Do you pray like you expect God to answer? Or do you ask once, hear nothing, and quietly give up? In this message from Sunday, July 12, 2026, Pastor Linda Reese looks at the prophet Elisha and what his life teaches about bold, confident and persistent prayer.

Ask boldly, with a pure heart

Before Elijah was taken up to heaven, Elisha asked for a double portion of his spirit (2 Kings 2:9–11). It was a big request, but it came from a heart that wanted to serve God, not to be important. What we sow is what we reap (Galatians 6:8), and God looks at why we ask.

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 (KJV)

Elisha prayed with that kind of boldness when the Shunammite woman’s son died, and God brought the boy back to life (2 Kings 4:32–36).

Keep praying through the delay

Faith sees what doubt misses. When Elisha’s servant panicked at the enemy army, Elisha prayed that his eyes would be opened, and he saw the hills full of God’s horses and chariots (2 Kings 6:17). Jesus told the story of the widow who kept coming back to the judge so that we would “always pray, and not faint” (Luke 18:1–8). A slow answer is not a no.

Face fear with the Word

King Hezekiah trusted the Lord like no other king of Judah (2 Kings 18:5). When the Assyrians mocked God, the answer came back: “Be not afraid of the words which thou hast heard” (2 Kings 19:6). Fear does not come from God (2 Timothy 1:7). In Christ we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37), we can do all things through Him who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13), and He always leads us in triumph (2 Corinthians 2:14).

Watch your words

Even Hezekiah slipped. He proudly showed visitors from Babylon everything in his treasure house (2 Kings 20:13), and it cost Judah later. “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise” (Proverbs 10:19, KJV).

This week

Pick one thing you stopped praying about because the answer was slow. Bring it back to God this week, boldly and honestly, and keep bringing it.

Is there something you’ve stopped praying about? Send us a prayer request and we’ll pray with you.