1. Three Characters who teach us to pray.
1 Now he told them a parable on the need for them to pray always and not give up. 2 “There was a judge in a certain town who didn’t fear God or respect people. 3 And a widow in that town kept coming to him, saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ 4 “For a while he was unwilling, but later he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or respect people, 5 yet because this widow keeps pestering me, I will give her justice, so that she doesn’t wear me out by her persistent coming.’ ”
Luke 18:1-5 (CSB)
Now he told them a parable on the need for them to pray always and not give up.
Luke 1:1 (CSB)
• A Persistent Widow
• A Callous Judge
6 Then the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 Will not God grant justice to his elect who cry out to him day and night? Will he delay helping them? 8 I tell you that he will swiftly grant them justice. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
Luke 18:6-8 (CSB)
• A Merciful God
• A Faithful People
8 I tell you that he will swiftly grant them justice. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
Luke 18:8 (CSB)
16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.
James 5:16 (CSB)
2. Five Qualities of Persistent Prayers
• Pray Specifically
• Pray Confidently
7 casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you.
1 Peter 5:7 (CSB)
6 Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts.
Philippians 4:6-7 (CSB)
16 Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.
Hebrews 4:16 (CSB)
• Pray Persistently
9 Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.
Galatians 6:9 (CSB)
• Pray Continuously
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray constantly, 18 give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 (CSB)
• Pray Humbly
23 Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, since he who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23 (CSB)