The Persistence Of Prayer

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                                "PRAYER"

                       The Persistence Of Prayer

INTRODUCTION

1. In our study on "The Principles Of Prayer", we surveyed several
   essential principles...
   a. We must pray in faith         d. We must pray with thanksgiving
   b. We must pray with humility    e. We must pray in the name of Jesus
   c. We must pray in harmony
      with the will of God

2. There is another principle of prayer worthy of careful
   consideration...
   a. We must pray with persistence
   b. A principle of prayer that was very important to Jesus

[The importance of "The Persistence Of Prayer" can be gleaned from the
attention given to it in the Scriptures. Note first of all...]

I. TEACHINGS OF PERSISTENCE IN PRAYER

   A. THE PARABLE OF THE PERSISTENT FRIEND...
      1. Told in connection with a request for teaching on prayer - Lk
         11:1
      2. Following instruction providing a model for prayer - Lk 11:2-4
      3. The parable itself, easy enough to understand - Lk 11:5-8
      4. Followed with an emphasis on being persistent in asking,
         seeking, knocking - Lk 11:9-10
      -- Note how persistence is connected to learning how to pray!

   B. THE PARABLE OF THE PERSISTENT WIDOW...
      1. Told that men always ought to pray and not lose heart - Lk 18:1
      2. The parable itself, illustrating the value of persistent
         requests - Lk 18:2-5
      3. Adding that God will certainly heed His chosen who cry out day
         and night - Lk 18:6-8a
      4. Followed by concern for whether such faith will be found when
         He returns - Lk 18:8b
      -- Note how persistence is related to having faith in the Lord!

   C. THE TEACHING OF PAUL...
      1. "... continuing steadfastly in prayer" - Ro 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" - Ep 6:18
      3. "Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with
         thanksgiving;" - Col 4:2
      4. "pray without ceasing" - 1Th 5:17
      -- Note how often persistence in mentioned in exhortations to
         pray!

[Persistence in prayer must be very important to be stressed so often.
Yet we find more than simply teaching on persistence, we also find...]

II. EXAMPLES OF PERSISTENCE IN PRAYER

   A. JESUS IN THE GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE...
      1. When deeply distressed over His impending suffering - Mt 26:
         36-39
      2. While His closest disciples slept, he prayed three times - Mt
         26:40-44
      3. In which He received the necessary help to face what lay ahead
         - Mt 26:45-47
         a. Strengthened by an angel; cf. Lk 22:41-44
         b. Heard by God, though His actual request was not answered
            - cf. He 5:7
      -- If the Son of God needed persistence in prayer, do not we?

   B. PAUL AND HIS THORN IN THE FLESH...
      1. Paul endured the infirmity of persecution - 2Co 11:30-33;
         12:7,10; cf. Judg 2:3
      2. He prayed three times that it might be removed - 2Co 12:8
      3. It was not, but the Lord provided what he needed
         a. Sufficient grace and the strength of Christ to endure - 2 Co
            12:9
         b. Enabling him to even take pleasure in his infirmities - 2 Co
            12:10
      -- 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 - Ac
         2:42
      2. When Peter was imprisoned, constant prayer was offered for him
         - Ac 12:5,12
      3. Epaphras labored fervently in prayer for his brethren at
         Colosse - Col 4:12
      4. Widows were assumed to be devoted to prayer - 1Ti 5:5 (like
         Anna, cf. Lk 2:36-37)
      -- 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 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

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