Youth Sermon: Persistent Prayer

Introduction

Today, we're gonna talk about something important in our lives as Christians - prayer. You know, that thing we do when we talk to God. Sometimes, we might feel like our prayers aren't being answered, or we just forget to pray altogether. So, let's dive into a story Jesus told about a persistent widow and learn how to be patient, precise, and persistent in our prayers.

But first, let me show you something cool. (Bring out a large, clear container filled with water and a small rubber ball.) See this container of water? Imagine it's like our lives, and this ball represents our prayers. Sometimes, when we pray, it feels like our prayers just float on the surface, not really going anywhere. (Drop the ball into the water, and let it float.)

But when we're patient, precise, and persistent in our prayers, it's like pushing the ball deeper into the water. (Push the ball down into the water.) Our prayers become more meaningful and connected to God.

But when we're patient, precise, and persistent in our prayers, it's like pushing the ball deeper into the water. Our prayers become more meaningful and connected to God.

The Persistent Widow

Now, let's check out that story Jesus told in Luke 18:1-8. It's about a widow who kept bugging a judge to give her justice. [Read passage]

She didn't give up, even when the judge said no. Jesus used this story to teach us that we should always pray and not give up.

Lessons from the Persistent Widow

1. Be Patient: Just like the widow, we need to be patient when we pray. Sometimes, God's answer might be 'not now' instead of 'no.' So, don't give up if you don't get an answer right away. Remember, good things take time!

2. Be Precise: The widow kept asking for the same thing - justice. When we pray, let's be specific about what we're asking for. If you want healing, keep asking for healing. If you want your friends to know Jesus, don't stop praying for them.

3. Be Persistent: Jesus told this story to remind us to never give up on prayer. In Matthew 7:7-8, He says to ask, seek, and knock. Keep praying, even when it's tough.

Application

Now, let's think about how we can apply this to our lives. This week, try to be more patient, precise, and persistent in your prayers. Maybe set a reminder on your phone to pray for something specific every day. And remember, God is listening and cares about what's going on in your life.

Closing Prayer

Let's pray together: 'God, help us to be patient, precise, and persistent in our prayers, just like the widow in the story. Teach us to trust You and never give up. Amen.'

Small Group Breakout Questions

1. Share a time when you had to be patient, precise, and persistent in prayer. What was the outcome?

2. How can we encourage each other to be more persistent in our prayers?

3. What are some specific prayer requests you have right now? How can we pray for them together?

4. How can we remind ourselves to be patient and trust God's timing in our prayers?

5. What are some ways we can incorporate persistent prayer into our daily lives?

Get the Full Youth Group Plan

• Icebreaker: Prayer Relay
• Group Activity: Prayer Wall
• Youth Challenge: Prayer Challenge