Creekside Community Church: “Imitating Jesus” “Praying like Jesus V: Keep on Praying!” November 4, 2012
John Bruce – Pastor

Keep on Praying! Two Pictures of Persistent Prayer: Luke 11:5-8, 18:1-8

If God wants to answer our prayers, why does Jesus tell us to keep on asking? A. Evil Never Sleeps: Mark 14:32-38

B. Faith Grows by Persistence: Luke 18:1-8

C. The Goal of Prayer is to Get God, not to Get Stuff: John 4:19-24

For further thought and discussion:

Getting Started

1. What was helpful to you in this week’s sermon? What didn’t you understand?
2. What was the longest you prayed for something before God answered? Why do you think it took so long?

Going Deeper

Please read Luke 11:5-8 and 18:1-8. What do these two stories have in common? Why does Jesus tell these two stories? Is He saying that God is like the neighbor and the judge? How do you know? So what is Jesus teaching us about prayer?
The first reason to keep praying is because evil never sleeps. Please read Mark 14:32-38. Why does Jesus pray in this situation? What does this reveal to you about Jesus? About the disciples? About prayer? How is prayer a protection against evil? Why would this lead us to pray more? How have you seen God protect you when you’ve prayed? What specific evils do you feel the need to pray about?
The second reason to keep praying is because faith grows by persistence. Why? Please read Luke 18:1-8. How does vs. 8 fit in? What are some ways persistence in prayer has developed your faith?
The third reason to keep praying is because the goal of prayer is to get God, not stuff. Please read John 4:19-24. What seems to be the ancient argument between Samaritans and Jews to which the woman refers? How does Jesus answer this argument? What does vs. 24 reveal about prayer? How does persistent prayer bring us nearer to God?

Application:

What is one thing you learned from this week’s passages that you will apply to your life?