Importunate Prayer by H.

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Feb 10, 1909

Importunate Prayer.

By H.

SEVEN times the servant of Elijah went up to the top of the mountain to see the answer to his prayer. Six times he went and saw no sign of answer, but the seventh time there appeared the cloud—tho only "like a man's hand"—which was assurance of rain, for which the prophet prayed. And even before the rain came, the prophet declared to Ahab, "Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not." And in the meantime, the heaven was black with clouds, and wind, and there was a great rain.

For three whole weeks Daniel, clad in sackcloth, and eating "no pleasant bread," besought God for an understanding of the prophecies concerning his people, and for their deliverance. At the end of that season, an angel appeared unto him, who said, "Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words."

These men were examples of the class of people of whom the Saviour taught in the parable of the importunate widow and the unjust judge, "that men ought always to pray, and not to faint." He asks, "Shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, tho He bear long with them?" And answering His own question, He said, "I tell you that He will avenge them speedily."

God was pleased to answer the prayer of both of these men. In the case of Daniel the angel was sent immediately to make possible the granting of the petition; and still Daniel was left praying and pleading with God; and still he continued to pray, until the assurance was given him by the angel that his prayer was heard and the petition granted.

Truly God is no less pleased to answer the petitions of His servants now. These accounts are given for our instruction; the parable is for us; still it is true "that men ought always to pray, and not to faint." Tho the waiting seem long at times, angels of God may be striving with powers of earth to make possible the granting of our petition. The very prince of darkness may be contending with the messengers of heaven to hold back the blessing we crave. But "shall not God avenge His own elect? . . . I tell you that He will avenge them speedily." Then let every soul continue to call upon Him in prayer, for He will answer, tho He do bear long. H.