A Lesson on Prayer

A Lesson on Prayer Luke 11:5-10 Greetings; Wave and Greet; Ministry Rest-Satan takes no break; Continue to Pray – HAITI; SURFSIDE; BEREAVED MEMBERS Today’s teaching “A Lesson on Prayer” is focused on our role and responsibility to pray. Scripture Prayer INTRO: Chapter 11 begins with Jesus’ disciples asking Him “teach us to pray.” Prayer is necessary because it is the divine connection to the One who has all power. SAVE, HEAL, DELIVER. Different ways to pray – silent ( ); groups (Acts 2); short (John 11); out loud (PS 142:1- ). It is important that we understand that JESUS is teaching us keep PRAYING until God responds. Hannah I cry aloud to the LORD

JESUS IS ENCOURAGING US TO PRESS – ASK. E - Friend, lend me some bread. – (5) R - What is your concept of God? Is He mean? Unknowing? Waiting to “get us?” – NOT A FRIEND Is God your Friend? Is He only a FRIEND to those who go to church all the time? Have we “borrowed” and not repaid...so we don’t ASK? A-WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT GOD IS OUR FRIEND. PRO 18:24 – There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother... JN 15:13 – Greater love no man than this, that He lay down His life for a FRIEND. HEB 2:14-15 - Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. JN 15:14 – You are My FRIEND if you DO what I command. SO – AS A FRIEND, PRESS! ASK!

JESUS IS ENCOURAGING US TO BE PERSISTENT – SEEK. E - The friend gives excuses, all valid, of why he can’t answer...why disturb the children, and me. BUT he RESPONDS because of “shameless audacity.” R – shameless audacity? Importunity = Persistent, especially to the point of annoyance or intrusion. We can never annoy God; never intrude on God’s time. We must be persistent in prayer. ILLUS: Teacher ask student for an example of persistence and obstinacy. Student replies “One is a strong will, the other is a strong won’t.” ILLUS: Little boy learning to skate. “I may fall but if I’m persistent I will..”. NOT GIVING UP! A – We can’t change God’s mind. We must not fear. Come boldly and confidently before the throne. Hebrews 4:16 - 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. 2 Timothy 1:7 - For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control (sound mind). SO – BE PERSISTENT! SEEK!

JESUS IS ENCOURAGING US TO BE PASSIONATE – KNOCK. “What the Church needs today is not more machinery or better, not new organizations or more novel methods, but people whom the Holy Spirit can use—people PASSIONATE in prayer.”—E.M. Bounds E - Notice the nature of the request – it’s bread = sustenance; it’s for a friend in need. R – Jesus is teaching us, Prayer for others is an act DISCIPLESHIP; of stewardship. God wants us to be concerned about the needs of others; not gimme, gimme, gimme. A – WE must pray through so others they can get through. ACTS 27; PHIL 1:4 – In all my prayers for all of you... SO – BE PASSIONATE. KNOCK! CLOSE – Jesus is encouraging us to PRAY – ASK. Jesus is encouraging us to be PERSISTENT – SEEK. Jesus is encouraging us to be PASSIONATE – KNOCK.