Psalm 77 opens with a clear purpose in prayer. The psalmist cried to God because he wanted God to hear him (Psalm 77:1). This is Praying until God answers, not praying to tick a box. Genuine prayer seeks audience with God, rather than throwing loud voices into the air. In other words, prayer is more than doing something “to fulfil all righteousness”.
When Praying until God answers refuses every substitute comfort
In verse 2, the psalmist describes a search that is not time-bound. Notably, at night, he kept reaching out to the Lord with untiring hands, and he refused to let anything else comfort him (Psalm 77:2). Still, he stretched out his hands again at night. He sought God day and night. He did not excuse tiredness until he found what he was looking for. Instead, nothing else mattered if God did not respond to his cry. Praying until God answers does not stop because the night grows long.
This sincere posture towards prayer is, therefore, a crucial prerequisite for answered prayer. It is a heart that stops at nothing, and that refuses comfort from anything else but God.
Yet I must never lose sight of who God is while I pray like this. His ways are holy, and none other is as great as He (Psalm 77:13). He performs miracles and displays His power among the people (Psalm 77:14). Moreover, He redeemed His people with His mighty arm (Psalm 77:15). With this in view, I would never miss God’s divine encounter.
Living It Out
When you pray, come with a clear aim: you want an audience with God. Keep reaching for Him day and night, and refuse any comfort that leaves him out. Above all, remember who He is — holy, great, powerful, and redeeming. This is praying until God answers.