Persistence In Prayer

Matt 7:7-11

We are sorry to announce the passing of Mrs. Prayer Meeting. She died recently at the First Neglected Church on Ho-Hum Avenue. Born many years ago in the midst of a great revival, she was strong and healthy as a child, fed largely on testimony and Bible study she grew into world-wide prominence and was one of the most influential members of the Church family.

However, in recent years Sister Prayer Meeting has been failing in health, gradually wasting away until rendered helpless by stiffness of the knees, cooling of the heart, lack of spiritual sensitivity and the concern for spiritual things. Her last whispered words were inquiring about the strange absence of her loved ones, now so busy in the market place and places of worldly amusement on Wednesday evenings!

Experts, including Dr. Good Works, Dr. Socializing and Dr. Unconcerned disagree as to the fatal cause of her final illness. They all administered large doses of excuses even ordered a last minute motivational bypass, all to no avail. A post-mortem examination showed that a deficiency of regular spiritual food, a lack of prayer and Christian fellowship, all contributed to her untimely demise.

We are continuing the subject of prayer this morning with the thought of Praying with Persistence. We have covered how we pray with the example given with the Lord’s Prayer. We can follow that example, but there are times we need to get really serious and let God know we really mean business.

Mt 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

Mt 7:8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Mt 7:9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?

Mt 7:10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?

Mt 7:11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

Pulling for my text vs 7.

Jesus teaching on what is perhaps the most fundamental teaching on prayer in all of the Bible – the assurance that prayer will be heard and answered.

1. Prayerfully Asking

2. Properly Seeking

3. Persistently Knocking

1. Prayerfully Asking

a. Webster’s – inquire of or demand

b. Fernando Cabrera - says on Asking To ask ,for something, is to say I have a need of help. In order to ask for something, you need first to go to a person who has the power and resources to help you. When you approach that person, you need to be specific and definite about what you need. That is why Paul said, “…Let your request be known to God” (Philippians 4:6). James 4:3 says, “You do not have because you do not ask”. When you go before God, you must approach and admit your helplessness. Be specific as to what you are requesting. This word “ask” is often used with respect to a petition which by an inferior is addressed to a superior.

a. Barnes - It is implied, also, that we ask the things which it may be consistent for God to give--that is, things which he has promised to give, and which would be best for us and his kingdom, 1Jn 5:14

b. If you ever watch a child ask for something, they normally ask for something they desperately want. They always have multiple excuses as to why they should have it. Us as parents look to them and normally know what is good or bad for them and are seeking out for their good.

c. With us praying to God for something, we need to make sure we are asking in the correct attitude, making sure it is in his will

d. David Flowers explains the typical Christians prayer as, ““God please be with so and so. You know this situation, God, and I don’t. You know what’s troubling this person and I don’t, but I know you can fix what’s going on. Give this person strength and patience to get through this difficult time in Jesus name, Amen.” I believe we all have to agree, we are living in such a fast pace society in which with us just taking out time to pray is a big deal and the prayer which was just read would satisfy most of us.

With asking for something from God we need to have the proper spirit in seeking

2. Properly Seeking

e. Barnes - seek with a proper spirit

f. Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (KJV)