Persistence in Prayer (Luke 11:5-13)

Sermon Summary

Pastor David Yan

10 November 2024

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Jesus not only taught his disciples to pray he required them to persist in prayer. His illustration of a man approaching a friend for help is all about persistence.

Persistence in prayer is predicated by an unexpected happening. Because of this unexpected happening the need is urgent.

In this situation the man had someone to turn to—his friend. We also in our time of need have someone to turn to.

Threre are three things Jesus taught regarding persistence in prayer: ask, seek and knock.

To ask means verbalising your prayer. This verbalisation may be spoken or silent as in the case of Hannah (1 Samuel 1:13).

To seek is to exercise the will regarding your prayer. Keep active in your life and watch for the providence of God as to how he will answer your prayers.

To knock is to gain entry to the throne of heaven.

We note that Jesus himself asked, sought and knocked.

Psalm 2:8 teaches that the Son would ask and God would give him the nations of the world.

Jesus came to seek and to save his people.

Jesus entered into heaven when he knocked and the everlasting gates of heaven were lifted for his entry (Psalm 24:7-10).

Let us be encouraged to persist in prayer. Our Lord himself persisted. He has gone before us setting an example for us. Ask, seek and knock, for in so doing you shall see answers to your persistent prayers.