Luke 18:01-08 Power of Prayer

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Text: Luke 18:1-8

Introduction

1. Jesus anticipated that people would become slack in their prayers

a. Telling the parable of the persistent widow, that people might always pray-Luke 18:1-7

b. Wondering if He would find faith on earth (i.e., people praying) when He returned – Luke 18:8

2. Paul frequently exhorted Christians to be diligent in their prayers

a. “praying always with all prayer and supplication…” – Ephesians 6:18

b. “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving” – Colossians 4:2

c. “Pray without ceasing” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17

3. If we have become slack in our prayers, might that be an indication that we do not appreciate the power of Prayer? Have we forgotten what a privilege it is to pray?

Body

I. EXAMPLES OF THE POWER IN PRAYER

A. THERE IS FORGIVENESS FROM GOD

1. The Christian can find forgiveness through the blood of Christ – 1 John 1:7-10

2. Thus the erring Christian is told to repent and pray – Acts 8:22

3. Don’t you want the assurance of knowing that your sins are forgiven?

B. THERE IS PEACE FROM GOD

1. The antidote to anxiety is to pray – Philippians 4:6

2. The Christian will find their hearts and minds guarded by the peace of God – Philippians 4:7

3. Don’t you want the peace of mind and heart that surpasses understanding?

C. THERE IS STRENGTH FROM GOD

1. Paul prayed that the Ephesians might be strengthened in the inner man – Ephesians 3:14-16, 20

2. When we need to be strong, Christians can likewise pray for themselves!

3. Don’t you want the power that is beyond our comprehension?

D. THERE IS OPPORTUNITY FROM GOD

1. Paul realized that God provided him opportunity to teach others – 1 Corinthians 3:5

2. He knew that the Lord often opened doors for such opportunities – 1 Corinthians 16:9; 2 Corinthians 2:12

3. He therefore requested prayer that such opportunities would continue – Colossians 4:3

4. Don’t you want the Lord to give you opportunity to lead others to Christ?

E. THERE IS BOLDNESS FROM GOD

1. When the apostles needed boldness, they prayed and God delivered – Acts 4:23-31

2. When Paul needed boldness, he asked for prayers in his behalf – Ephesians 6:19-20

3. Don’t you want boldness when you speak to others about Christ?

F. THERE IS WISDOM FROM GOD

1. Wisdom is not knowledge, but insight that makes the best use of the knowledge one has

2. The Christian is promised wisdom through prayer without doubt – James 1:5-8

3. Don’t you want the wisdom that comes from above?

G. THERE IS HEALING FROM GOD

1. Those who are sick should ask elders to pray for them – James 5:14-15

2. Those who have sinned should confess, and we should pray for one another – James 5:16

3. Don’t you want the aid of God whenever in need of physical or spiritual healing?

H. THERE IS TRANQUILITY FROM GOD

1. The Scriptures proclaim God has ultimate control over the nations – Daniel 4:17; Romans 13:1-7

2. Thus we are commanded to pray for our rulers, that we may lead a quiet (tranquil, ASV) and peaceable life – 1 Timothy 2:1-4

3. Don’t you want to live in peace and tranquility and for others to as well?

Conclusion

1. The power of prayer can indeed be a blessing

a. To the one who prays in faith

b. For those for whom prayers are offered

2. There is help in time of need from God

a. We have a wonderful High Priest who understands our problems – Hebrews 4:14-15

b. Thus we can at anytime approach God boldly in prayer, to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need – Hebrews 4:16

c. Don’t you want mercy and grace whenever needed, for yourself and for others?

3. Indeed, the effective fervent prayer of a righteous man (cf. James 5:16)

a. “avails much” (NKJV)

b. “can accomplish much (NASB)

c. “has great power” (ESV)

d. “is powerful and effective” (NIV)

e. If such is true of one righteous man, how about the prayers of many righteous?

4. Do we believe in the power of prayer?

a. Then let us pray always

b. Let us continue earnestly in prayer

5. Yes, let us “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)!