What does it mean to pray fervently?

Praying fervently is a concept that finds its roots deeply embedded in the scriptures and the life of a devout Christian. To pray fervently means to engage in prayer with intense passion, sincerity, and earnestness. It is more than just offering words; it is an act of pouring out one’s heart and soul to God, seeking His presence and intervention with unwavering faith and commitment.

The Bible provides numerous examples and instructions regarding fervent prayer. One of the most cited verses is James 5:16, which states, "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much" (NKJV). This passage highlights the power and effectiveness of fervent prayer, implying that such prayers are not casual or lukewarm but are characterized by a deep sense of urgency and intensity.

Fervent prayer involves several key elements that distinguish it from ordinary prayer. Firstly, it requires a deep sense of faith and trust in God. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that "without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (NKJV). Fervent prayer is rooted in the belief that God is not only able to answer our prayers but is also willing to do so according to His will.

Secondly, fervent prayer is marked by persistence. Jesus Himself taught about the importance of persistent prayer in the parable of the persistent widow and the unjust judge (Luke 18:1-8). The widow’s relentless pursuit of justice, despite facing numerous setbacks, serves as a powerful illustration of how we should approach God in prayer. Jesus concludes the parable by saying, "And will not God bring about justice for His chosen ones, who cry out to Him day and night? Will He keep putting them off? I tell you, He will see that they get justice, and quickly" (Luke 18:7-8, NIV). This teaches us that fervent prayer is not a one-time event but a continuous, unyielding pursuit of God’s intervention.

Another crucial aspect of fervent prayer is sincerity. God desires that our prayers come from a place of genuine need and heartfelt emotion. In Psalm 62:8, we are encouraged to "Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge" (NIV). When we pray fervently, we do so with an open heart, laying bare our deepest fears, hopes, and desires before God. It is an act of vulnerability, acknowledging our dependence on Him and seeking His guidance and support.

Moreover, fervent prayer often involves a sense of urgency. This urgency can be driven by various factors, such as a pressing need, a crisis, or a deep longing for spiritual growth. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus exemplified fervent prayer when He prayed with such intensity that "His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground" (Luke 22:44, NIV). His prayer was marked by an overwhelming sense of urgency and anguish as He faced the imminent crucifixion. This moment underscores the profound depth and intensity that fervent prayer can embody.

Additionally, fervent prayer is characterized by a focus on God’s will rather than our own desires. While it is natural to present our requests and petitions to God, fervent prayer involves a submission to His divine will. Jesus demonstrated this in His prayer at Gethsemane when He said, "Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42, NIV). This submission reflects a trust in God’s wisdom and sovereignty, acknowledging that His plans and purposes are higher than our own.

Furthermore, fervent prayer is often accompanied by fasting and other spiritual disciplines. Fasting is a powerful way to intensify our prayers and demonstrate our earnestness before God. In the book of Esther, we see an example of this when Queen Esther called for a fast among the Jews before she approached the king to plead for her people’s lives (Esther 4:16). The combination of fasting and fervent prayer can create a heightened spiritual focus and sensitivity, allowing us to draw closer to God.

The early church also provides a model of fervent prayer. In Acts 12, we read about Peter’s imprisonment and the church’s response: "So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him" (Acts 12:5, NIV). Their earnest, fervent prayers were answered when an angel of the Lord miraculously freed Peter from prison. This account demonstrates the power of collective fervent prayer and its ability to bring about divine intervention.

Fervent prayer is not limited to moments of crisis or need. It is also a vital aspect of our ongoing relationship with God. In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul urges believers, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (NIV). This passage highlights the importance of consistent, fervent prayer in maintaining our peace and connection with God.

Christian literature also offers valuable insights into the nature of fervent prayer. In his classic work "The Power of Prayer," E.M. Bounds writes, "Prayer is the contact of a living soul with God. In prayer, God stoops to kiss man, to bless man, and to aid in everything that God can devise or man can need." Bounds emphasizes the relational aspect of fervent prayer, where it becomes a dynamic and intimate interaction with the Divine.

In conclusion, to pray fervently is to engage in prayer with a deep sense of faith, persistence, sincerity, urgency, and submission to God’s will. It is a powerful and transformative practice that allows us to connect with God on a profound level, seeking His presence and intervention in our lives. Whether in times of need or as part of our daily spiritual discipline, fervent prayer is a vital expression of our devotion and dependence on God. As we cultivate a habit of fervent prayer, we can experience the peace, guidance, and power that come from a close and earnest relationship with our Heavenly Father.