Earnest Prayer
The Power of Prayer • Sermon • Submitted
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· 109 viewsWhy does it seem like some people pray like they are completely controlled by Jesus and living in his power? How can I learn to pray with power? How can I "come boldly to the throne of grace."
Notes
Transcript
Jesus disciples amazed
by his prayer life.
Seek solitude
And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.
early morning.
Or night
And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,
Kept on praying...
In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God.
all night long.
Ministry was taxing.
Prayer was Power
But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.
Alone with God
was power.
Jesus was praying
out loud.
(lesson here).
Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.”
Disciples wanted
same prayer experience.
Jesus gives model prayer.
What is so interesting...
Jesus words:
And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.
“No vain repititions..”
What do people do???
Repeat this vainly???
NOT designed,
quoted verbatim.
Jesus prayed all night
didn’t say same thing...
Teaching them,
power of simple
earnest prayer.
Parable follows...
And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs.
Symbols
Neighbor with Bread
= God
Bread
= Word and Power
Person seeking bread
= Us
Multiple Lessons...
Most important point...
WHY DOES HE ASK FOR BREAD?
Asking to give to others!!!
Asking to give to others!!!
Key Concept
Petitioners Motivation
selfish gain?
to serve?
God will never say no
to person seeking power
to serve others!
Role of Jesus
Serve other
Role of Disciples
Serve others
Role of Christians
Serve others
If doing this...
it take a lot
energy
time
effort
love
Jesus
nearly worn out
by ministry.
Our job
impart word of life
How?
Receive to give!
Said Differently
You Can’t Give What You Don’t Have!!!
You Can’t Give What You Don’t Have!!!
Christians Job Share
grace
love
Spirit
Word
The Catch...
Must have
grace
love
Spirit
Word
Filled with Living Water
Gas Station
Constantly Refilling...
for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’;
In the parable.
He had nothing to give!!!
Some here
worn out
tired
burdened
You want to share
but have nothing
Already given
family
work
house
friends
shopping
cleaning
hobbies
Tired...
What Can You Do?
And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves,
God to your friend...
Who?
Jesus...
His supply
always full
never tired
has what you need!
But go,
for the right reason
not just for you.
Don’t only say,
I’m tired
give me energy
for work
family
shopping
No!
Give me energy
for your work!!!!
To Serve!!!
Next verse interesting
I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs.
Couple of Points...
First,
How much
bread does he get?
The New King James Version Chapter 11
as many as he [needs
God does not
give you
in advance
of your needs.
Gives as need arises...
Some say
“I don’t know how...
preach
teach
witness
answer questions...
You learn
as you need...
Not much before.
Once you need
in order to give.
You’ll be given
As Much As You Need!!!
Second Point
Selfish Neighbor
Too late
Tired
In bed
Disturb family
Door locked.
Is God like that???
NOOO
Not comparison
but contrast.
God always has
time
energy
listening ear
power
Even at midnight..!
You can’t burden Him.
The Bible says:
And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.
You will get
what you need.
Conditional Promises
What Conditions
Keep reading for full meaning:
What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Promise:
= You Get What You Ask
(big promise)
Conditions?
Conditions?
Context...
1. Asking to Give...
1. Asking to Give...
No selfish Motive
2. What Father Wants To Give?
2. What Father Wants To Give?
Gift of Holy Spirit
No genuine seeker
will leave God
empty handed
Given Spirit.
Possible Conditions Met
Still No Answer...
Now What???
and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs.
God longs to give
but....
Often realizes
delay is good for us!
Jesus never said,
ask once...
Ask αἰτεῖτε
Ask αἰτεῖτε
The persistent asking brings the petitioner into a more earnest attitude, and gives him an increased desire to receive the things for which he asks. — COL 145.3
Pray help us
realize our need.
If we pray little.
We are self-sufficient.
The greater the need
the more earnest prayer.
Earnest Prayers
= deeper connection.
Begging at Midnight...
Someone who is
desperate
and knows it...
Problems will Come
Needs will arise
Home
Work
Financially
Health
Socially
ect.
Don’t look to
people
self
Look to God
God like
desperate prayers.
He Says...
Ah They Finally Surrendered
Ah They Finally Surrendered
Conclusion
Conclusion
God loves simple, earnest prayers.
We pray earnestly as we sense our need.
God allows us to be repetitive in order to help us.
God gives most to those who are ready to give again.
Appeal
Appeal
Find someone to share bread with.
You will be given as the need arises.
Realize your desperate need.
Cry out to God.