“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
1. Persistent Prayer Begins with RELATIONSHIP
“Pray then like this: “Our FATHER in heaven…”
- Matthew 6:9, ESV
“And will not God give justice to HIS ELECT...”
- LUKE 18:7, ESV
2. Persistent Prayer Allows God to CHANGE Something IN us.
He “SENSITIZES” Us. (Our Heart)
He STRENGTHENS Us. (To Obey)
“And he 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
He SHAPES Us. (Our Character)
“Through him [Jesus] we have also obtained access by faith into this GRACE in which we STAND, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces ENDURANCE 4 and endurance produces CHARACTER...”- Romans 5:2–4, ESV
3. Persistent Prayer Allows God to Change the World THROUGH Us.
“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.”
- Luke 18:7-8, ESV
Create a V.I.P. List
A V.I.P. List (or “Very Important Person” List) is a simple list of people who can commit to praying regularly to know Christ.
Prayerfully consider at least five people that you believe God wants you to persist in praying for and write their names down in a notepad or in a note app.
Take a few minutes to pray that God’s Kingdom will come and God’s will will be done in each person’s life. Also pray that each person would experience God’s love and commit to follow Jesus as Lord in their life. (Matthew 6:9-10, John 3:16, Acts 3:17, Romans 10:9-10)
Think of a place and time where you can pray for these people regularly. (ex. Every Morning at home, Mondays during lunchtime at work, etc.)