’s a problem? You are going to have to help me understand.” The lady said, “I am crying because I came so close to giving up on her. I mean after five years I said, ‘Who needs this? God isn’t listening.’ After ten years I said, ‘I’m just wasting my breath.’ After 15 years I said, ‘This is absurd.’ After 19 years I said, ‘I’m such a fool.’ But I kept praying and she gave her life to Christ and was baptized. I will never doubt the power of prayer again.” It takes courage to keep praying when you feel like God is not listening and no answer seems to come; when your prayers never seem to reach higher than the ceiling. But God’s word reminds us to keep praying boldly and keep praying courageously. God’s supernatural power will be set loose.
– Dr. Tim Thompson