Prevailing Prayer
April 07, 2013 | Todd Cyphers
Luke 18:1-8
Prevailing Prayer
Luke 18:1-18
Notes:
I. General truths concerning prayer:
1. We all will struggle with prayerlessness.
2. Without prayer there will be no true and lasting transformation.
3. Discipling individuals without prevailing prayer will be inadequate.
4. Prevailing prayer comes from confidence in Jesus and a burdened heart.
II. Why we are called to prevail in Prayer:
1. God is loving (12:22-32)
2. God is just/holy
2 Chron. 19:5-7 - He appointed judges in the land in all the fortified cities of Judah, city by city. He said to the judges, "Consider what you are doing, for you do not judge for man but for the Lord who is with you when you render judgment. "Now then let the fear of the Lord be upon you; be very careful what you do, for the Lord our God will have no part in unrighteousness or partiality or the taking of a bribe."
3. God is wise
4. God is faithfulNo
Now I urge you, brethen, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me, that I may be rescued from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may prove acceptable to the saints; so that I may come to you in joy by the will of God and find refreshing rest in your company. Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen
Romans 15:30-33
Transformation Scripture …learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Eph. 5:10 (NASB)
Monday 4/8/13 - Reflecting on Yesterday
1. Discuss Sunday’s message with someone.
2. Make a prayer covenant to pray with someone daily or once a week. (ACTS can be used- Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication)
3. Ask people to hold you accountable and encourage you in your prayer life.
Tuesday 4/9/13 - Reflecting on this Past Sunday
1. Since God is good and sovereign and not like the unjust judge we studied about Sunday, then what might cause a believer to not regularly pray?
2. Read Luke 5:16. What do we learn about Jesus and His life of dependency while on earth? What does this say about our daily lives?
3. Read Psalm 66:18, Mark 9:24, and Eph.6:12. Why is it difficult to prevail in prayer, and why must we keep prevailing according to these Scriptures?
4. Plan a concentrated time of prayer. Schedule a half day or an entire day of study and prayer each month. Praise, confess, thank Him, and pray for others and yourself along with reading Scripture. Mark it on your calendar.
Wednesday 4/10/13 - Reflecting on this Past Sunday
1. Read Matthew 6:5-15.
2. What is His warning to us?
3. How will individual prayer look most of the time?
4. Pray for a full reliance in Him and for a heart that values prayer.
Thursday 4/11/13 - Preparing for this Sunday
1. Read Mark 2:15-17.
2. What does this story show us about Jesus’ heart towards “sinners”?
3. Why do you think the Pharisees reacted the way they did to what Jesus was doing? What does this reveal about their heart toward “sinners”?
4. Discuss with your family how someone with a heart of a “Pharisee” might treat a “sinner” at their school or workplace compared with how Jesus would treat them.
Friday 4/12/13 - Preparing Ourselves for this Sunday
1. Read John 3:17. Why did God send His Son?
2. Read John 3:36, John 12:47-48, and 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. Jesus did not come to condemn sinners, but to save them. Does that mean that unrepentant, rebellious people will not be judged or condemned? What will “judge” them?
3. Using John 15:5, discuss with someone how important it is to live a godly life and how we rely on Jesus to live the holy life through us.
Saturday 4/13/13 - Preparing for Tomorrow
1. Read Mark 2:15-17 and Luke 19:10. Jesus came to save sinners. How did that influence His relationships with them? How did that influence where and with whom He sought to spend a good deal of His time?
2. Pray for tomorrow’s service, that God would prepare the hearts of each person, and that He would accomplish in and through each of us what He desires. Pray also for the Children’s Ministry and their teachers.