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Written by Lynne Hammond

There's a phrase that used to be heard in old-time Pentecostal circles. It was familiar to those rugged conquerors who fought—and won—countless battles on their knees. It was frequently found on the lips of spiritual warriors who knew how to prevail in prayer.

It's the phrase praying through.

Most charismatic Christians in this day and hour know nothing about praying through. Some even scoff at the term. "Oh, I don't need to pray through," they say. "I know who I am in Christ. I know the Word. I just pray once and I'm done."

Granted, there is some truth in those statements. When it comes to praying and receiving the things that are ours by virtue of redemption, we can simply pray the prayer of faith one time. We can receive the new birth, the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and healing for our body, for instance, by taking our stand on the Word in Christ Jesus and believing we receive. There is no need to tarry; no need to labor in prayer; and, in those instances, no need to pray through.

When it comes to praying prayers of intercession for others and praying out the plans and purposes of God, however, we find ourselves in an entirely different situation. We find ourselves with the spiritual responsibility of preparing the way of the Lord. We find we must wrestle "against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Eph. 6:12 KJV). We must stand steadfast in faith and prayer enforcing the will and the Word of the Lord.

As anyone who has done it can tell you, that requires more than praying a quick prayer of faith and skipping merrily on your way. It requires persistence and commitment. It takes believing God and staying in His face until the Devil has been put on the run and the divine will is done on earth as it is in heaven.

It takes someone who knows what it means to pray through.

Scripture Reading: Luke 11:1 – 10

Source: Devotions for the Praying Heart by Lynne Hammond.
Excerpt permission granted by Lynne Hammond Ministries