Thursday, June 19 Pray constantly.​—1 Thess. 5:17.

[Áine]

Thursday, June 19

Pray constantly.—1 Thess. 5:17.

 

Jehovah expects us to act in harmony with our prayers. For example, a brother may ask Jehovah to help him get time off from his secular work so that he can attend a regional convention. How might Jehovah answer that prayer? He might give the brother the courage he needs to approach his employer. But the brother will still need to follow through by making the request. He may need to ask repeatedly. He may even offer to trade shifts with another employee or take the time off without pay. Jehovah expects us to pray repeatedly about our concerns. Jesus implied that some of our requests would not be granted right away. (Luke 11:9) So do not give up! Pray earnestly and repeatedly. (Luke 18:1-7) When we do so, we show Jehovah that our request is not just a passing whim. We also demonstrate our faith in his ability to help us. w23.11 22 ¶10-11

[dljbsp]

Jehovah hears every word we utter in prayer. But how he responds may not always match our expectations. Consider Jesus’ illustration of the persistent widow. She approached an unrighteous judge again and again, pleading for justice. (Luke 18:1–7) Though he had no regard for man or God, the judge eventually relented—because she kept coming. Jesus wasn’t likening Jehovah to that man, of course. But he used the contrast to reassure us that Jehovah, who is loving and just, will certainly answer his people who pray to him “day and night.”

 

Do we stop short of acting on the very things we pray for? Do we mistake Jehovah’s silence for indifference? In reality, his timing is often designed to strengthen our faith, not to test our limits. The longer we hold to a request, the more we refine it, the more we come to understand why we’re asking—and whether we’re ready to receive. Sometimes Jehovah answers by opening a door. Other times, he grants the courage to knock. But always, he responds in a way that aligns with his wisdom and our lasting good.

 

In our modern lives, it’s easy to expect instant solutions. But spiritual growth is not microwaveable. A sister may pray to become more patient with her children—then face a week of emotional chaos that forces her to stretch, apologize, and try again. A brother may ask for more opportunities in the ministry—only to find himself seated next to someone in a waiting room with a Bible in his hand. Jehovah doesn’t always change our circumstances. Sometimes he changes us—through the very circumstances we prayed about.

 

When we persevere in prayer, we show Jehovah that our plea is not momentary or shallow. We echo the intensity of Hannah’s supplication at the temple. We mirror the boldness of Nehemiah before the king. And like Jesus himself, we may find ourselves praying “with strong outcries and tears” (Hebrews 5:7)—not just once, but persistently. This is not lack of faith. It is faith—active, humble, and deeply aware of our need for Jehovah’s help.

 

So if you’ve been praying and feel no answer has come, don’t stop. Jehovah is not ignoring you. He is listening, watching, and working—often invisibly, always lovingly. And in time, when the answer does come, you may see that it was not delayed at all. It was simply timed to perfection.

 

“Pray constantly”—not because Jehovah forgets, but because we remember whom we trust.

 

Jehovah never tires of our voice. He hears the prayers we whisper and the ones we dare not speak aloud—and responds with wisdom, at the right time, in the right way.

[Roxessence]

 

Quote

spiritual growth is not microwaveable…

if you’ve been praying and feel no answer has come, don’t stop. Jehovah is not ignoring you. He is listening, watching, and working—often invisibly, always lovingly. And in time, when the answer does come, you may see that it was not delayed at all. It was simply timed to perfection.

Pray constantly”—not because Jehovah forgets, but because we remember whom we trust.

 

Jehovah never tires of our voice. He hears the prayers we whisper and the ones we dare not speak aloud—and responds with wisdom, at the right time, in the right way.

I love this!   🤗🤗🤗

[JanBar]

 

Well put a wonderful reminder to never stop talking to Jehovah.

 

[Jwanon]

There is almost nothing more important in the world than prayer, since this is how we achieve fellowship with God

Edited June 19 by Jwanon