Persistence in Prayer
Persistence in Prayer9
The Syrophoenician Woman Matthew 15:21-28
By R.A. Torrey1PSA 51:4MAT 15:21MAT 21:21MRK 7:24LUK 15:18LUK 18:42JHN 4:50ROM 9:4GAL 3:7EPH 2:15R.A. Torrey explores the story of the Syrophoenician woman in Matthew 15:21-28, emphasizing her persistent faith in seeking healing for her daughter. Despite being initially ignored by Jesus and facing cultural barriers, her earnest cries and humble approach reveal a profound understanding of her need for mercy. Torrey highlights how her faith, characterized by persistence and humility, ultimately led to her daughter's healing, illustrating that great faith can be found in unexpected places. The sermon underscores the importance of approaching God with earnestness and humility, regardless of one's background or circumstances.
Faith's Persistence. a Factor in the Making of a Servant
By T. Austin-Sparks01KI 18:41T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the critical nature of faith's persistence in the life of a servant of God, using the story of Elijah and the drought in 1 Kings 18:41-44. He highlights the tension between God's seemingly slow responses and the necessity for unwavering faith, as demonstrated by Elijah's servant who was tasked with looking for rain. Despite multiple reports of 'nothing,' the servant's persistence ultimately led to the manifestation of God's promise. Sparks warns against complacency after spiritual victories, stressing that true servanthood requires a steadfast faith that endures even in the face of apparent indifference from God. The sermon concludes with the reminder that God is more focused on developing the character of His servants than on immediate results.
Blind Bartimeus
By D.L. Moody0PSA 34:17ISA 41:10MAT 7:7MAT 11:28MRK 10:46LUK 18:35JHN 9:1ROM 10:13HEB 11:6JAS 5:16D.L. Moody shares the story of Blind Bartimeus, a blind beggar who, despite his condition and the crowd's attempts to silence him, cries out to Jesus for mercy. He learns of Jesus' healing power and, filled with hope, calls out even louder when he realizes Jesus is near. Moody emphasizes Bartimeus' faith and determination to seek help from the one who can heal him, illustrating the importance of persistence in prayer and faith in Jesus' ability to transform lives. Ultimately, Bartimeus' earnest plea reaches Jesus, demonstrating that no one is too insignificant to be heard by God.
Crumbs
By David Wilkerson0MAT 7:7MAT 15:23LUK 18:1HEB 4:16JAS 1:6David Wilkerson emphasizes the unwavering faith of a woman who persistently sought Jesus for help despite being initially ignored and rebuffed. Her determination and humility in acknowledging her position led to a profound revelation of faith, as she recognized that even the crumbs from Jesus' table were enough for her need. Wilkerson challenges listeners to reflect on their own prayer lives and persistence in seeking God, encouraging them not to settle for less than the fullness of grace and mercy that God offers. Ultimately, the woman's faith was rewarded, demonstrating that God honors those who earnestly seek Him.
Healing the Sick: Being Faithful in Small Beginnings
By Mike Bickle2051:50MAT 15:21Mike Bickle emphasizes the importance of persistence in faith through the story of the Syrophoenician woman who, despite initial silence and seeming rejection from Jesus, continues to worship and plead for help. Her unwavering faith and humility lead to her daughter's healing, illustrating that true desire for God's intervention requires relentless pursuit and trust, even in the face of discouragement. Bickle encourages believers to be faithful in small beginnings and to earnestly desire spiritual gifts, as God responds to the depth of our desires and faithfulness.
Intercession: Which of You Shall Have a Friend? (God Gives You a Hard Job: To Wait Upon the lord.)
By Hans R. Waldvogel0LUK 11:5Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the vital role of persistent prayer and intercession in a Christian's life, illustrating that true friendship with God requires a heartfelt approach and unwavering faith. He draws from the parable of the friend at midnight to highlight that our needs should drive us to seek God, who is always ready to respond to our requests. Waldvogel encourages believers to wait upon the Lord, asserting that strength and power come from this divine connection, and that prayer is essential for spiritual vitality. He reminds us that without God, we can do nothing, and that our prayers should be persistent and filled with faith, as demonstrated by biblical figures like Elijah. Ultimately, Waldvogel calls for a life dedicated to prayer, emphasizing that it is through this commitment that we can truly experience God's presence and power.
Always Praying and Not Fainting
By R.A. Torrey0LUK 11:5R.A. Torrey emphasizes the importance of persistent prayer in his sermon 'Always Praying and Not Fainting,' drawing from two parables in the Gospel of Luke. He illustrates that God desires us to approach Him with shameless boldness, demonstrating unwavering faith even in the face of delays or refusals. Torrey argues that true submission to God's will is not giving up after a few prayers, but rather continuing to seek until we receive an answer or are clearly guided otherwise. He encourages believers to embody the spirit of perseverance in prayer, likening it to the determination of a strong man of action. Ultimately, Torrey calls for a revival of fervent prayer among Christians, urging them to pray through until they see God's hand at work.
Keep Praying Until God Answers
By R.A. Torrey0LUK 11:5R.A. Torrey emphasizes the necessity of persistent prayer in his sermon 'Keep Praying Until God Answers.' He illustrates this through the parables in Luke, highlighting that true prayer requires shameless determination and faith, as demonstrated by the Syrophenician woman and the persistent widow. Torrey encourages believers to continue praying even when answers seem delayed, asserting that God desires to train us in faith through our perseverance. He shares personal testimonies of answered prayers after years of faithful intercession, urging the congregation to never give up on their requests to God.
Pray Till You Pray
By A.W. Tozer0PSA 55:17MAT 7:7LUK 18:1ROM 12:12EPH 6:18PHP 4:6COL 4:21TH 5:17JAS 5:161PE 5:7A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of persistent prayer in his sermon 'Pray Till You Pray,' urging believers to continue in prayer until they truly connect with God. He highlights the common tendency to end prayers prematurely, often missing the deeper communion that can occur after initial distractions are set aside. Tozer encourages Christians to acknowledge their spiritual dullness and to press through these feelings, as true prayer often requires perseverance and focus. He draws on the wisdom of past prayer warriors, advocating for a commitment to 'pray through' until a genuine encounter with God is achieved. The sermon serves as a reminder of the importance of unhurried meditation in prayer.