NHOP School of Prayer – Session 4: Stay on the Wall

NHOP 2026 | NHOP School of Prayer | Session 4: Stay on the Wall | Chris Byberg & Brad Fidler

I. Most Common Instruction Related to Prayer

A. The most common instruction related to prayer is that it needs to be consistent. Persevere in prayer, be faithful in prayer, keep on praying. Our prayer

And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. (Lk. 11:9-10, NLT)

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thess. 5:16-18)

On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have set watchmen; all the day and all the night they shall never be silent. You who put the LORD in remembrance, take no rest, and give him no rest until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it a praise in the earth. (Is. 62:6-7)

1. Luke 18:1-8 – the point of the parable of the persistent widow is that we "ought always to pray and not lose heart" (v.1); not as a persistent widow, but from the rest and confidence of knowing that we are the elect – the chosen – of God (vv.7-8).

2. Matthew 26:36-40 – in Gethsemane, all Jesus was looking for was disciples who would stay awake and "watch" with Him. Just wanted them to remain in the place of prayer with Him.

3. James 5:16-18 – James highlights the persistence of Elijah's prayer life (proseuxato proseuche), which gets translated to, "he prayed fervently". The "fervency" of this example is actually rooted in persistence.

B. It's easy to emphasize the importance of big events, "Kairos moments", "shifts", prophetic acts, etc. But the Bible repeatedly emphasizes the importance of perseverance through the journey/process. Do not underestimate the power of living a "quiet" life as a faithful Christian, continuing in prayer in the secret place and "adorning" the gospel with your life of good works (Mt. 5:13-16; 1 Thess. 4:9-12; Tit. 2:9-14).

…let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus…who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame… (Heb. 12:1-2)

Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. (Ps. 84:5, NIV)

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. (Gal. 6:9)

II. Prayer and Action

A. The Bible teaches us that our outer life should match our inner life. If I speak and pray one way, but live a different way, that's hypocrisy – and it doesn't fool God (Gal. 6:7). James tells us that Abraham's faith was incomplete without works; "faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead" (Jas. 2:17).

B. Prayers of repentance are good, but they can't be prayers alone. Repentance must be walked out; there must be a change of direction in our actions and behaviours.

If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Chr. 7:14)

But when he [John the Baptist] saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, "We have Abraham as our father"…Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." (Mt. 3:7-10; cf. Jn. 15:6)

a. Isaiah 58 – the most prominent chapter on prayer & fasting tells us that fasting apart from a shift towards righteousness in our lives, "will not make your voice to be heard on high" (v.4). But when we add acts of justice to our prayers, "Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily…" (v.8ff).

b. Amos 5:21-24 – Israel reached a point where God hated & despised their solemn assemblies, ignored their offerings, and was revolted by their songs, because they did not "let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream." Our prayers are empty without matching actions.

c. James 5:16 tells us it is the prayer of a righteous person that has great power.

The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil. (1 Pet. 3:12, NLT)

Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered. (Prov. 21:13)

III. Conclusion

A. It's awesome that you've come to gather with many other believers at the NHOP. He is always present where 2 or 3 are gathered, so we can be confident that He is delighted in so many of us gathering to seek Him together.

B. Your perseverance in prayer and obedience/righteousness at home are at least as impactful as your attendance at the NHOP. Stay on the wall! Keep praying! And live out your prayers of repentance.