Persistence Pays Off!

Today’s readings and Gospel prove to us that persistence pays off in the eyes of God. Persistent prayer and asking eventually yields a favorable result, like we see in the Gospel.

In the words of Paul, “be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient.”

I’ve learned that lesson this past year. I’ve been doing a nine-month “Impossible Novena,” and I have prayed the same prayer for 7 months every day alongside my other daily prayers, and still have two more months to go. I’ve been praying the Novena for three seemingly impossible asks that I hope will come to fruition, but still haven’t. Praying that prayer has been a trial in and of itself - a test of discipline, perseverance, and praying when it’s convenient and inconvenient.

Most of us see the results of prayers answered, but some of us do not and are still in times of waiting. What happens when your persistence hasn’t paid off yet, and you’re becoming tired, weary, and drowsy of the wait? Two forms of support and strength are shown to us in the Mass readings today:

First, notice Moses’ companions helped him keep his arm up. They sat him on a rock to support him. Our companions and community can do the same. Tired of praying for the same ask? Ask for the help of those around you to intercede for your needs. 

Second, notice the Psalm reading today. It’s one of my favorites and reminds me of God’s care and guardianship over me. Psalm 121 is a psalm to lean on in times of perseverance. God is our strength, our guard, and our help. 

I lift up my eyes toward the mountains;

whence shall help come to me?

My help is from the LORD,

who made heaven and earth.

May he not suffer your foot to slip;

may he slumber not who guards you:

indeed he neither slumbers nor sleeps,

the guardian of Israel.

The LORD is your guardian; the LORD is your shade;

He is beside you at your right hand.

The sun shall not harm you by day,

nor the moon by night.

The LORD will guard you from all evil;

he will guard your life.

The LORD will guard your coming and your going,

both now and forever.

So your prayer isn’t answered yet? Keep asking, keep praying, and leverage the support God gives you from Himself and your companions and community.