Prayer Persistence

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(The Persistence of Prayer)

Introduction

1. In our study last week, we surveyed several essential principles:

a. We must pray in faith

b. We must pray with humility

c. We must pray in harmony with the will of God

d. We must pray with thanksgiving

e. We must pray in the name of Jesus

2. There is another aspect of prayer worthy of careful consideration

a. We must pray with persistence

b. An aspect of prayer that was very important to Jesus

3. The importance of the persistence of prayer can be shown from the attention given to it in the Scriptures.

Body

I. TEACHINGS OF PERSISTENCE IN PRAYER

A. THE PARABLE OF THE PERSISTENT FRIEND — Luke 11

1. Told in connection with a request for teaching on prayer – Luke 11:1

2. Following instruction providing a model for prayer – Luke 11:2-4

3. The parable itself, easy enough to understand – Luke 11:5-8

4. Followed with an emphasis on being persistent in asking, seeking, knocking – Luke 11:9-10

5. Note how persistence is connected to learning how to pray!

B. THE PARABLE OF THE PERSISTENT WIDOW – Luke 18

1. Told that men always ought to pray and not lose heart – Luke 18:1

2. The parable itself, illustrating the value of persistence Luke 18:2-5

3. Adding that God will certainly heed His chosen who cry out day and night – Luke 18:6-8a

4. Followed by concern for whether such faith will be found when He returns – Luke 18:8b

5. Note how persistence is related to having faith in the Lord!

C. THE TEACHING OF PAUL

1. “… continuing steadfastly in prayer” – Romans 12:12

2. “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints” – Ephesians 6:18

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

4. “pray without ceasing” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17

5. Note how often persistence in mentioned in exhortations to pray!

II. EXAMPLES OF PERSISTENCE IN PRAYER

A. JESUS IN THE GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE – Matthew 26

1. When deeply distressed over His impending suffering – Matthew 26:36-39

2. While His closest disciples slept, he prayed three times – Matthew 26:40-44

3. In which He received the necessary help to face what lay ahead Matthew 26:45-47

a. Strengthened by an angel; Luke 22:41-44

b. Heard by God, though His actual request was not answered Hebrews 5:7

4. If the Son of God needed persistence in prayer, do not we?

B. PAUL AND HIS THORN IN THE FLESH – 2 Corinthians 11

1. Paul endured his thorn – 2 Corinthians 11:30-33; 12:7, 10

2. He prayed three times that it might be removed – 2 Corinthians 11:8

3. It was not, but the Lord provided what he needed

a. Sufficient grace and the strength of Christ to endure – 2 Corinthians 11:9

b. Enabling him to even take pleasure in his infirmities – 2 Corinthians 11:10

4. If the apostle of Christ needed persistence in prayer, do not we?

C. THE PRAYERS OF THE EARLY CHRISTIANS

1. The church in Jerusalem continued steadfastly in prayer – Acts 2:42

2. When Peter was imprisoned, constant prayer was offered for him – Acts 12:5, 12

3. Epaphras labored fervently in prayer for his brethren at Colosse – Colossians 4:12

4. Widows were assumed to be devoted to prayer – 1 Timothy 5:5 (like Anna — Luke 2:36-37)

5. If the early church needed persistence in prayer, do not we?

Conclusion

1. With such examples and teaching on persistence in prayer

a. The importance of persistence cannot be overemphasized

b. Persistence in general (keep praying!); persistence in particular (don’t ask just once!)

2. Note well: persistence does not ensure God answers we may desire

a. Jesus still had to drink the cup of suffering by going to the cross

b. Paul still had to bear his thorn in the flesh by enduring persecution for Christ

3. Yet persistence in prayer is the key to receiving answers we need

a. Grace and mercy to help in time of need

b. Strength to endure whatever it is we must face

4. And so, through persistence in prayer, let us “ask, seek, knock” ( Matthew 7:7-8), until God provides the answer to our prayers, giving whatever He graciously determines we really need!