Scripture makes it clear, in several places, that we are to pray continuously. When it comes to our petitions, it seems we are encouraged to nag God. “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, KJV).
Does that mean God will change His mind or be persuaded if we are persistence enough? Well, there is certainly evidence in scripture to support that. “I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs.” Luke 11:8
I think the better explanation is understandable when we consider the nature of prayer. Prayer is really just conversation with God. Of course, it’s much more than chatting with a spouse or friend. After all, this is talking with God, the Creator of the universe. We were really created because God want to relate and communicate with us. Prayer is the medium for the reason we were created.
We should pray without ceasing. because spending time with God was the reason we were created. When we spend that time, when we pray, the nature of our communication changes. We move from being petition oriented to marveling at the wonders of the one to whom we speak. We listen more and talk less. We focus less on changing His mind to letting Him change us.
He is God, but He is also Father and Friend. “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” … Hebrews 4:16,
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