Three times in the NKJV New Testament, the adverb “earnestly” is tied with the practice of prayer. In Luke 22:44, Jesus was praying in Gethsemane, and Luke recorded that “being in agony, He prayed more earnestly.” The word is used to describe Elijah’s devotion in prayer in James 5:17—“Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain…” Not only do we find these two examples, but the New Testament exhorts Christians, “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving” (Col. 4:2).
Webster defines “earnestly” as “serious and intense; not joking or playful; zealous and sincere; not petty or trivial.” Think about your prayer life. Think about your attitude toward prayer and your attitude while in prayer. Think about your level of intensity, zeal and sincerity while in prayer. Select a word from the English language that adequately depicts your desire for prayer and your heart’s posture in prayer. Could you use the word “earnestly”?