Faith Is The Oldest Endurance Sport. God answers prayers—but only if we stay in the race long enough to cross the finish line (no energy drinks required).
Section 1. Welcome and Announcements
Hey everyone, it’s so good to see each and every one of you here today! I’m excited to share God’s word with you, and I’m believing that you will have a deep and meaningful connection with God through his message.
Announcements
- Prayer Meeting: Every Wednesday evening at 7 PM in the sanctuary. Let’s come together to lift up our needs and the needs of our community.
- New Members Class: Starting next Sunday after the service. If you’re interested in joining our church family, please sign up at the Welcome Center.
- Youth Group Outing: Our youth group is going to the local pumpkin patch on October 20th. Sign up sheets are available in the lobby.
- Thanksgiving Food Drive: We’re collecting non-perishable food items to help families in need this Thanksgiving. Donations can be dropped off in the designated bins in the foyer.
Section 2. Call to Worship
Today, we’re going to focus on the importance of persistent prayer. Let’s call ourselves to worship by reflecting on Luke 18:1-8, where Jesus shares the parable of the persistent widow. Let’s open our hearts to God’s presence as we read these words.
Section 3. Opening Prayer
Dear Lord, we come before you today with hearts full of gratitude and anticipation. Open our minds and spirits to receive your Word, and help us to understand the power of persistent prayer. Grant us the faith to believe that you hear our prayers and that you will answer according to your perfect will. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Section 4. Praise and Worship
Now, let’s lift our voices in praise and worship! Our incredible worship team is ready to lead us in songs that will fill our hearts with joy and adoration for our God. Let’s sing with passion, knowing that our praise is a sweet offering to the One who loves us so dearly.
Section 5. Scripture Reading
Today, we’ll be looking at Luke 18:1-8. Jesus tells a story about a widow who persistently pleaded with a judge for justice. This parable teaches us about the importance of never giving up on prayer and trusting that God will ultimately answer.
The Events in Luke 18:1-8
Jesus tells the parable of a persistent widow who repeatedly pleads with an unjust judge for justice. The judge, who neither feared God nor cared about people, eventually grants her request simply because she wore him down with her constant appeals. Jesus uses this story to illustrate the importance of persistent prayer and trusting that God, who is just and loving, will answer those who cry out to him day and night.
Luke 18:1-8 (NIV)
1 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. 3 And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’
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 she won’t eventually come and attack me!’”
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?”
Section 6. Pastoral Prayer or Intercessory Prayer
Lord, we come before you today, recognizing that you are a God who hears and answers prayer. We lift up all those who are facing challenges and difficulties, those who are feeling weary and discouraged. Grant them the strength to persevere in prayer, just like the persistent widow in the parable. Help them to trust that you will bring justice and healing to their lives.
Congregational Prayer Response
Lord, hear our prayers, and grant us the faith to never give up on seeking your face. Amen.
Section 7. Offering
Let’s take this moment to express our gratitude to God through our tithes and offerings. Giving back to God is an act of worship that demonstrates our trust in His provision. Your generosity enables our church to continue its ministry and impact our community for Christ. Thank you for your faithfulness.
Prayer of Thanks
Gracious God, we thank you for the many blessings you have bestowed upon us. We offer these gifts as a symbol of our love and devotion to you. May they be used to further your kingdom and bring hope to those in need. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Section 8. Special Music
Now, let’s prepare our hearts to receive God’s Word by listening to a special musical selection. May the music uplift our spirits and draw us closer to the heart of God.
Section 9. Free Bible Study!
Headline: Prayer Not Working? Discover the “Unfair” Advantage That Guarantees God Hears You.
Ever felt like you’re shouting into the void when you pray? Like your words are bouncing off the ceiling and never reaching God’s ears? You’re not alone. We’ve all been there.
But what if I told you there’s a secret to getting God’s attention? What if you could learn to pray with such persistence that even a reluctant judge would grant your request?
In Luke 18, Jesus shares a powerful parable about a widow who wouldn’t give up on her pursuit of justice. Her relentless persistence eventually wore down an unjust judge, and he finally granted her plea.
Section 10. Sermon Outline
Sermon Title: “Never Give Up: The Power of Persistent Prayer”
This sermon explores the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8, emphasizing the importance of never giving up on prayer and trusting that God will ultimately answer.
I. The Necessity of Prayer (Luke 18:1)
- Jesus teaches that we should always pray.
- Jesus tells his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. This section emphasizes the importance of prayer as a constant and essential part of our relationship with God.
II. The Unjust Judge (Luke 18:2-5)
- The unjust judge shows what it means to be relentless.
- Jesus describes a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought, and a widow who kept coming to him with the plea, “Grant me justice against my adversary.” This section highlights the contrast between the unjust judge and God, who is just and loving.
III. God’s Justice (Luke 18:6-8)
- God will give you justice.
- Jesus says that if an unjust judge will eventually grant the request of a persistent widow, how much more will God bring about justice for his chosen ones who cry out to him day and night? This section emphasizes the certainty of God’s justice and the importance of persistent prayer.
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May Jesus pour his Grace Upon you and your family during this special time in our lives.
Section 14. Benediction
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all, now and forevermore. Amen.
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