The Heart of Prayer: Asking, Seeking, Knocking

Bible Passage: Lk 11:1-8

Summary: In this passage, the disciples witness Jesus in prayer and ask Him to teach them how to pray. Jesus shares a model prayer and the parable of a persistent neighbor, highlighting the need for sincerity, simplicity, and trust in God's readiness to respond to our requests. The essence of this teaching is a call to engage with God regularly and authentically, underscoring that prayer is a two-way communication that fosters relationship.

Application: This sermon can encourage Christians to prioritize prayer as a daily practice, cultivating a habit of rolling their anxieties and needs into God's presence. By embracing the principles of asking, seeking, and knocking, believers can overcome feelings of doubt and neglect in their spiritual walk, leading to a more profound and active relationship with God.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that prayer is not simply about delivering requests but involves a heartfelt engagement with our Creator. Jesus lays out a framework that enables believers to feel empowered, supported, and assured that God is always listening and prepared to answer their prayers according to His will. Understanding these principles can lead believers to adopt a more dynamic prayer life.

How this passage could point to Christ: In various scripture passages, especially in the Gospels, Jesus demonstrates the importance of prayer in His life and ministry, illustrating that prayer connects us with the Father. Furthermore, Jesus becomes the embodiment of God's promise to answer our prayers, teaching that faith in Him allows believers direct relationship with God, where we can freely ask, seek, and knock.

Big Idea: Prayer is an invitation to relational intimacy with God, where believers are encouraged to engage boldly and persistently, discovering the transformative power of a life steeped in communion with Him.

Recommended Study: As you delve into this sermon preparation, consider using Logos to explore the historical context of prayer practices during Jesus' time. Additionally, you might want to study the various biblical instances of prayer as dialogue, especially in relation to Jesus' model prayer. Investigate any unique interpretations of 'persistence' in prayer within different commentaries to provide depth to your teaching.

When I think of prayer, there are three people I think about.

E.M. Bounds, a man of deep conviction, devoted much of his life to studying prayer. He wrote, 'Prayer is not the preparation for the battle; prayer is the battle.' Bounds lived during tumultuous times, yet he found solace and power in prayer. His writing not only reflects his personal struggles but also emphasizes the historical necessity of prayer in the lives of believers. Like Bounds, we too must recognize that our struggles in life are often met with the strength found in persistent prayer, urging us to adopt it as our lifeline.

George Müller, known for his unwavering faith, operated orphanages in the 19th century relying solely on prayer. He once faced a severe financial crisis, with no money for the next day's meals for the children. Müller gathered the children around the table, calmly prayed for provisions, trusting God completely. Within minutes, a baker knocked at the door, offering fresh bread, followed by a milkman whose cart had broken down. This incident illustrates the power of prayer and faith, proving that God listens and provides in our times of need.

I want to share one more testimony regarding prayer, that my mentor experienced and shared with me:

He told that his family consisting of his parents and four boys and a girl were out of food at their home. His father gathered them around the table for dinner with nothing to eat, the table was set and the cupboards were all opened to show there was no food. They sat at that table and his father said “We are going to thank God for this food.” My mentor said he looked around and saw no food, nothing at all was even set. He said within himself “What food are we praying about?” His father than began to pray and thank God for all the times He had provided for them and for continuing to provide for their needs. After the father finished praying a knock came on the door. When his mother went to answer the door, the porch was covered with bags of groceries and no one around. My mentor began to tell me how much of an impact that made on his faith as a young boy and how he never forgot it.

1. Desire to Pray

Lk 11:1

You could start by reflecting on the disciples' request, 'Lord, teach us to pray,' as an acknowledgment of our own need for spiritual guidance. Highlight that they recognized prayer as crucial, suggesting openness and vulnerability before God. Encourage believers to approach prayer with eagerness and humility, seeking improvement and transformation, just as the disciples did.

Notice the disciples begin with a desire to pray, a request they directly make to Jesus, the master of prayer.

If we are ever going to be a people of prayer it must start with a desire to pray.

What sparked the desire for the disciples to want to pray?

They saw Jesus praying.

Let me tell you today, Jesus is praying even this very moment.

Hebrews 7:25 KJV 1900

25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Romans 8:34 KJV 1900

34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

2. Design of Prayer

Lk 11:2-4

Maybe, examine the model prayer Jesus offered, often called 'The Lord's Prayer.' Focus on its key components: adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication. This prayer provides a balanced framework for relational communication with God. Suggest that adopting these elements in daily prayer deepens one's connection and trust, transforming not just life circumstances but inner peace.

Many call this the Lord’s prayer, but it is not.

This is the model prayer or we could really call it the blueprint of prayer.

In fact, most quote Matthew 7 for the ‘Lord’s prayer’ with the exception of using Luke’s variant of verse 4.

There are several components to the model of Jesus’ prayer we are going to cover.

Before we cover those components I want to look at the Who, Where, and How of prayer. Later in this lesson we will cover the Why of prayer.

Who

Who is Jesus addressing here in prayer?

The Father.

Why is that significant?

Because for the children of Israel did not have the concept of God as a father figure. It shows that God is like unto a father who cares, loves, and provides for His children.

It revealed that God is personable and not distant, one in whom we have a real relationship that is dependent on time spent to cultivate or neglect it.

Do you desire to have a good relationship with your father on earth?

Then we should desire to have a deeper relationship with our heavenly father.

Where

Where was Jesus praying?

“In a certain place”.

Does the place where He was praying really matter?

No, the emphasis is on Jesus’ habit of prayer, not the exact location.

Did Jesus have a specific place He prayed at often?

Yes, the garden of gethsemane.

John 18:1–2 KJV 1900

1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. 2 And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.

I do think the it is good to have a place that you restore to and pray. A place that refreshes your soul.

How

How should I pray?

What are the key components of Jesus’ prayer?

adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication

Adoration

Notice that Jesus begins praying by acknowledging God’s holiness and majesty. To acknowledge God’s holiness is to adore His glory and greatness.

The word ‘Hallowed’ means holy, sanctified, or pure.

Confession

This is usually where we start instead of starting with adoration.

We should start first with Giving God our praise and honoring Him and then move onto confession.

Confession is the time to get clean with God.

Thanksgiving

For the provisions that God gives on a daily basis.

Supplication

We hear this word a lot, but what does it mean?

What does supplication mean?

It means to beg.

Leonard Revenhill said:

God does not hear prayer, He hears desperate prayer.

Our prayers must be desperate not in the way we present them but a true desperation for God to work and move in our lives.

When we are desperate for God to work, we beg in prayer.

Leonard Ravenhill went on further to say:

Prayer is almost the greatest human privilege we have.

3. Determination in Prayer

Lk 11:5-8

Perhaps, illustrate the parable of the persistent neighbor to emphasize resilience and boldness in prayer. Note that persistence reflects deeper faith and a measure of belief in God's responsiveness. Encourage listeners to engage God persistently, knowing that genuine need and faith will move Him to act. Boldness in prayer reshapes perspectives and experiences with the divine.

It is no coincidence that Jesus finishes with a parable about a man who is desperate to host a friend.

He goes to his friend and begs him for help.

Why does the man help his friend?

Because he is persistent.

He is literally begging, asking and pleading repeatedly for help.

The parable of the persistent neighbor emphasizes resilience and boldness in prayer.

Notice the word: importunity.

The word means to shamelessly ask to the point of annoyance.

Note that persistence reflects deeper faith and a measure of belief in God's responsiveness.

Notice even Jesus reveals that prayer is answered by: asking, seeking, knocking, all the things that require diligent searching and requests for help or information all in an effort to receive.