Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. Acts 12:5.
Persistent pleading, steadfast intercession, and courageous appeal are examples of earnestness and tenacity in expressing pleas to God on behalf of oneself and others.
Perseverance in prayer
Persistence in prayer
Ps 55:17
Also see: Ps 22:1–2; Ps 86:3; Ps 88:1; Ps 88:9; 1 Th 5:17; 1 Ti 5:5
Faithfulness in prayer
Eph 6:18
Also see: Ro 1:9–10; Col 4:12; 1 Th 1:2–3; 2 Ti 1:3
Earnestness in prayer
Ps 119:58
Also see: Ps 55:1–2; Ps 61:1–2; Jon 3:8
Boldness in prayer
Ge 18:27; Lk 11:8
Also see: Ex 33:12–16
Confidence in prayer:
Eph 3:12; Heb 4:16
More examples of importunity in prayer
Repeated requests in prayer
Ge 18:22–32 Abraham prays for Sodom; Jdg 6:36–40 Gideon asks for assurance; Mt 15:22–28 a Canaanite woman begs for Jesus Christ’s help; Mt 20:30–31 Blind men call out to Jesus Christ; Mt 26:44 Jesus Christ prays in Gethsemane; Mk 5:10 Legion begs for mercy; 2 Co 12:8 Paul pleads with God to take away his “thorn”.
More examples of perseverance in prayer
Ge 32:26 Jacob wrestles with God; Dt 9:18 Moses fasts and prays because of Israel’s sin; 2 Sa 12:16 David pleads for his sick child; 1 Ki 18:28–29 The prophets of Baal appeal unsuccessfully to their god; Ne 1:4–6 Nehemiah prays for God’s people; Da 10:2–3 Daniel waits for the interpretation of his vision; Lk 2:37 Anna looks for God to redeem his people.
More examples of earnestness in prayer
1 Sa 1:12–16 Hannah prays for a child; 1 Ki 8:22 Solomon prays at the dedication of the Temple; Jas 5:17–18 Elijah prays for rain to cease; Ezr 9:5 Ezra prays about the people’s sin; Is 38:2–3 Hezekiah prays for healing; Da 9:3 Daniel prays for Jerusalem; Mk 5:22–23 Jairus asks Jesus Christ to heal his daughter; Jn 4:47 A nobleman begs Jesus Christ to heal his son; Ac 12:5 The early church prays for Peter’s release from prison.
Father in heaven,
Thank you for sending your Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for the forgiveness of my sin. Lord Jesus, please forgive me for all of my sins. Come into my heart, and be my Lord and Savior. Please, help me live for you and fill me with your Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.