Sunday, September 7, 2014

Parables: The Persistent Friend Luke 11:1-10-- Questions for Reflection

Following a request of Jesus to teach him and his fellow disciples to pray and the Lord’s prayer Jesus tells the parable, A Friend Comes at Midnight (Luke 11:5-8). Jesus uses this parable as well as the parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8) to emphasis the importance of persistence in prayer.

The word translated persistent (importunity in KJV) means “to beg or request with urgency.” Jesus is inviting us to shamelessly and with urgency bring our requests to God in prayer. What additional insights about persistence in prayer can be gleaned from the following Scriptures?

Luke 11:5-10--

Psalm 40:1--

Micah 7:7--

Romans 12:12--

Ephesians 6:18--

Hebrews 4:16--

Application

Examine the following examples of persistent prayer.  What practices of these men and women do you believe the Holy Spirit is leading you to emulate?

Abraham (Genesis 18:23-33)--

Jacob (Genesis 32:24-32)--

Hannah (1 Samuel 1:10-11)--

Elijah (1 Kings 18:36-44; James 5:17-18)--

Memorize This


Luke 11:10 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. NKJV

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