June 27, 2018
Author: Pastor Gordon Cook
June 27, 2018
Luke 18: 1-8
This familiar story is a parable the Lord told. We often stress that prayer is difficult, a struggle. We could argue that from this very parable. Jesus understood that when it comes to prayer we have to practice perseverance. Where else in our Bible’s could we go to argue that prayer is a challenge and a struggle? Some suggestions include: Ephesians 6 – the warfare metaphor, the Garden of Gethsemane (and negatively, the disciples), Jacob wrestling with God, Epaphras travailing in prayer.
Since God knows us – our weaknesses, vulnerabilities and infirmities, God gives us manifold encouragements, or incentives, to pray. I am going to list seven incentives and you provide a text which backs them up.
- The cross of Christ - Romans 5
- The throne of grace – Hebrews 4:16
- Jesus our great High Priest – Hebrews 4, 8
- The Fatherhood of God – Matt 6:7
- The delight of God – Proverbs (God delights to hear our prayers),
- The Holy Spirit – Romans 8
- The precious promises of God - Mt 7:7
The sinful heart gives all sorts of reasons and excuses why we can’t pray. We are good at making excuses. God gives us lots of reasons why we can and should pray.
BACK