Fr Alvan Ibeh: The Power of Persistent Prayer

In his monthly column Fr Alvan Ibeh reflects on the power of persistent prayer in our lives.

Prayer is one of the greatest gifts God has given us – a direct way to speak with Him, seek His guidance, and experience His love. Yet, one of the most challenging lessons in our faith journey is learning to pray persistently – to keep praying even when answers don’t come straight away.

For every Christian, prayer should be a posture of the heart – something we do continually, regardless of how we feel or whether we see immediate results. It should not be dependent on emotions but rooted in trust and obedience.

I have personally experienced the power of persistent prayer in my own life. There was a time when I was praying for something deeply important. At first, I prayed with great confidence, expecting a quick answer. But as days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, doubt began to creep in. I questioned whether God was even listening. I doubted His love for me.

One night, in frustration, I cried out, “God, are You even there? Have You forgotten me?” You might ask – is that really prayer? Yes, it absolutely is. Prayer is any conversation we have with God. It’s not limited to kneeling in a church; it’s the honest dialogue we have with Him – whether we’re lying in bed, cooking in the kitchen, sitting at our desk, driving, or anywhere else. It’s about acknowledging His presence with us in every moment.

In the quiet of that night, I felt a deep peace, as though God was gently whispering, “I have not forgotten you. Keep trusting me.” I was reminded of His promise in Hebrews 13:5: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

That night changed everything. Though the answer didn’t come immediately, I chose to keep trusting Him. And when the answer eventually came, it was greater than I could have imagined. Looking back, I now understand that God was preparing me, strengthening my faith, and aligning my heart with His perfect will. Just because we don’t see immediate change doesn’t mean God isn’t working. Every prayer is heard, and God is moving behind the scenes in ways we cannot always see. Once there is someone praying, there is a God listening – and He acts according to His perfect timing. Since we don’t know that timing, we must continue to pray until He comes through.

Do you remember the acronym P.U.S.H.? Pray Until Something Happens.

Why is persistent prayer powerful?

• It deepens our faith: The longer we pray, the more we rely on God rather than our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5–6).

• It draws us closer to God: Prayer strengthens our relationship with Him and helps us hear His voice more clearly (Jeremiah 29:12–13).

• It aligns us with God’s will: Persistence in prayer can change us, shaping our desires to reflect God’s perfect plan (1 John 5:14).

• It prepares us for the answer: Often, God’s timing is different from ours because He is preparing us for the blessing (Isaiah 40:31).

If you are praying for something and haven’t yet seen the answer, don’t lose heart. Keep praying, keep trusting, and keep believing. God is not ignoring you – He is working, even if you cannot yet see it.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

Your breakthrough might be just around the corner. Keep knocking, keep seeking, and keep believing – God is always faithful.

Have you picked up A Fountain of Hope – Book 2 yet?

It’s now available on Amazon and The Great British Bookshop. Book 1 is still in print as well – perfect for your personal library or as a meaningful gift for loved ones.

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