Persistent Prayer: Trusting God in Every Season
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers here today. As we gather to worship, let's take a moment to thank God for the gift of mothers and pray for those who find this day difficult. Today, we will be diving into Luke 18:1-8, focusing on the importance of persistent prayer.
We begin by acknowledging that many of us struggle with prayer. Whether it's due to busyness, feeling like it's a one-way conversation, or simply not knowing what to say, prayer can be challenging. Even Jesus' disciples struggled with prayer, as seen when they fell asleep while Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. This struggle is not unique to us; it has been a common issue for believers throughout history.
Jesus tells a parable in Luke 18 to emphasize the importance of persistent prayer. He introduces us to two characters: an unjust judge and a persistent widow. The judge neither feared God nor respected people, which made him a poor example of what a judge should be. Judges are supposed to protect the vulnerable and rule justly, but this judge did neither. In contrast, the widow represents the oppressed and vulnerable in society. She repeatedly comes to the judge, asking for justice against her adversary.
Despite the judge's lack of compassion, he eventually grants the widow justice to avoid further damage to his reputation. Jesus uses this parable to contrast the unjust judge with God. Unlike the judge, God is loving and just. He hears the cries of His people and responds in His perfect timing. This parable teaches us that if an unjust judge can be moved by persistence, how much more will our loving God respond to our persistent prayers?
Jesus emphasizes two principles in this parable: always pray and never lose heart. He supports these principles with various scriptures, such as 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Philippians 4:6-7, and 1 John 5:14. These verses remind us that our prayers are heard by God and that we should be persistent in our prayer life, even when we don't see immediate results.
To help us develop a consistent prayer life, I offer some practical tips. First, plan for it. Just as we plan for other important activities, we should schedule time for prayer. Second, find a place where you won't be distracted. This might mean getting up early or staying up late. Third, find a posture that works for you, whether it's kneeling, standing, or walking. Fourth, make noise. Praying out loud can help you stay focused. Fifth, be honest and specific in your prayers. God wants to hear from you, just as you are. Finally, pray with others. The community of believers can support and encourage you in your prayer life.
As we close, Jesus asks a rhetorical question: "When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on this earth?" This question is meant to spur us on to be persistent in our prayer lives. Jesus knows there will be people of faith when He returns, but will you be one of them? Let's commit to being persistent in prayer, trusting that God hears us and will answer in His perfect timing.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Struggle of Prayer: Many of us find prayer challenging due to various reasons like busyness, feeling like it's a one-way conversation, or not knowing what to say. Even Jesus' disciples struggled with prayer, as seen when they fell asleep while Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. This struggle is not unique to us; it has been a common issue for believers throughout history. [02:07]
2. The Parable of the Unjust Judge and Persistent Widow: Jesus uses this parable to emphasize the importance of persistent prayer. The unjust judge, who neither feared God nor respected people, eventually grants the persistent widow justice to avoid further damage to his reputation. This parable contrasts the unjust judge with our loving and just God, who hears the cries of His people and responds in His perfect timing. [13:50]
3. Always Pray and Never Lose Heart: Jesus emphasizes two principles in this parable: always pray and never lose heart. Scriptures like 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Philippians 4:6-7, and 1 John 5:14 remind us that our prayers are heard by God and that we should be persistent in our prayer life, even when we don't see immediate results. [11:39]
4. Practical Tips for a Consistent Prayer Life: To help us develop a consistent prayer life, we should plan for it, find a place where we won't be distracted, find a posture that works for us, make noise by praying out loud, be honest and specific in our prayers, and pray with others. These practical tips can help us overcome the struggle of prayer and make it a regular part of our lives. [24:14]
5. The Importance of Persistent Prayer: Jesus asks a rhetorical question: "When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on this earth?" This question is meant to spur us on to be persistent in our prayer lives. Jesus knows there will be people of faith when He returns, but will you be one of them? Let's commit to being persistent in prayer, trusting that God hears us and will answer in His perfect timing. [35:19]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [01:02] - Opening Prayer and Introduction
3. [02:07] - The Struggle of Prayer
4. [06:13] - Persistent Prayer in College Basketball
5. [08:05] - Always Pray and Never Lose Heart
6. [11:39] - Scriptures on Persistent Prayer
7. [13:50] - The Parable of the Unjust Judge and Persistent Widow
8. [17:01] - The Widow's Persistence
9. [19:16] - The Judge's Weak Spot
10. [21:20] - God vs. the Unjust Judge
11. [24:14] - Practical Tips for a Consistent Prayer Life
12. [33:42] - ACTS: A Prayer Acronym
13. [35:19] - Will Jesus Find Faith on Earth?
14. [37:05] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
15. [40:22] - Invitation for Prayer and Communion
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Luke 18:1-8
- 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
- Philippians 4:6-7
#### Observation Questions
1. In the parable of the unjust judge and the persistent widow, what were the two main character flaws of the judge? ([13:50])
2. How does Jesus describe the widow's actions in the parable? ([17:01])
3. What are the two principles Jesus emphasizes in Luke 18:1-8? ([08:05])
4. According to the sermon, what are some practical tips for developing a consistent prayer life? ([24:14])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the parable of the unjust judge and the persistent widow illustrate the importance of persistent prayer? ([13:50])
2. What does 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 teach us about not losing heart in our prayer life? ([11:39])
3. How does Philippians 4:6-7 encourage us to approach God with our requests? ([11:39])
4. Why is it significant that Jesus asks, "When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on this earth?" ([35:19])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own prayer life. Do you find it challenging to be consistent in prayer? What specific steps can you take to improve this? ([02:07])
2. The sermon mentioned planning for prayer and finding a place without distractions. What time and place can you set aside this week to focus on prayer? ([24:14])
3. Jesus emphasized always praying and never losing heart. How can you remind yourself to stay persistent in prayer, even when you don't see immediate results? ([08:05])
4. The sermon suggested praying out loud to stay focused. Have you tried this method? If not, how can you incorporate it into your prayer routine this week? ([25:56])
5. Think about a specific situation or person you need to pray for persistently. How can you be more specific and honest in your prayers about this situation? ([29:00])
6. The sermon encouraged praying with others. Is there a friend or group you can commit to praying with regularly? How can this community support you in your prayer life? ([30:36])
7. Jesus' rhetorical question about finding faith on earth challenges us to examine our own faithfulness. How can you ensure that you are living a life of persistent prayer and faith? ([35:19])
Devotional
Day 1: The Struggle of Prayer
Many of us find prayer challenging due to various reasons like busyness, feeling like it's a one-way conversation, or not knowing what to say. Even Jesus' disciples struggled with prayer, as seen when they fell asleep while Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. This struggle is not unique to us; it has been a common issue for believers throughout history. Understanding that prayer is a struggle for many can help us approach it with more grace and patience for ourselves.
Prayer is a vital part of our spiritual lives, yet it often feels like a daunting task. The reasons for this are numerous: our busy schedules, the feeling that our prayers are not being heard, or simply not knowing what to say. Even the disciples, who were closest to Jesus, found it difficult to stay awake and pray with Him in His most trying hour. This common struggle should remind us that we are not alone in our difficulties with prayer. Recognizing this can help us be more compassionate with ourselves and others as we strive to develop a more consistent prayer life. [02:07]
Luke 22:45-46 (ESV): "And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, and he said to them, 'Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.'"
Reflection: What are the specific reasons you find prayer challenging? How can you address one of these challenges this week?
Day 2: The Parable of the Unjust Judge and Persistent Widow
Jesus uses this parable to emphasize the importance of persistent prayer. The unjust judge, who neither feared God nor respected people, eventually grants the persistent widow justice to avoid further damage to his reputation. This parable contrasts the unjust judge with our loving and just God, who hears the cries of His people and responds in His perfect timing.
In the parable of the unjust judge and the persistent widow, Jesus teaches us about the power of persistence in prayer. The judge in the story is described as someone who neither fears God nor respects people, making him a poor example of what a judge should be. Despite his lack of compassion, he eventually grants the widow justice to avoid further damage to his reputation. This parable serves to highlight the stark contrast between the unjust judge and our loving and just God. Unlike the judge, God is attentive to the cries of His people and responds in His perfect timing. If persistence can move an unjust judge, how much more will it move our loving God? [13:50]
Isaiah 30:18 (ESV): "Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him."
Reflection: Think of a situation where you have been persistent in prayer. How did you see God respond, and what did you learn from that experience?
Day 3: Always Pray and Never Lose Heart
Jesus emphasizes two principles in this parable: always pray and never lose heart. Scriptures like 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Philippians 4:6-7, and 1 John 5:14 remind us that our prayers are heard by God and that we should be persistent in our prayer life, even when we don't see immediate results.
The parable of the unjust judge and the persistent widow teaches us two crucial principles: always pray and never lose heart. Jesus underscores the importance of these principles by referencing various scriptures that remind us of God's faithfulness. For instance, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 encourages us not to lose heart, even when we face difficulties. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us to present our requests to God with thanksgiving, and 1 John 5:14 assures us that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. These verses collectively emphasize that our prayers are heard by God, and we should remain persistent in our prayer life, trusting that God will respond in His perfect timing. [11:39]
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV): "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have been tempted to lose heart? How can you renew your commitment to persistent prayer in that area?
Day 4: Practical Tips for a Consistent Prayer Life
To help us develop a consistent prayer life, we should plan for it, find a place where we won't be distracted, find a posture that works for us, make noise by praying out loud, be honest and specific in our prayers, and pray with others. These practical tips can help us overcome the struggle of prayer and make it a regular part of our lives.
Developing a consistent prayer life requires intentionality and practical steps. First, plan for it. Just as we plan for other important activities, we should schedule time for prayer. Second, find a place where you won't be distracted. This might mean getting up early or staying up late. Third, find a posture that works for you, whether it's kneeling, standing, or walking. Fourth, make noise. Praying out loud can help you stay focused. Fifth, be honest and specific in your prayers. God wants to hear from you, just as you are. Finally, pray with others. The community of believers can support and encourage you in your prayer life. By incorporating these practical tips, we can overcome the struggle of prayer and make it a regular part of our lives. [24:14]
Matthew 6:6 (ESV): "But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."
Reflection: Which of the practical tips for a consistent prayer life can you implement this week? How will you make it a part of your daily routine?
Day 5: The Importance of Persistent Prayer
Jesus asks a rhetorical question: "When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on this earth?" This question is meant to spur us on to be persistent in our prayer lives. Jesus knows there will be people of faith when He returns, but will you be one of them? Let's commit to being persistent in prayer, trusting that God hears us and will answer in His perfect timing.
In the closing of the parable, Jesus poses a rhetorical question: "When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on this earth?" This question is designed to challenge and inspire us to be persistent in our prayer lives. Jesus knows that there will be people of faith when He returns, but the question is whether we will be among them. Persistent prayer is a demonstration of our faith and trust in God's timing and His willingness to answer. By committing to a life of persistent prayer, we align ourselves with God's will and open our hearts to His guidance and provision. [35:19]
Luke 18:8 (ESV): "I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"
Reflection: How does the question Jesus asks in Luke 18:8 challenge you personally? What steps can you take to ensure that your faith is evident through persistent prayer?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "How many of us operate this way? How many of us ever care about the poor, the vulnerable, the minority, you name it, when it gives us a black eye? When it doesn't look good on us? How many of us does it get to that point where we actually care? Jesus draws a contradiction. He's going to contradict us. He's going to contrast the judge from God our Father. He wants to show the way that God answers prayers versus the way the evil judge handles it." [20:42]
2. "Be honest and specific in your prayers. God, please be with Amanda. Lord, just be with her today as she does school with our kids. I pray that you give her patience. I pray that you would give her passion for what she does. God, I pray for Easton. I pray that you would just help him to have a good attitude today. I pray that you would help him to grow up to be a man following God. For Hayley, I pray that you would help her to be a woman that seeks after your own heart, that she would make good decisions in life. Be specific, not general." [28:00]
3. "Pray out loud. It may seem awkward, but if you're by yourself, no one's there to look at you, right? Pray out loud. Read prayers in the Bible. The Bible is full of prayers. If you don't know what to pray, just go find a prayer in the Bible and just read it. Let that stir your heart and your affections towards God by reading what others have prayed before. Find something, find a psalm and sing. Did you know that the psalms in our Bible were songs? They're meant to be sung. Sing. We don't know what the tunes are. Make up your own tune. If you stink at singing, who cares? You're the only one there." [25:56]
4. "When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on this earth? Jesus is saying, will I find faith on this earth? Will I find faith on this earth? Will I find people? When I return in the second coming, will I find people of faith? Of course. Of course he will. The question that he asked is a rhetorical question because it's not that he doesn't know the answer. He knows that there will be people of faith when he returns, but the question is, will it be you? Will it be you? Will you be part of the faithful when he returns?" [35:19]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Jesus tells a parable in Luke 18 to emphasize the importance of persistent prayer. He introduces us to two characters: an unjust judge and a persistent widow. The judge neither feared God nor respected people, which made him a poor example of what a judge should be. Judges are supposed to protect the vulnerable and rule justly, but this judge did neither. In contrast, the widow represents the oppressed and vulnerable in society. She repeatedly comes to the judge, asking for justice against her adversary." [13:50]
2. "Unlike the pagan judge that required the woman to beg and plead to him to the point where he was getting a bad reputation, God is loving. He hears the cries of his people and he moves. He moves. Now, I know that for many of us, it feels like in the midst of the pain, in the midst of the hurt, that God is slow, doesn't it? We like instant gratification, don't we? I want an instant reaction. God, I want this and I want an instant reaction. But God doesn't do that always. Sometimes he does, but not always. What we have to do as his children is we have to trust in God in his perfect timing." [22:34]
3. "As we wait for the return of Jesus Christ, the second coming, we are to be in prayer, persistent in our prayer and never lose hope. Even when we don't get an immediate response from God. How many times can you honestly admit you have prayed to God for something and after one time you just gave up because you didn't get an answer? You just gave up. After one time. I think one of the things that I've learned over the years is that we have to be persistent. That God is not always going to work on our time and he's not always going to answer the way we want him to answer." [12:43]
4. "Jesus calls each and every one of us to live a life of prayer, never losing faith so that when he returns and he surprises us, he will find us in the midst of being obedient in our prayer lives. As we close this morning, I want to ask you to close your eyes. I want to read over you a passage that J.C. Ryle wrote about this parable. I just want you to close your eyes, and I want you to listen to it, and I want you to just let it kind of sink in over the top of you as we close out this morning." [37:05]
5. "We see that we should be asking God to make us mature, mighty, faithful followers and not just us, but others as well. We should be praying for those in the church, our friends, our family, that God would make us faithful in our prayer lives. This morning, I want to give you a couple of minutes before we continue just to pray, to talk to God, to ask him to speak to you and where you need to grow in this area, that we wouldn't walk out today and go, oh, that was great. Let's get on with the rest of our Mother's Day. But that it would be something that we would focus on and make a priority." [40:22]
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