Almost four years ago, I spent a lot of time in the hospital. It was not for me, but because my mother suffered a heart attack and even worse almost died in a procedure a few weeks after her heart attack. For three days she was on a ventilator and heart pump. Her body was filled with medications.

I am very happy to report that by God's grace and providence, she made a good recovery. There were times we wondered, and of course, God has not given us any guarantees in this life related to our health or that of our loved ones.

The many hours that I spent in the hospital did give me a chance for prayer and reflection.

As I prayed and tried to pray three points on prayer came to mind.

Persistence, Patience, and Power

1) Persistence in prayer

Persistence or perseverance in prayer can be challenging. Of course, we must keep in mind that the goal is never seeking to impress God.

Our Lord warned us about vain repetition in prayer.

At the same time Scripture calls us to pray without ceasing or pray without stopping.

It is not that we take a stop watch so we can see how long we are spending in prayer. But Scripture does tell us that in all situations, pray and keep on praying.

Being in the hospital was a good reminder of this duty.

2) Patience in prayer

By patience I mean that we must fully rest in the Lord’s timing and not our own.

In the Lord’s Prayer we are instructed to pray, let thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Now we know that our God is gracious. He does not despise the cry of His people. God knows our weakness.

But we must not think that our requests become the basis now for God’s schedule.

It is right to pray for specific matters. At the same time we must always keep in mind, God knows far better than we do how to best work out things for His glory and our good.

3) Power in prayer.

We often hear the words that there is power in prayer.

I don’t like to be a curmudgeon, but we must always keep in mind, the power in prayer is not our power.

The power in prayer is not our own words.

The power is that of our faithful and gracious God.

Eph. 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

If you struggle in prayer, if you are discouraged in prayer, look to God and look to His Word.

Keep your focus on the faithfulness and power of our great God!