Making Prayer Powerful through Persistence

July 27, 2008 - Rev. Rurel Ausley, Rev. Kevin Kelly

1. Why is persistence in prayer so important?

It's what Jesus taught (Luke 18:1-8; Luke 11:1-13)

It's what Jesus did (Matt. 26:36-46)

It's what Scripture commands (1 Thessalonians 5:17; Luke 11:9-10)

2. Is it a "no" or a "not yet"?
(Psalm 37:4; 1 Cor. 2:11-16; 2 Cor. 12:7-10)

Keep praying until…

It comes to pass
You no longer care
God says, "no"

3. Learning to pray with persistence
(Colossians 4:2 & 4:12; Acts 2:42; Exodus 17:8-13; Philippians 4:6)

Few answers come instantly
Don't expect it to be easy
Don't let embarrassment stop you
Replace worry with prayer
Prayer is primarily an action – not an attitude

1. Why is persistent prayer so important? How did Jesus model this form of prayer? What struggles have you experienced in this area of your prayer life?

2. Read Luke 18:1-8: What does this passage reveal about persistent prayer? In verse 1 read, "that they should always pray and not give up." Are there times when you simply feel like giving up on prayer and the things you are praying about? Why? Describe a recent experience where this occurred.

3. Read point 2 above. What do you find helpful about the insight offered regarding persistent prayer and the answers from God that you receive? What did we mean by "keep praying until you no longer care"? How might this apply to some things you are praying about now, or you no longer pray about?

4. Have you received a definite "no" answer from God in your prayer life pertaining to a request that you have offered over a long period of time? If so, what was this like and how did you respond?

5. I gave some practical pointers on praying persistently. Which of these did you find most helpful? Is there a practical tip you can add to the list that has helped you pray persistently?

6. How will you apply what you have learned in this sermon?