1. Are we praying in such a way to show real faith in God? n Jesus raised this possibility in a parable about prayer. (Lk 18:1-8)

2. Are we praying in such a way to show real faith in God? n Luke 18:1-8 (NKJV) Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, 2 saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. 3 Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’

3. Are we praying in such a way to show real faith in God? n 4 And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, 5 yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’”

4. Are we praying in such a way to show real faith in God? n 6 Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. 7 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? 8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”

5. Are we praying in such a way to show real faith in God? n What if the answer to the question in verse 8 was no. Does this mean there would be no one confessing Christ?

6. Are we praying in such a way to show real faith in God? n We can allow the immediate demands of this life to crowd out real prayer.

7. Are we praying in such a way to show real faith in God? n We can allow the immediate demands of this life to crowd out real prayer. n What does this have to do with prayer?

8. Are we praying in such a way to show real faith in God? n We can allow the immediate demands of this life to crowd out real prayer. n What does this have to do with prayer? n If a man does not pray, he does not have faith. (Jas 2:17-18)

9. Are we praying in such a way to show real faith in God? n We can allow the immediate demands of this life to crowd out real prayer. n What does this have to do with prayer? n If a man does not pray, he does not have faith. (Jas 2:17-18)

10. Are we praying in such a way to show real faith in God? n (James 2:17-18 NKJV) “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. {18} But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”

11. Are we praying in such a way to show real faith in God? n Will a man be lost for not praying?

12. Are we praying in such a way to show real faith in God? n Will a man be lost for not praying? n Years ago brother Homer Hailey made this comment: "If I had to come to one criticism of God's people today, it would be our failure to pray as we ought."

13. We pray to a God in whom we trust. n What does it mean to trust God? (Heb 11:6)

14. We pray to a God in whom we trust. n (Hebrews 11:6 NKJV) “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

15. We pray to a God in whom we trust. n We pray to a personal God and not just a force. (1 Kgs 19:14)

16. We pray to a God in whom we trust. n (1 Kings 19:14 NKJV) “And he said, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.””

17. We pray to a God in whom we trust. n What is prayer? In essence it is talking with God.

18. We pray to a God in whom we trust. n Do you rush to talk at length with a friend about your problems but only say a few sentences to God?

19. We pray to a God in whom we trust. n Do you rush to talk at length with a friend about your problems but only say a few sentences to God? n We will have a hard time understanding the great power in a prayer of faith. (Eph 3:20)

20. We pray to a God in whom we trust. n (Ephesians 3:20 NKJV) “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,”

21. We pray to a God in whom we trust. n He is able to do:

22. We pray to a God in whom we trust. n He is able to do: n above all that we ask or think

23. We pray to a God in whom we trust. n He is able to do: n above all that we ask or think n abundantly above all that we ask or think

24. We pray to a God in whom we trust. n He is able to do: n above all that we ask or think n abundantly above all that we ask or think n exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think

25. We pray to a God in whom we trust. n He is able to do: n above all that we ask or think n abundantly above all that we ask or think n exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think n When we realize this is God speaking then this is hard to grasp.

26. We pray to a God in whom we trust. n The Bible contrasts those who Christianity is only the outward form verses the heart of genuine faith.

27. We pray to a God in whom we trust. n The Bible contrasts those who Christianity is only the outward form verses the heart of genuine faith. n We can have the form without power. (2 Tim 3:5)

28. We pray to a God in whom we trust. n (2 Timothy 3:5 NKJV) “having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!”

29. We pray to a God in whom we trust. n Or we can allow God's power to be used through us. (1 Thess 2:13)

30. We pray to a God in whom we trust. n (1 Thessalonians 2:13 NKJV) “For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.”

31. We pray to a God in whom we trust. n Today people will pay thousands of dollars for access to the president. What about access to God! (1 Jn 5:14-15)

32. We pray to a God in whom we trust. n (1 John 5:14-15 NKJV) “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. {15} And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”

33. We pray to a God in whom we trust. n Our prayers will make a difference.

34. We ought to always pray and not to lose heart. n It is possible to "faint", "lack courage" concerning our effort in prayer.

35. We ought to always pray and not to lose heart. n It is possible to "faint", "lack courage" concerning our effort in prayer. n What would a person think when they lose heart?

36. We ought to always pray and not to lose heart. n It is possible to "faint", "lack courage" concerning our effort in prayer. n What would a person think when they lose heart? n Some have never been taught to pray in a proper manner.

37. We ought to always pray and not to lose heart. n It is possible to "faint", "lack courage" concerning our effort in prayer. n What would a person think when they lose heart? n Some have never been taught to pray in a proper manner. n The example of Jesus stimulated his apostles to ask to be taught about prayer. (Lk 11:1)

38. We ought to always pray and not to lose heart. n (Luke 11:1 NKJV) “Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.””

39. We ought to always pray and not to lose heart. n Jesus prayed at His baptism in the beginning of His ministry. (Lk 3:21)

40. We ought to always pray and not to lose heart. n (Luke 3:21 NKJV) “When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened.”

41. We ought to always pray and not to lose heart. n Jesus at times prayed all night. (Lk 6:12)

42. We ought to always pray and not to lose heart. n (Luke 6:12 NKJV) “Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.”

43. We ought to always pray and not to lose heart. n Jesus prayed three times in the course of one hour. (Mt 26:36-44)

44. We ought to always pray and not to lose heart. n (Matthew 26:36-44 NKJV) “Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” {37} And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed.

45. We ought to always pray and not to lose heart. n {38} Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.” {39} He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”

46. We ought to always pray and not to lose heart. n {40} Then He came to the disciples and found them asleep, and said to Peter, “What? Could you not watch with Me one hour? {41} “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

47. We ought to always pray and not to lose heart. n {42} Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” {43} And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy. {44} So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.”

48. We ought to always pray and not to lose heart. n For many this kind of praying in unknown, why?

49. We ought to always pray and not to lose heart. n Because they fail to distinguish between public prayer and private prayer. What is the purpose of a public prayer.

50. We ought to always pray and not to lose heart. n Because they fail to distinguish between public prayer and private prayer. What is the purpose of a public prayer. n There are several concerns about the motive and manner of a public prayer. (Mt 6:5-7)

51. We ought to always pray and not to lose heart. n (Matthew 6:5-7 NKJV) “”And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.

52. We ought to always pray and not to lose heart. n {6} “But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. {7} “And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.”

53. We ought to always pray and not to lose heart. n Sadly many Christians repeat in their private prayer the same kind of prayer they hear in public. Why is this lacking?

54. We ought to always pray and not to lose heart. n Sadly many Christians repeat in their private prayer the same kind of prayer they hear in public. Why is this lacking? n What kind of things should we mention in private prayer that would be inappropriate in public prayer?

55. We ought to always pray and not to lose heart. n Sadly many Christians repeat in their private prayer the same kind of prayer they hear in public. Why is this lacking? n What kind of things should we mention in private prayer that would be inappropriate in public prayer? n How did the apostles view the importance of prayer?

56. We ought to always pray and not to lose heart. n Sadly many Christians repeat in their private prayer the same kind of prayer they hear in public. Why is this lacking? n What kind of things should we mention in private prayer that would be inappropriate in public prayer? n How did the apostles view the importance of prayer? n What did they say came first? (Acts 6:4)

57. We ought to always pray and not to lose heart. n (Acts 6:4 NKJV) “”but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.””

58. We ought to always pray and not to lose heart. n Consider the churches Paul prayed for. (Rom 1:9; 1 Cor 1:4; Phil 1:3-4; Col 1:3,9; 1 Thess 1:2)

59. We ought to always pray and not to lose heart. n (Romans 1:9 NKJV) “For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers,”

60. We ought to always pray and not to lose heart. n (1 Corinthians 1:4 NKJV) “I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus,”

61. We ought to always pray and not to lose heart. n (Philippians 1:3-4 NKJV) “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, {4} always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy,”

62. We ought to always pray and not to lose heart. n (Colossians 1:3 NKJV) “We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,”

63. We ought to always pray and not to lose heart. n (Colossians 1:9 NKJV) “For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;”

64. We ought to always pray and not to lose heart. n (1 Thessalonians 1:2 NKJV) “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers,”

65. We ought to always pray and not to lose heart. n Consider some of the individuals Paul prayed for. (2 Tim 1:3; Philemon 4)

66. We ought to always pray and not to lose heart. n (2 Timothy 1:3 NKJV) “I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day,”

67. We ought to always pray and not to lose heart. n (Philemon 1:4 NKJV) “I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers,”

68. We ought to always pray and not to lose heart. n These are just some of whom he wrote! How many others did Paul pray for?

69. We ought to always pray and not to lose heart. n These are just some of whom he wrote! How many others did Paul pray for? n This was not just a general statement: "for all whom is our duty to pray.“

70. We ought to always pray and not to lose heart. n These are just some of whom he wrote! How many others did Paul pray for? n This was not just a general statement: "for all whom is our duty to pray.“ n Paul did not pray like this in a public assembly!

71. What if we apply this material? n We will begin asking like never before. (Jas 4:1-3)

72. What if we apply this material? n (James 4:1-3 NKJV) “Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? {2} You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. {3} You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.”

73. What if we apply this material? n We may have to build our faith and our endurance!

74. What if we apply this material? n We may have to build our faith and our endurance! n We will likely begin taking notes.

75. What if we apply this material? n We may have to build our faith and our endurance! n We will likely begin taking notes. n Consider some possible list.

76. What if we apply this material? n We may have to build our faith and our endurance! n We will likely begin taking notes. n Consider some possible list. n Find out about home studies and pray for them.

77. What if we apply this material? n We may have to build our faith and our endurance! n We will likely begin taking notes. n Consider some possible list. n Find out about home studies and pray for them. n Pray for the preachers we support by name.

78. What if we apply this material? n We may have to build our faith and our endurance! n We will likely begin taking notes. n Consider some possible list. n Find out about home studies and pray for them. n Pray for the preachers we support by name. n Pray for everyone in your class by name.

79. What if we apply this material? n Pray for everyone in the church by name.

80. What if we apply this material? n Pray for those who teach.

81. What if we apply this material? n Pray for those who teach. n Is there a greater value in many praying? Yes! (Eph 6:18-20; Col 4:3-4; 2 Cor 1:11)

82. What if we apply this material? n (2 Corinthians 1:11 NKJV) “you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.”

83. What if we apply this material? n (Ephesians 6:18-20 NKJV) “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints; {19} and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,

84. What if we apply this material? n {20} for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”

85. What if we apply this material? n (Colossians 4:3-4 NKJV) “meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, {4} that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.”

86. What if we apply this material? n What if we begin applying our faith? (Eph 3:20)

87. What if we apply this material? n (Ephesians 3:20 NKJV) “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,”

88. What if we apply this material? n Here is an interesting conversation between a Swedish peasant woman and her persistent visitor.

89. What if we apply this material? n Does your son in America never send you any money?" was asked of a poverty ‑ stricken old Swedish woman. "Never!" was the bitter answer "He writes often and speaks of sending money, but never a bit have I seen from him. I am getting old and poor and soon I must die or go to the poorhouse. Yet he is rich and prosperous. Such is the ingratitude of children!“

90. What if we apply this material? n "Is there never anything in the letters?" asked the persistent visitor. Oh, yes, he always sends pictures; but I do not need pictures: I need money.“ "Have you saved those pictures?“ "They are all pasted on the wall in my bedroom. Would you like to see them?“

91. What if we apply this material? n "Certainly," answered the visitor. When she looked into the bare little room she saw pasted on the walls a small fortune in American paper money. She had a room full of money but she failed to see its value. The very presence of this gift suggested that someone loved her and cared for her though that one lived in another land.