Adoniram Judson 1788-1850

Adoniram & Ann (Nancy) Hasseltine Judson

Adoniram & Sarah Boardman Judson

Adoniram & Emily Chubbuck Judson

PARABLES of PERSEVERANCE Luke 18:1-8; 11:5-12

WHAT is the opposite or ALTERNATIVE to perseverance? WHEN is perseverance needed? WHY is perseverance important?

WHY is perseverance so important to our conversations with God…our payers?

Luke 18:1-8 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2 He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. 3And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’

Luke 18:1-8 4 “For some time he refused Luke 18:1-8 4 “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’”

Luke 18:1-8 6 And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says Luke 18:1-8 6 And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”

Do we really think it is important for us– Jesus’ disciples today—to make prayer an important part of our day and life??? 1.) What I know about PASTORS 2.) What I know about prayer meetings

>>75% percent of people in America who say they pray self-identify as Christian. >>64% of those who pray say they pray more than once a day. >>56% say they most often pray for family members >>3.3% say they pray for strangers. >>A little over 38% say that the most important purpose of prayer is intimacy with God.

>>41% say that their prayers are answered often. >>1 >>41% say that their prayers are answered often. >>1.5% say that their prayers are never answered. >>Over 73% say when their prayers are not answered, the most important reason is because they did not fit God’s plan.

What are the alternatives to praying without giving up?

Luke 18 2 He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. 3And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’

Luke 18 4 “But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’”

Luke 18 6 And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says Luke 18 6 And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says.”  “Because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice….”

Luke 18 “7 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly.”

Zephaniah 1:14 “The great day of the Lord is near— near and coming quickly.”

Reasons to Pray 1.) The nature of God is to answer prayer. 2.) God’s “delays” are intended to build faith. Luke 18:6--However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”

Reasons to Pray 1.) The nature of God is to answer prayer. 2.) God’s “delays” are intended to build faith. 3.) Prayer promotes healing. 4.) God’s word calls us to pray. 5.) Prayer is how we communicate with God.

Reasons to Pray 6.) It allows us to participate in God’s works. 7.) It gives us power over evil. 8.) It’s a gift that is always available to enjoy. 9.) Prayer can produce humility before God. 10.) Prayer enables us to experience God.

Reasons to Pray 11.) Answered prayer is a witness to others. 12.) It strengthens bonds between believers. 13.) Prayer succeeds where other means fail. 14.) Prayer fulfills emotional needs.

Why do we so often lack perseverance in prayer?

Thank you MOTHERS for all you do through prayer!