Drawing Near: The Power and Purpose of Prayer
Summary
As we enter the second week of our 21 days of prayer, it’s a time to reset and refocus, especially after a busy summer when spiritual priorities can easily be set aside. The heart of drawing near to God is not just about ritual, but about relationship—coming to our Father with expectancy, honesty, and persistence. Jesus’ teaching in Luke 11 reminds us that prayer is not a performance or a formula, but a conversation with our Father who delights in us as His children. The disciples didn’t ask Jesus to teach them to perform miracles or walk on water—they asked Him to teach them to pray, because they recognized that prayer is the source of all spiritual power.
When we pray, we’re invited to approach God as Father, not just as Creator. This is a privilege reserved for His children, and it’s through Jesus, our one Mediator, that we have access. Prayer is not about impressing others or using it as a tool to get our way with people; it’s about honest, direct communication with God. We’re called to pray with shameless boldness, not because God is reluctant, but because He is eager to respond to His children. The parable of the friend at midnight teaches us that if even a grumpy neighbor will respond to persistent knocking, how much more will our loving Father respond to us?
Prayer requires expectancy—believing that God hears and answers. It requires effort—seeking God’s will and aligning our hearts with His. And it requires endurance—knocking and continuing to knock, even when the answer seems delayed. Sometimes, God’s answer is “wait” or “no,” because He has something better in store. We’re encouraged to pray specifically, not vaguely, and to persist with bulldog determination, especially for the salvation of others.
Desperation in prayer is not a sign of weakness, but of faith. When we are desperate for God to move—whether for healing, for the salvation of loved ones, or for breakthrough in our lives—we draw near to Him in a way that is honest and raw. The midnight hour is upon us, both in our personal lives and prophetically in the world. Now is the time to pray for more than just our own needs, but for the salvation and transformation of others. God delights to give us the kingdom, and He is more ready to answer than we are to ask. Let’s draw near, not just for what God can give, but to hold His hand and walk with Him daily.
Key Takeaways
- Prayer Begins with Relationship, Not Ritual
God is not just the Creator—He is our Father, and prayer is a privilege reserved for His children. Approaching God as Father changes the way we pray; it’s not about performance or impressing others, but about honest, direct communication with the One who loves us. This relationship is made possible through Jesus, our Mediator, and it’s the foundation for all effective prayer. [08:33]
- Persistence in Prayer Reflects Faith, Not Doubt
Jesus commands us to ask, seek, and knock—not just once, but continually. Repeated prayers are not a sign of unbelief, but of faith that God hears and will answer in His time and way. Sometimes, God’s best answers come after seasons of persistent, even desperate, prayer, teaching us endurance and trust in His goodness. [13:44]
- Alignment with God’s Will is the Heart of Petition
Prayer is not about convincing God to do our will, but about aligning our desires with His. As we pray, we learn to surrender our own agendas and seek first His kingdom and righteousness. This alignment brings confidence, knowing that when we ask according to His will, He hears and responds. [18:45]
- Desperation in Prayer Unlocks Deeper Intimacy and Breakthrough
There are moments when only desperate, persistent prayer will do—when we are at the end of ourselves and fully dependent on God. These are the times when we experience God’s nearness most profoundly, and when breakthroughs often come. Desperation is not a lack of faith, but a recognition of our need and God’s sufficiency. [20:37]
- Intercession for Others is Central to God’s Heart
We are called to pray not just for ourselves, but for the salvation and transformation of others. The “midnight hour” is a reminder that time is short, and our prayers can be the means by which God draws people to Himself. God delights to answer prayers for the lost, and He is more ready to save than we are to ask—so let’s persist in interceding for those who need Him most. [24:54]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:45] - Summer Reset: Putting Jesus First
[04:42] - Preparing for Prayer: Fasting and Filtering
[07:20] - Drawing Near: Resisting the Devil
[08:33] - The Privilege of Calling God Father
[09:41] - Praying Honestly, Not Performatively
[10:45] - The Parable of the Friend at Midnight
[12:44] - Prayer as Friendship and Boldness
[13:44] - Ask, Seek, Knock: The Command of Persistence
[16:50] - Praying Specifically and Expectantly
[18:45] - Seeking God’s Will and Surrender
[19:44] - The Hindrance of Unforgiveness in Prayer
[20:37] - Endurance and Desperation in Prayer
[24:54] - The Midnight Hour: Praying for the Lost
[42:07] - Invitation to Respond and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Draw Near – The Heart of Prayer
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### Bible Reading
Luke 11:1-13 (ESV)
> Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” And he said to them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.’”
> And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs.
> And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
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### Observation Questions
1. In Luke 11, what did the disciples specifically ask Jesus to teach them, and why is this significant compared to other things they could have asked? ([04:42])
2. According to the parable Jesus tells in Luke 11, what is the response of the friend at midnight, and what point is Jesus making by using this story? ([10:45])
3. What three actions does Jesus command in relation to prayer, and what do these actions suggest about how we should approach God? ([13:44])
4. How does Jesus describe the relationship between God and those who pray to Him in this passage? ([08:33])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus emphasized calling God “Father” in prayer, and how does this change the way someone might approach prayer? ([08:33])
2. The sermon says that persistence in prayer is not a sign of doubt but of faith. Why might repeated prayers actually show trust in God rather than a lack of faith? ([13:44])
3. The parable of the friend at midnight is a contrast, not a comparison. What does this mean, and how does it shape our understanding of God’s willingness to answer prayer? ([10:45])
4. The pastor mentioned that sometimes God’s answer is “wait” or “no.” How can aligning our will with God’s help us respond to these answers? ([18:45])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon talked about how easy it is to “put Jesus in the corner” during busy seasons. Is there an area of your life right now where you’ve unintentionally set aside your spiritual priorities? What’s one step you can take this week to reset and refocus? ([02:45])
2. When you pray, do you approach God more as a distant Creator or as a loving Father? How might your prayers change if you truly believed God delights in you as His child? ([08:33])
3. Think about a prayer you’ve been praying for a long time. Have you been tempted to give up? What would it look like to keep “knocking” with shameless boldness this week? ([20:37])
4. The sermon encouraged praying specifically, not vaguely. Is there something you need to bring to God in prayer with more clarity and detail? What is it, and how can you pray for it this week? ([16:50])
5. The pastor shared stories of desperate, persistent prayer for the salvation of loved ones. Who is one person in your life you feel burdened to pray for? How can you commit to intercede for them during this season? ([24:54])
6. Sometimes, God’s answer is “wait” or “no.” Can you recall a time when God didn’t answer your prayer the way you wanted, but later you saw His wisdom? How did that experience shape your faith? ([18:45])
7. The sermon ended with the idea that God wants us to draw near not just for what He can give, but to hold His hand and walk with Him daily. What would it look like for you to seek God’s presence, not just His gifts, in your daily life? ([42:07])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to pray specifically for one another’s needs, for the salvation of loved ones, and for a deeper relationship with God as Father. Encourage persistence and expectancy in prayer throughout the week.
Devotional
Day 1: Prayer Is Approaching God as Our Father
Prayer is not a performance or ritual, but a personal conversation with God as our Father, who desires a relationship with His children. When you pray, you are not speaking to others or using prayer as a tool to influence those around you, but you are coming before your heavenly Father who knows you, loves you, and wants to hear from you. God is the Creator of all, but He is only Father to those who are His children through faith in Jesus. This means that prayer is a privilege for those who belong to Him, and we should approach Him with the confidence and intimacy of a child speaking to their loving parent. [08:33]
Luke 11:1-2 (ESV)
Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” And he said to them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come.’”
Reflection: When you pray today, do you approach God as your loving Father, or do you find yourself performing for others or simply reciting words? How can you intentionally focus on speaking to God as your Father in your next prayer?
Day 2: Pray with Expectancy, Specificity, and Perseverance
God invites us to ask, seek, and knock—not just once, but continually and persistently, believing that He hears and answers according to His will. Prayer is not a one-time request but an ongoing conversation where we bring our needs, desires, and burdens before God with faith and expectancy. Jesus teaches us to pray specifically, not vaguely, and to keep coming to God with our requests, trusting that He is a good Father who gives good gifts to His children. Even when answers seem delayed, we are called to persevere, knowing that God’s timing and wisdom are perfect, and that sometimes His answer is “wait” or “I have something better.” [13:44]
Luke 11:9-10 (ESV)
“And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”
Reflection: What is one specific request you have been hesitant to bring to God, or have given up praying for? Will you commit to asking, seeking, and knocking with expectancy and perseverance this week?
Day 3: Prayer Requires Surrender and Right Relationships
Drawing near to God in prayer means surrendering your will to His and seeking a right relationship with Him, which also impacts your relationships with others. Prayer is not just about getting what you want, but about aligning your heart with God’s heart and allowing Him to reveal areas that need repentance or reconciliation. The Bible teaches that cherishing sin or harboring unforgiveness can hinder your prayers, and that being right with others—especially in your family—matters to God. As you seek God, let Him search your heart and lead you to make things right with those around you, so that nothing stands in the way of your fellowship with Him. [19:44]
Psalm 66:18 (ESV)
If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.
Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive or a relationship you need to make right before God today? What step can you take to seek reconciliation or repentance so your prayers are unhindered?
Day 4: Desperate Prayer Moves the Heart of God
There are times when prayer must be desperate, persistent, and full of faith—when you are knocking on heaven’s door with urgency for yourself or others. God is not bothered by your persistence; in fact, He welcomes it. Just as a friend in need will keep knocking at midnight, or a parent will do anything for their child in crisis, God responds to those who come to Him with boldness and desperation. Whether you are praying for a loved one’s salvation, healing, or breakthrough, don’t give up—keep knocking, keep believing, and trust that God hears and answers in His perfect timing. [24:54]
Luke 11:5-8 (ESV)
And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs.”
Reflection: Who is one person or situation you need to pray for with renewed desperation and persistence? Will you commit to interceding for them daily, refusing to give up until God answers?
Day 5: Pray for the Lost and for God’s Kingdom to Come
We are living in a critical hour, and God calls us to pray not just for ourselves, but for the salvation of others and for His kingdom to advance. The midnight hour is upon us, and there are people in our families, neighborhoods, and workplaces who need to know Jesus. God desires that all people be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth, and He uses our prayers to draw them to Himself. As you draw near to God, let your heart be burdened for the lost, and pray specifically for those who need to be saved, that they would experience the transforming power of the gospel and become part of God’s family. [42:07]
1 Timothy 2:1-4 (ESV)
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Reflection: Who is one person in your life who does not know Jesus? Will you pray for them by name every day this week, asking God to draw them to Himself and give you opportunities to share His love?
Quotes
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