Lessons on Prayer (Part 2)

Conrad Hilario

Luke 11:5-11

Through two illustrations, Jesus teaches us persistence in prayer. We see six reasons God may not be answering our prayer(s): 1) the answer is no; 2) we aren't praying according to His revealed will; 3) our sin might be blocking our request; 4) it compels us to talk to God; 5) it teaches us daily dependence on God; and 6) God wants us to appreciate what He plans to give us.

What Keeps Us From Praying

Scott Risley

Luke 10:38-11:4

Through the story of Mary and Martha we learn about three barriers to prayer: 1) we're distracted and busy; 2) we don't know what to say; and 3) we may not be a part of God's family yet. Jesus' prayer gives us an example of an enjoyable relationship with God, in which prayer is both freeing and vital to spiritual growth.

Lessons on Prayer (Part 1)

Conrad Hilario

Matthew 18:23-34

Prayer can transform our relationship with God. We should use Jesus' prayer as a model for both personal and corporate prayer. Based on Jesus' prayer, here are five elements we should incorporate into our prayers: 1) acknowledgement/worship of who God is; 2) seek God's will for our life; 3) request provision from God; 4) recognize God's forgiveness; 5) vigilantly pray against Satan, knowing we are in the midst of a spiritual battle.

Paul's Prayer

Mike Sullivan

Philippians 1:9-11

From Paul's prayer for the Philippians, we learn that his highest priority for the Christian community is sacrificial love. Paul prays that their love would be guided by knowledge and discernment from God, point them toward a moral lifestyle, and enable God's transformation in their lives.

How Pride Sneaks into our Ministry

Scott Risley

Mark 9:21-29

A man whose son is tormented by an evil spirit begs Jesus to heal him. The disciples could not cast the demon out because they lacked faith. Jesus heals the boy and explains true greatness to His disciples. In this passage the disciples demonstrate their pride in four ways: 1) trusting in themselves; 2) wanting to be the greatest; 3) holding others back; 4) punishing the unresponsive.

Who Touched My Clothing?

Mike Sullivan

Mark 5:21-43

Despite the crowds and confusion, Jesus notices that someone touches his cloak as he and his disciples are walking to an official's house to heal his sick daughter. As Jesus interacts with the woman who touched His cloak, He teaches his disciples, the crowds, and us about his character, the power of faith in him, and how he responds to our requests. The object, not the strength, of our faith is what matters most.

What Do You Want Me to Do?

Gary DeLashmutt

Mark 10:46-52

When Jesus restores Bartimeaus' sight in Jericho, He not only provides Bartimaeus physical healing but also the sign that he offers humanity - salvation. In this passage, Jesus is described by Mark as the promised Messiah, one who is interested in the needs of individuals, and also inclined to bless. When we, like Bartimaeus, can identify answered prayers, pray specific prayers, and pray in faith, our relationship with God and understanding of His Will will be enhanced.

Jesus' Supremacy

Conrad Hilario

Mark 5:41

Through several events, the disciples witness and recognize the absolute power that Jesus has as the Son of God. Jesus calms the waters while the disciples and him are on a boat; this act demonstrates Jesus' authority over nature. Later, the disciples witness Jesus cast out demons from a man, which shows Jesus' power over evil and the spiritual realm. Lastly, Jesus heals and brings back to life a sick girl; this shows his power over sickness and even death.

The Unrighteous Judge: A Lesson On Prayer

Jim Leffel

Luke 18:1-8

In this parable, Jesus teaches his followers about perseverance in prayer. As we persevere in prayer, we not only see miracles happen as those prayers are answers, we also see ourselves transformed.