The "Persevering Prayer"

There is no scripture that tells us if we always follow a certain formula of prayer we would always receive answers; however, by consistent and prayerful reading of God's Word and prayer, the Holy Spirit will begin to reward a believer with insights or nuggets of truth that reveal pointers on why and how prayers are answered.

In Mark 5:23-34 is one of those stories that tell why and how prayer was answered. It's a story of a woman who had an issue of blood for twelve years. Though she visited many doctors, none of them could help. By Jewish law she was considered ceremonially unclean so she could not go Jerusalem during those years. She could not be in crowds. When she heard Jesus would be passing her way she mentally blocked out every rule of law and started on her journey to Him. Quietly she made her way behind the disciples and said, "If I may but touch His clothes, I shall be whole" and reaching around the feet of the disciples and the crowd, she reached for Jesus and touched the hem of His garment. Immediately, she felt her issue of blood was dried up! She knew she was healed!

Scripture says that Jesus immediately knew that virtue had gone out of Him! (Mark 5:20). "Who touched Me?" He asked. The disciples answered, "A crowd is pressing and pushing and you ask 'Who touched' you? We all did!" But note Jesus' asked who "touched" Him, not who "pressed" against Him. Note also that she touched Him whereas Jesus usually touched those who needed healing. She may have thought if the disciples knew her condition and remembered that the law prohibited anyone in her condition to be in public, she had only one opportunity to be included in the healing that day and she reached in faith. Jesus recognized her faith! Turning, Jesus reassured her, "Your faith hath made you whole!" And today He is still healing all who reach out and touch Him by faith.

Note the insights found in this story:

1. "She said....." is a powerful truth often overlooked. Jesus taught "Have faith in God For verily I say unto you, that whosoever shall say unto this mountain, be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass, HE SHALL HAVE WHATSOEVER HE SAITH." (Matthew 11:23). "Believe that ye receive them and ye shall have them." (Matthew 11:2). "She said"...with faith....and received her healing!
2. She could have allowed discouragement to overrule and decide it was too difficult to go to Jesus. But she arose by faith with expectancy and went to Jesus. It was her confession that became her prayer and her faith that made her whole.
3. No one could have prevented her from going, reaching and touching Jesus but her own self. Think of that!

Do we prevent our own healing sometimes? We CHOOSE whether we will or will not reach out and touch Jesus with our needs. Our choice makes the difference. It may take time to receive healing but while we are trusting and believing, our faith is also growing!

When you pray, quote the Word of God: Father,your Word says "He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we ARE healed." (Isaiah 53:5.) Quote that same verse again and place your name in the Word this time, "and with His stripes, I (your name) am healed!" Pray it several times if necessary until a higher dimension of faith rises in your heart. God promises His Word will not return unto Him void.

Many joys are waiting yet for those who persevere in prayer. Persevering prayer with faith is the answer!