Prevailing in Prayer

Throughout Scripture, we see the power of prevailing in prayer—when men and women refused to give up until Heaven responded. From Moses’ intercession to Daniel’s persistence and Jonah’s cry for mercy, each story reminds us that breakthrough comes when we stand firm in faith and keep praying.

In the book of Exodus, we meet Moses, a man who didn’t just lead God’s people, but also regularly stood in the gap for them in prayer. One unforgettable moment came when the Israelites made a golden calf and gave themselves over to sin and chaos. God had seen enough.

I have seen this people, and indeed it is a stiff-necked people! Now therefore, let Me alone, that My wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them. And I will make of you a great nation (Exodus 32:9–10 NKJV).

But Moses didn’t walk away. He stepped in and reminded God of His promises and pleaded for mercy, not just for Israel’s sake, but for the sake of God’s name among the nations.

Why should the Egyptians say, “He had an evil plan to take the people out and kill them … and so wipe them off the earth”? Calm down your fierce anger. Change your mind about doing terrible things to your own people. Remember … Israel … whom you yourself promised, “I’ll make your descendants as many as the stars in the sky. And I’ve promised to give your descendants this whole land to possess for all time” (Exodus 32:12–13 CEB).

Because Moses prevailed in prayer, the Lord responded in mercy. And Moses was honored for standing firm on God’s covenant.

Moses: The Power of Standing in the Gap Through Prevailing Prayer

Then there’s Daniel. For 20 days, Daniel prayed but received no answer, no sign. Still, he pressed on, believing and interceding.

On the 21st day, a breakthrough came. An angel appeared and said:

From the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days (Daniel 10:12–13 NKJV).

Daniel’s persistence helped push through a spiritual battle he couldn’t even see. His prayers were not in vain.

And what about Jonah? He ran from God, boarded a ship, and found himself in the middle of a deadly storm. Thrown overboard and sinking fast, Jonah remembered the Lord and cried out.

I cried out to the Lord because of my affliction, and He answered me. Out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and You heard my voice (Jonah 2:2 NKJV).

God sent a great fish to rescue Jonah. From within its belly, Jonah prayed a heartfelt prayer of thanksgiving and surrender. In His mercy, God spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land. What followed was a city-wide revival in Nineveh. But it began with a man who prevailed in prayer.

Do you see it now? When we persist in prayer, when we stand in faith, refuse to give up, and call on the name of the Lord, He hears. He moves.

When we prevail in prayer, there is power.

Scriptures to meditate on this month:

Week One
Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart.
Luke 18:1 NKJV

Week Two
The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
James 5:16b NKJV

Week Three
Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer.
Romans 12:12 NKJV

Week Four
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 NKJV

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Don’t stop praying—your breakthrough may be closer than you think. Follow the example of Moses, Daniel, and Jonah, and experience the power of prevailing in prayer today. Share your prayer request with us now.