Today’s Key Scripture (all references NKJV unless otherwise noted:

I will not let You go unless You bless me!

——Genesis 32:26

If you want to intensify your prayer life, follow the example of Jacob. Surrounded by a cacophony of people and an impending confrontation with his brother Esau, he withdrew to a quiet place to talk with God. Scripture records that, “Jacob was left alone” (Genesis 32:24)

He separated his group into two companies or “bands” numbering 600 each—that’s 1,200 people. Quite a throng! And he knew, “If I’m going to have victory, I have to get away from all of these people and pray.” That’s exactly what he did!

Jacob needed a miracle.  His 1,200 people were not trained warriors and were no match for Esau’s 400 battle-hardened soldiers.

All alone, throughout the night Jacob wrestled with an angel, an actual physical encounter that resulted in an injury: “The hollow of Jacob’s thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him” (Genesis 32:25).

During the struggle the angel said, “Let me go, for the day breaketh,” but Jacob responded, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me” (Genesis 32:26).

The story of Jacob is a great example of a persistence, to the point that he became the father of the 12 tribes of the nation of Israel!

A Prayer for Today:

Dear heavenly Father, I stand ardently on Your promises. Thank You for promising that if I draw near to You, You will draw near to me. Help me to cherish communion with You, no matter what is going on in my life. I desire You above all. I’m so grateful that You are working on my behalf, even when I don’t see what is taking place spiritually. I ask that You will increase my passion for spending even more time with You. Help me to stay where You want me to be and to depend upon Your promises. I pray this in Your Name, Amen!