Waxing Stronger in Prayer

Daily Scripture Threshing for Today, Friday, January 9, 2026

Luke 18:1–8; James 5:16–18 (ESV)

Key Verse: Luke 18:1 (ESV) — “And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.”

Prayer is the lifeline of the believer and the engine room of spiritual strength. In this year of waxing very strong, you cannot afford a casual prayer life. A weak prayer life will always produce a weak spiritual life. To wax stronger in prayer is to move from occasional cries for help to a lifestyle of continual communion with God.

Jesus taught that men ought always to pray and not faint, revealing that the alternative to prayer is discouragement. When prayer is neglected, the heart grows weary under the weight of life’s pressures. Persistent prayer, however, keeps the heart supplied with fresh strength, perspective, and peace. Waxing stronger in prayer means refusing to let feelings, busyness, or distractions dictate your fellowship with God.

James reminds us that the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous person has great power. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, yet he prayed earnestly and the heavens responded. This means prayer is not reserved for “special” believers; it is powerful in the mouth of any believer walking in righteousness. To wax stronger in prayer is to take seriously the authority God has given you to partner with Him in shaping outcomes on earth.

Be ready to build consistency in prayer. Strength in prayer is not built in one dramatic moment but through daily, deliberate practice. Set definite times and spaces where you meet with God, and guard them as non-negotiable appointments. Start where you are, but refuse to stay where you are; gradually stretch your prayer life in depth, length, and focus.

Be ready to pray the Word. Prayer anchored in Scripture carries divine authority and alignment. As you pray God’s promises back to Him, your faith is strengthened and your prayers are purified from selfish motives. Praying the Word keeps you from praying only your emotions and trains you to agree with heaven’s agenda.

Be ready to pray in the Spirit. The Holy Spirit helps our weaknesses in prayer and intercedes through us according to the will of God. Yielding to the Spirit in prayer enlarges your capacity beyond what your mind can understand or articulate. Waxing stronger in prayer this year means giving the Spirit more room to lead, inspire, and sustain your prayer life.

Action Steps: Today, pause and ask: “Lord, what must change in my schedule so that my prayer life can wax stronger?” Decide on a daily minimum prayer time and fix it on your calendar. Choose one prayer focus for this week (personal growth, family, church, nation, or souls) and press into it consistently. Incorporate at least one chapter of Scripture into your prayer each day.

Quote for the Day: “Those who wax strong in prayer do not escape battles, but they never fight them alone. Stay on your knees, and you will stand strong.” — (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)

Let Us Pray: Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for the privilege of access to the Father through Your blood. Forgive me for every season of prayerlessness and distraction. Ignite fresh fire upon my altar of prayer. Teach me to pray always and not lose heart. Strengthen me to persevere in intercession until Your will is done in my life, my family, my church, and my generation. Let my prayer life this year be a channel of Your power and presence. In Your mighty name, Lord Jesus, Amen.

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Thank you for threshing the Word with Him today. For further study, read: Matthew 6:5–13; Romans 8:26–27; Ephesians 6:18.

With all my love and prayers,

Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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