Perseverance in Prayer
OPENING PRAYER:
Gracious God, as we focus on perseverance in prayer, grant us the strength and patience to continue seeking You, even when the journey is difficult. May we trust in Your timing and Your faithfulness. Amen.
"Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: 'In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, "Grant me justice against my adversary." For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, "Even though I don't fear God or care what people think, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually come and attack me!"' And the Lord said, 'Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?'"
REFLECT:
The message highlighted the importance of perseverance in prayer, using the story of Moses as an example. Jesus' parable of the persistent widow reinforces this theme by illustrating the power of persistent prayer. The widow's unwavering determination to seek justice from an unjust judge serves as a powerful reminder that we should never give up in our prayers. If an unjust judge can be moved by persistence, how much more will our loving and just God respond to our cries?
In the message, we learned that prayer is not just a one-time event but a continuous act of faith and dependence on God. Moses' perseverance in holding up his hands, even when tired, teaches us the importance of steadfastness in prayer. This requires patience and trust in God's timing, knowing that He is working even when we cannot see it. The message challenges us to remain faithful in prayer, trusting that God hears us and will bring about His purposes in His perfect time.
The parable also raises the question of faith. Jesus asks if He will find faith on the earth when He returns. This challenges us to examine our own faith and commitment to prayer. Are we willing to persevere, even when the answers are delayed or not what we expected? The message encourages us to cultivate a faith that is persistent and unwavering, trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty.
I WILL STATEMENT:
I WILL pray for our 10 year vision.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for teaching us the value of perseverance in prayer. Help us to remain steadfast and faithful, trusting in Your timing and Your promises. Strengthen our faith and deepen our commitment to seeking You in all things. Amen.