I Need A New Focus

Luke 18:1–8 NKJV

Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’ And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’ ” Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”

The Power of Prayer is seen when we understand God.

Romans 5:8 ESV

but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

The Power of Prayer is seen when we understand persistence.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV

pray without ceasing,

Matthew 6:5–8 ESV

“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

The Power of Prayer is seen when we understand our position.

Jesus intentionally used the image of a widow in this parable

Hebrews 4:16 ESV

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Closing

● Prayer shouldn’t be seen as a burden or obligation but an opportunity to see God work in

your life. The invitation is there.

● We are invited by our Savior to pray about everything! Literally, there’s no prayer too

small, and there’s no prayer too big that God can’t handle.

● Key to making prayer work: understand that God is good and gracious; he wants to answer your prayers!

○ Be persistent in your prayers

○ Don’t give up after the first few times asking; keep asking

○ Keep going to your heavenly Father

○ Then understand you’re coming from a place of authority

○ You have the position of royalty

○ You’re a child of God if you know Jesus, so use that to fuel your prayer life and watch God work in incredible ways

Let’s pray together.