What is the difference between praying persistently and in repetition?

Ok, this is a great question. Several folks have asked me, based on last week's talk, the difference between asking persistently, which Jesus obviously teaches, and asking repeatedly like the Gentiles do.

Here it goes. Last week I said that our prayers must be concise. That is saying much in few words to avoid being like the Gentiles who think they will be heard because of their many words. Remember, Jesus reminds us that he knows what we need before we ask. The peoples of other religions of that day would ask thinking they had to get their god's attention. Remember the illustration of Elijah and the prophets of Baal? Elijah taunts them in a quite funny way saying, "maybe he is off relieving himself". Baal, taking a leak! Dude, that's funny.

Anyway, the point is that we don't have to get his attention, and we don't have to be repetitive in the same setting/prayer time in order to make sure he hears us, as if he were like Baal.

When Jesus teaches us to be persistent, it is with the intention of the story in Luke 18:1-8. Faith prays (read the story). Faith in Christ Jesus displays itself in asking persistently for what is just, right and good for God and his Kingdom (we are included in that).

If the semantics throw you off, then here it goes. The difference is that one attitude prays believing they must repeat themselves to make sure God hears. The person may not intentionally be trying to display a lack of faith, but that is exactly what is going on. Faith believes God knows already, and I can ask persistently without believing I need to get God's attention.

Persistence is asking without giving up. Repetition is asking because we think God did not hear us. Persistence is done in faith. Repetition is done in pride (believing that I need to be heard, so I make sure God does hear me by acting like a child who pulls at their parent's shirt to make sure the parent hears the all important request of the child).

So, ask without giving up, believing he knows the need already, and that we are asking for what is right, good and just.

Pray! You have access to ask anytime and anywhere to ask, with confidence, for God's things. God not only loves you and I; he likes us. So ask, seek and knock!