Don’t Give Up on Prayer — Persevere with Hope

Have you ever prayed with all your heart, believing for a breakthrough, and yet it felt like nothing was happening? Maybe you started strong—full of faith, full of hope—asking God for healing, restoration, or provision. But as time went on, the silence became heavy, and your hope began to fade.

If that’s where you are today, this message is especially for you. Because one of the greatest barriers to a strong prayer life isn’t doubt, it’s the temptation to give up.

Jesus’ Call to Keep Praying

In Luke 18:1, we read: “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.”

Jesus knew this would be one of our biggest struggles. That’s why He told the story of the persistent widow who kept asking an unjust judge for justice. Even though the judge didn’t fear God or care about people, he eventually gave in because of her persistence.

And Jesus makes His point crystal clear: if persistence moves the heart of an unjust judge, how much more will your loving Father respond to the prayers of His children?

Why Persistence Matters

We often think that repeating our prayers shows a lack of faith. But that’s not what Jesus taught. Persistent prayer isn’t about nagging God—it’s about shaping us.

• Persistence keeps us connected to God.

• It builds trust when answers don’t come quickly.

• It refines our motives and prepares our hearts for His timing.

Sometimes God delays not to punish us, but to prepare us. Look at Hannah, who prayed year after year for a child. Or Daniel, who prayed and fasted for 21 days before the angel came and told him that his prayer had been heard from day one. Delay is not denial.

As Hebrews 6:12 says: “Imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.” Notice that—faith and patience, not faith and instant results.

A Modern Story of Persevering Prayer

Let me share a personal story. Years ago, a woman named Ruth and her husband, John, began praying for a young woman named Wendy. At the time, Wendy was an atheist. She worked for Ruth, and while they became friends, Wendy had no interest in God.

Week after week, Ruth and John invited Wendy to their home and even to church, but she resisted. Still, God had put it on their hearts to pray for her salvation. So they did—faithfully, persistently—even when nothing seemed to change.

Years later, I met Wendy. I had the chance to share my faith with her, though at first she rejected it. But over time, God broke through. Wendy gave her life to Christ.

Two weeks later, I started dating her. Today, we’ve been married for over 26 years. Wendy now serves one day a week at our church, leading our prayer ministry.

I look back and realise—without Ruth and John’s persistent prayers, Wendy may never have come to faith. They didn’t see the fruit themselves, but their prayers opened the way for a miracle.

Three Truths to Hold On To

If you feel weary in prayer today, here are three truths to remember:

1. God hears you. Every prayer, every whisper, every tear is received by a loving Father.

2. Delay is not denial. Just because you don’t see it yet doesn’t mean God isn’t working.

3. Your prayers matter. Every time you pray, you build spiritual momentum. Nothing is wasted.

Jesus never said, “Pray once and forget about it.” He said, “Always pray and don’t give up.”

Don’t Stop Now

So I want to encourage you: return to that prayer you’ve almost given up on. Whether it’s for a loved one’s salvation, healing, provision, or breakthrough—don’t walk away now. What if this week is the turning point?

Like Ruth and John, you may not see the answer immediately, but your prayers could be the very thing God uses to bring change at just the right time.

Keep praying. Keep trusting. Don’t give up.

👉 If this encouraged you, share it with someone who’s also waiting on God. And for more resources to strengthen your prayer life, visit kenrobinson.com.