Live with Restream, October 19

Today’s gathering was a celebration of God’s faithfulness and a call to persistent prayer in the midst of uncertainty. As we looked around at familiar and new faces, we were reminded of the strength and comfort found in community, and the importance of lifting one another up in prayer—especially for those facing illness, hardship, or the turmoil of a world in conflict. The warmth of the sun and the fellowship we share are tangible reminders of God’s promises and love.

We reflected on the challenge of persistence, both in daily life and in our spiritual walk. Drawing from a study comparing the perseverance of students in different cultures, we saw how quickly we can be tempted to give up when things get hard. Jesus, knowing the struggles His followers would face, told a parable about a persistent widow and an unjust judge. The widow’s refusal to give up, even when ignored and dismissed, ultimately led to justice—not because the judge cared, but because she would not relent. Jesus contrasted this with God’s character, assuring us that our loving Father is not indifferent or annoyed by our prayers, but attentive and just.

The cross at the front of our sanctuary, adorned with colored strands representing our prayers and white strands for God’s answers, stands as a visual testimony to the ongoing dialogue between us and God. Though there are more colored strands than white, the spectrum they create is a reminder of God’s faithfulness and the beauty of persistent faith. We are called not to lose heart, but to keep seeking, keep praying, and keep trusting—even when answers seem slow or uncertain.

As we look ahead, we are invited to join together in a new rhythm of prayer, gathering before worship to seek God’s will for our church, our community, and our world. This is not about obligation, but about cultivating a spirit of expectancy and faith, believing that God works in real ways through the prayers of His people. May we leave today with renewed resolve to persist in prayer, to reflect Christ’s love and compassion, and to trust that God is at work—both in us and through us.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Persistence in Prayer Reflects Trust in God’s Character True persistence in prayer is not about wearing God down, but about demonstrating our trust in His goodness and justice. Unlike the unjust judge, God is attentive and compassionate, always ready to hear the cries of His people. Our repeated prayers are not a nuisance to Him, but an act of faith that He welcomes and honors. [51:21]
• 2. Faith Grows Strongest in Uncertainty It is often in the most uncertain and difficult moments that faith is refined and revealed. When answers are delayed or circumstances seem overwhelming, choosing to keep praying and seeking God is where faith shines brightest. This kind of faith is not passive resignation, but active hope rooted in God’s promises. [58:08]
• 3. Community Prayer Unites and Strengthens the Body Gathering together to pray—whether for healing, guidance, or the needs of the world—reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles. The cross adorned with prayer strands is a powerful symbol of our shared burdens and God’s faithfulness in responding. As we pray together, we are strengthened and encouraged to persist, knowing that God works through the prayers of His people. [52:09]
• 4. God’s Answers May Not Match Our Timelines, But His Faithfulness Remains The parable of the persistent widow teaches us that God’s justice and answers may not come as quickly as we hope, but they are sure. Our role is to remain steadfast, trusting that God is working even when we cannot see it. The spectrum of prayers and answers on the cross reminds us that God’s timing and ways are often different from ours, but always good. [53:10]
• 5. Prayer is an Invitation to Participate in God’s Work Persistent prayer is not just about asking for what we need, but about aligning our hearts with God’s purposes and participating in His ongoing work in the world. As we begin a new rhythm of prayer together, we are invited to anticipate what God will do in and through us, trusting that He moves powerfully when His people seek Him with persistence and faith. [59:25]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [33:03] - Greetings and Community Updates
• [33:43] - Pumpkin Stories and Fellowship
• [34:26] - Prayers for a World in Conflict
• [35:06] - Celebrating Small Steps and Healing
• [36:20] - Weekly Devotionals and Resources
• [37:28] - Opening Prayer
• [41:04] - Invitation to Participate in Worship
• [41:48] - The Challenge of Persistence
• [43:40] - Jesus’ Call to Pray and Not Give Up
• [46:39] - Jesus Understands Our Struggles
• [47:39] - The Parable of the Persistent Widow
• [51:21] - God’s Justice vs. the Unjust Judge
• [52:09] - The Cross of Prayers: A Living Testimony
• [54:22] - Launching a New Prayer Gathering
• [57:07] - Persistent Prayer is Not Nagging
• [58:08] - Faith Shines Brightest in Uncertainty
• [59:25] - Closing Prayer and Sending Forth
• [61:03] - Hymn: All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name
• [64:26] - Fellowship Announcements and Benediction

Bible Reading

Luke 18:1-8 (NIV) — 1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.
2 He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought.
3 And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’
4 “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think,
5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’”
6 And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says.
7 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?
8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”

Observation Questions

1. In the parable Jesus tells, what are the main differences between the unjust judge and God? ([51:21])
2. What does the widow do when the judge keeps ignoring her requests? ([49:47])
3. According to the sermon, what do the colored and white strands on the cross in the sanctuary represent? ([52:09])
4. What is Jesus’ main point in telling this parable, as stated at the beginning of Luke 18? ([43:40])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Jesus compare God to an unjust judge, and what does this teach us about God’s character in response to our prayers? ([51:21])
2. The widow keeps coming back even when she is ignored. What does her persistence show about faith, especially in hard times? ([49:47])
3. The sermon mentions that there are more colored strands (prayers) than white strands (answers) on the cross. What might this say about our experience of prayer and God’s timing? ([52:51])
4. Jesus ends the parable by asking, “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” What kind of faith is he talking about, and why is it important? ([53:10])

Application Questions

1. Think about a time when you prayed for something for a long time without seeing an answer. How did you feel, and what helped you keep going (or made you want to give up)? ([52:51])
2. The sermon talked about starting a new rhythm of prayer together as a church. What would it look like for you to join in, and what might keep you from participating? ([54:22])
3. The cross in the sanctuary is covered with prayers and answers. If you could add a colored strand today, what would your prayer be? If you could add a white strand, what is one way you’ve seen God answer? ([52:09])
4. Jesus says God is not annoyed by our prayers, but welcomes them. Are there things you hesitate to pray about because you think God is tired of hearing them? What would it look like to bring those to God again this week? ([51:21])
5. The sermon mentioned that faith grows strongest in uncertainty. Is there an area of your life right now where you feel uncertain or discouraged? How can you practice persistent prayer in that area? ([58:08])
6. Community prayer was described as a way to unite and strengthen the church. Who in your life or in our church could use extra prayer support right now, and how can you encourage them this week? ([52:09])
7. Persistent prayer is not about nagging God, but about trusting Him. What is one step you can take this week to show trust in God’s goodness, even if you don’t see answers right away? ([57:07])