Main Thought
In the Gospel of Luke, the topic of persistent prayer immediately follows what we know today as “The Lord’s Prayer.” Jesus highlights the principle of praying and not giving up because He understood that persisting in prayer is the key to seeing God’s Kingdom come and God’s will done on Earth. As we persist in prayer, God changes something IN us so that He can change the world THROUGH us. As God works in us, He 1) “sensitizes” our hearts (so that we care about what He cares about), 2) strengthens our will to obey Him, and 3) shapes our character (so we become more like Him.)
Ultimately, persisting in prayer begins with having a relationship with God. As we hold the “faith tension” between God’s goodness (having a” Restful Trust”) and God’s ability (having a “Confident Hope”), we will continue to be fueled to pray until something happens.
Main Passages
“And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. 2 He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. 3 And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ 4 For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’” 6 And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. 7 And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? 8 I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
- Luke 18:1-8, ESV
“And he [Jesus] withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 43 And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in agony he prayed more earnestly…”
- Luke 22:41-44, ESV
Discussion Questions
What stood out to you from the main thought and main passage above?
As we persist in prayer, God often desires to 1) “sensitize” our hearts (so that we care about what He cares about), 2) strengthen our will to obey Him, or 3) shape our character (so we become more like Him.) What do you think God wants to change in you as you persist in praying for someone or something?
For whom or for what does God want you to persistently pray for in this season so that He can change the world through you?