GROW DEEP IN PRAYER

Luke 18:1-8 NOW!

“GOD WANTS US TO UNDERTSAND THAT FOR CHRISTIAN PRAYER SHOULD
BE A WAY OF LIFE”
Quotes: SPIRITTUALITY WITHOUT A PRAYER IS NO SPIRITUALITY AT ALL.
Prayer is an opening of the self so that the word of God can break in and
make us new. Prayer unmasked, prayer converts and prayer impels. Prayer
sustain us on the way.
Henri J. Nouwen in the wounded healer- PRAYER IS NOT PIOUS
DECORATION OF LIFE BUT A BREATH OF HUMAN EXIXTENCE.
Daniel 6:10-11- Daniel prayed as he was accustomed since early days.
*men found that Daniel prayed.
Luke 22:39- Jesus prayed at mt. Olives- as He was accustomed.
*Roman soldier found in the place bec. It was a place where Jesus
prayed.
We can see the importance of the role of PRAYER in Jesus ministry. Mt. 6:9-
13. The disciples asked Him to teach them how to pray- The sermon on the
mount, in which we called “the Lord’s Prayer” it is not really so much the
Lord’s prayer, as it is the prayer that Jesus gave us to teach us how to pray.
MISUNDERSTAND THE REAL PURPOSE OF PRAYER
1. IT IS NOT A ROTE PRAYER
vv.7-8 “DO NOT USE MEANINGLESS OR VAIN REPITITONS”
2. IT IS NOT IN OUTWARD POSTURE BUT IN INWARD POSTURE OF
HEART.
Outward posture- hypocrites ( for they love standing in synagogue to be
seen by men and a lot of words to be utter but their hearts are far from
God)
Right Heart is the best posture when we pray.
Luke 18:1-18
Jesus instructs His disciples with a parable a story to make a spiritual point.
Luke reveals to point of parables “OUGHT ALWAYS TO PRAY AND NOT TO
GIVE UP OR TO LOSE HEART”
ALWAYS- Greek word PANTOTE- at all times.
PRAY- Greek word PROSCHEUOMAI- to petition deity or to pray.
Character of the parable:
1. Judge- neither feared God nor cared what people thought.
UNJUST JUDGE- he will always recognize himself that he will
judge the sons of men.
“Nor cared about”- showing difference to a person in
recognition of special status or TRUN TOWARD SOMEONE
OR SOMETHING.
He was concern of himself – own opinion, his own comforts,
his own income.
v.6- Jesus called him UNJUST- Greek word adekia means:
wrongdoing, unrighteous, wickedness.
2. WIDOW- who beg for justice.
Widow had difficult place in Palestine, No legal right to inherit her
husband estate.
We don’t know how the widow was being cheated, but her judge was
on her opponent side. No money for lawyer..BUT THERES IS ONE THING
WE KNOW ABOUT HER- SHE WAS PERSISTENT.
“KEPT COMING”- Greek word erchomai “come”- imperfect tense,
indicating repeated or continued action in the past. She hadn’t come
just once but many times.
The truth that we need to ponder:
1. CONTRAST CHARACTER OF OUR GOD.
a. He JUST- he treat us fairly.
 b. Hears his people when they pray. We need never fear that God
doesn’t hear us, because His ear is ever open to the cry of His
children, Isa. 65:24; Jer. 33:3; 1 John 5:14-15.
c. God Honors our persistency
God’s answer immediately
Other times or sometimes
Delayed
“BUT THE KEY IS NOT GIVING UP”
Our persistency in prayer demonstrate the depth of our burdens.
“GOD IS NOT JUST MAKING US TO WAIT, HE IS WORKING OUT THE
ANSWER THAT WE SEEK”
d. He handles our Petitions.
GOD IS NOT DEAF TO OUR PETITIONS.
HE BEGINS THE PROCESS OF WORKING THEM OUT SPEEDILY.

“REAL PRAYER IS THE EVIDENCE OF GOD’S IMPENDING PRAYER, WHY?

BECAUSE REAL PRAYER ALWAYS BEGINS WITH GOD.”

2. CHALLENGE FOR THE DISCIPLES

1. BE STEADFAST OR DEVOTED IN PRAYER- “Ought to Pray”
Committed to prayer- being in the attitude and atmosphere of
prayer all the time.

2. BE CONSISTENT IN PRAYER – “ always”- pray with out ceasing !

thess.5:17..

3. BE COMFORTED BY PRAYER- not to lose heart..

CONCLUSION: WE NEED TO KEEP ON PRAYING AND GROWDEEP IN PRAYER.

IT IS A WAY OF GET CLOSER TO GOD.
YOU WANT TO MAINTAIN AND PRESERVE YOUR INTIMACY WITH GOD THE
SECRET IS THIS MAKE A PRAYER SHOULD BE A WAY OF LIFE.