PREVAILING IN PRAYER BY THE WORD (2)

“Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have PREVAILED” – Genesis 32:28b

PREVAILING IN PRAYER BY THE WORD is the Believer’s Lifeline to God – His Destiny-Definer: “And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have PREVAILED” (Gen.32:28). Lives and destinies of individuals and multitudes are hinged on the revelation and reality of Prevailing Prayer that’s based on the application of God’s Word. Prayer is the most intimate form of communication between God and His human creation. Prayer is the heart of man communicating with the Heart of God. In particular, the Power of Prevailing Prayer cannot be overemphasized, as the believer’s lifeline to God.

The Power of Prevailing Prayer is best exemplified when answers from God seem to not come easily. Genesis 32 narrates such an example. In this account, Jacob was traveling home with his household after two decades away. He was in great distress about reuniting with his brother, Esau, whom he had cheated of his birth right. As the travellers reached the last lap of their journey, Jacob separated from his family for the night, “was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day” (v.24). As dawn loomed, the Man said to Jacob, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have PREVAILED” (v.28).

Hosea 12: 4-5 gives a few more details of Jacob’s angelic encounter: “Yes, he struggled with the Angel and PREVAILED; he wept and sought favor from Him. He found Him in Bethel, and there He spoke to us – that is, the Lord God of hosts. The Lord is His memorable name.” This passage implies that it was not just a physical wrestling match that took place. Jacob had prevailed with God in prayer, and as a result, his family went on to be welcomed by Esau in peace. The word prevail means “to endure, accomplish, triumph or overcome, and have power or influence.” Therefore, prevailing prayer is prayer that has power or influence with God. It is the type of prayer that is capable of producing results, prayer that accomplishes something tangible. And to prevail in prayer means to endure until we have prayed through to an answer.

Prevailing Prayer is the type of prayer that is capable of producing results, prayer that accomplishes something trustworthy and tangible. Prevailing prayer can be born out of a desperate need or a hunger for the things of God. It can be born out of a heavy burden for the condition of our own souls or the souls of others. Often it involves hours on our knees. Jacob wrestled with God all night. If we are willing to do the work, we too can prevail with God through prayer; we can gain the victory over trials and temptations. To prevail takes faith, sincerity obedience, humility, and persistence. Looking into each of these in the next few days can help us to pray aright – based on God’s Word!

Before departing, the Angel changed Jacob’s name, and this was a representation of how God had changed his character. Jacob’s name had meant “supplanter” or “ambitious deceiver,” and that is what he had been when he used trickery to steal his brother’s birth right. Now, he would be called Israel, the prince, the one who struggles with God and overcomes; the Prevailer. Every Believer should desire to partake in this type of prayer that is productive, that moves God to bless, transforms, and advances us spiritually. We need prevailing prayer based on God’s Word. If we will endure on our knees, laying all on the altar, and praying according to His Word, we will see God work in our lives.