Family Bible Series for March 12: A Christian’s persistent prayer strikes fear in Satan

Posted: 3/01/06

Family Bible Series for March 12

A Christian’s persistent
prayer strikes fear in Satan

• Luke 11:1-13

By Greg Ammons

First Baptist Church, Garland

“All we have left now is prayer.” How often have you heard this statement? What impression of prayer do you have when you hear this statement? Doesn’t it sound as if prayer is the last resort? Does God intend for prayer to be a last-ditch effort when everything else has failed? Does he intend for prayer to be a desperation shot at the buzzer?

As Jesus journeyed toward Jerusalem to die on the cross, he taught his followers wonderful lessons of discipleship. He was approximately one year from his crucifixion at Calvary. Many truths needed to be communicated to the disciples, and Jesus viewed prayer as one of these vital teachings. He said prayer was to be the first response, not a last- gasp effort. If we want to be effective followers of Christ, we must follow the example of Jesus and pray first.

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Pray intentionally (Luke 11:1-4)

Jesus had been praying in a certain place, and the disciples took note of his discipline. One of the disciples spoke up, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples” (v. 1). Previously, Jesus had taught his disciples about prayer in both word (Matthew 6:7-15) and action (Luke 9:29). Yet, somehow, on this occasion, Jesus’ example of prayer stirred a fresh interest in the subject.

Jesus responded to this statement by restating the previous principles he had taught them in the Sermon on the Mount. Now, several months later, he restated the same principles by giving his followers a variation of the same prayer.

The Model Prayer also is known today as “The Lord’s Prayer.” In it, Jesus listed elements that should be a part of an effective prayer. They simply are elements for inclusion and not magical words designed to be recited as a ritual.

Jesus was showing his disciples prayer must be intentional. Our Father desires praise, petition, forgiveness and deliverance to be vital aspects of our communication with him.

God invites his children to prayer as a vital link in their relationship with him. Prayer is not to be haphazard or reserved just for troubled circumstances. Communion with God on a daily basis is vital to a believer.

Is your praying intentional? Do you include these elements regularly as a part of your daily communion with God?

Pray persistently (Luke 11:5-10)

Jesus continued his teaching on prayer by giving his disciples a hypothetical situation. If a friend comes asking for bread at midnight, it is possible the request could be turned down because of the hour. However, if the friend persists, then a true friend would rise up in the late hour and meet the need (vv. 5-8).

In much the same way, Jesus urged his followers to be persistent in their prayer life. He implored them to ask, seek and knock. Everyone who asks will be given, those who seek will find and to him who knocks, the door shall be opened (vv. 9-10).

Too often, believers pray briefly and hurriedly, yet expect an instant answer. Although the length of prayer is not important to God’s answer, Jesus certainly taught his followers to be persistent in their prayer life.

The devil will fight the persistence of a Christian in prayer. Samuel Chadwick was a powerful British pastor who ministered in the late 1800s. He was known for his insightful prayer life. Chadwick once said: “The one concern to the devil is to keep the Christian from praying. He fears nothing from our prayerless studies, prayerless work and prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom but trembles when we pray.”

Pray expectantly (Luke 11:11-13)

It is interesting that Jesus made reference to earthly fathers and how they enjoy giving good gifts to their children. He connected the goodness of earthly fathers to the goodness of God in regard to answered prayer.

Jesus asked: “Which of you, fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion” (vv. 11-12)? Our heavenly Father is loving and desires to give his children good gifts. Our heartfelt request will not receive a harsh answer. We can expect God to act according to his character. Thus, our prayers should reflect such an expectancy.

Jesus concluded by drawing a comparison, which was one of his favorite teaching methods. He often used the phrase, “how much more” in his teaching. Here he describes how our Heavenly Father exceeds all actions of a benevolent earthly father. Jesus asked, “If you, then, being evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him” (v. 13)?

The legendary John Trapp said, “God never denied that soul anything that went as far as heaven to ask for it.” Believers in Jesus can expect good things from the hands of God. James makes it clear every good and perfect gift comes down from God himself (James 1:17).

Discussion questions

• Do you view prayer as a last resort or as a vital part of each day?

• What is the most difficult aspect of prayer to you?

• How long should a person pray for a specific need before stopping?