“Because I love Zion, I will not keep still. Because my heart yearns for Jerusalem, I cannot remain silent. I will not stop praying… Take no rest, all you who pray to the Lord. Give the Lord no rest until he completes his work, until he makes Jerusalem the pride of the earth.” (Isaiah 62:1, 6, 7 NLT)
I’m really challenged and inspired by the passion Isaiah shows here for his nation, his city and his people; passion that moves him to pray. He says, “I will not stop praying…” He won’t stop praying until he sees God answer. He won’t give up. He just won’t quit.
But not only does he pray with passion and patience, he prays (and encourages others to pray as well) with boldness. He doesn’t only say “take no rest.” He also says “give the Lord no rest.” Like, just keep pestering God till He answers. Reminds me of some stories Jesus told…
Too often today’s believers give up too easily on prayer. Or we pray weak, unspecific, timid prayers. But the Bible encourages bold, restless, ongoing, passionate prayer.
Let’s not miss out on God’s best because we’re afraid to ask for it. Let’s pray with this kind of passion for our own needs, as well as our loved ones, churches, communities and nations.
And please… Pray for Japan!