Joanne Ellison:: Persistent Prayer

Bible Study

Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Luke 11:5-13; Matthew 6:5-13; Matthew 18:10-20; Isaiah 55:8: Romans 12:1

Sermon Outline

Jesus first taught the disciples how to pray and then illustrated the need for persistence in prayer. In this parable, Jesus indicates that God can be trusted to respond to our prayers. The key point and question we must answer is: Do we believe that God can be trusted with our prayers? The man in the parable persisted (Greek word meaning shameless persistence) in asking his neighbor for bread for his visitor. Because of his persistence, his neighbor gave him the bread. Likewise, Jesus illustrates that God will respond to our persistent ongoing prayers.

Three questions to consider:

Why pray?

• Jesus tells us to pray
• There is power in prayer
• Prayer fosters a deeper connection with God

Why is persistence in prayer important?

• Our persistence doesn’t change God; it changes us and aligns our hearts with God’s heart
• Prayer is continual: ask, seek, knock
• Prayer exercises our faith muscle

How does God respond?

• Earthly fathers will not purposely give their sons bad gifts
• Heavenly Father gives His best gifts
• Heavenly Father does not hold out on you

Key point

In order to pray persistently and not give up we must know the character of God; that He is good, faithful and trustworthy.

Key concern

God does not always answer the prayers in the way that we would like, but He always has a “higher yes” ordered and governed by His Sovereignty and ability to see the big picture of our lives.

Sermon Questions

1. Do you think that God always responds to your prayers out of His character of goodness, faithfulness? Why or why not?
2. Is your prayer life persistent and full of trust believing God cares and hears you? Why or why not?
3. Do you pray until you get a breakthrough even if it isn’t the answer you were hoping for?
4. How have you seen prayer transform you?
5. What do you need to do to grow in your trust that God is for you and not against you? (Romans 8:31)

Questions?

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