Prayer without ceasing is the very breath of the new nature, and I am glad to find you so exercised. Yet, allow me to come as a pastor, to sit down in spirit at your side, and ask a few quiet questions concerning this matter which lies upon your heart. You have been pleading for a change of habitation, for provision for a journey, and for a friend whose means are tied up as with cords. And you say you believe you have already received that which you ask. Tell me, then, is this faith grounded upon a clear word of promise, or is it a desire that has risen within your own bosom? For you see, there is a Friend who sticketh closer than a brother, even Jesus, the Friend of sinners, and He has declared that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. Has He written it in His Book that you shall move your dwelling, or that your friend’s account shall be loosed? If He has not, then your faith must learn to say, “Nevertheless, not my will, but Thine, be done.” But if the Spirit has borne witness with your spirit that this thing is of the Lord, then hold on like Jacob, and give Him no rest until He make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.
I charge you to look well to the Friend at heaven’s court. Is Jesus your own Friend? Have you, like Abraham, been called the friend of God? Then you may open your heart without reserve, for He loves at all times, and as a poor man’s friend He pities your necessities. For your companion in trouble, that one whose substance is restrained, remember that the King who rules from sea to sea is the poor man’s help. Go you, and be as the blind man who asked of me a guiding hand, lean hard upon Him, trust yourself to His arm, and let Him lead.
Do not think that you offend by constancy in supplication. The parable of the importunate widow was written for our encouragement. Yet, let me whisper this: praying without ceasing is not a restless buzzing of words, but a continual lifting of the heart. It is the child’s hand in the father’s hand all day long. Stand still in faith, for the Lord will perfect that which concerneth you. Your friend’s account may be held for a season, but the Lord can break the bars of iron. Your journey may tarry, but He who sent Philip toward the desert can guide your path. Only commit your way unto Him, and He shall bring it to pass.
I will join my poor petitions with yours, that your faith fail not. And when the answer comes, as come it will if it be for His glory and your good, then give Him all the praise. Yes and amen, according as He decrees.