It is a matter of faith - not lack of faith - to continue praying for something or someone provided, of course, we are not just making a vain repetition of words (Mat.6:7) but are rather interceding by the Holy Spirit. (Ro.8:26-27)

Jesus refers to faith of this nature as a special kind of faith - a faith that He is going to be looking for at His return. In Luke's Gospel we read,

Jesus told them a story showing that it was necessary for them to pray consistently and never quit. Then (after the illustrative story) the Master said, "How much of that kind of persistent faith will the Son of Man find on the earth when He returns?"

As men and women committed to prayer, we need to realise that, at different moments in time, our petitions and intercessions will be changing in emphasis and objectives. This applies even though we are still praying for the same situation or person. As a result, we always need to look to the Holy Spirit for a knowledge and leading on how to pray.

The Holy Spirit knows exactly what needs praying for and into a given life or situation at any given moment in time. If we are sensitive and responsive to Him, He will lead us in intercession so that changes can be brought about that glorify God.

Often there are many interlinked changes needed so that a result is brought about to God's glory. The Bible therefore exhorts us to pray consistently and not to quit. Our Lord Jesus is going to be looking for the kind of persistent faith that gives rise to such prayer.

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.