A Friend at Midnight

TEXT: Luke 11:5-13; 18:1-8

Jesus had much to say during His ministry about effectual, prevailing prayer. He gave several parables showing the importance of praying. He also left us a beautiful example by His personal prayer life. His disciples wanted Him to teach them how to pray. He gave them as a model the “Lord’s Prayer,” and told them what was necessary to pray a prayer that would be heard and accepted by God. The Bible also provides examples of others who prayed and received answers.

QUESTIONS

1. In both of the parables given in our text, requests were being made of someone who had no desire to supply the need. How does this contrast with God’s response when we come to Him with a need?
2. What does it mean to importune? How can we apply this to the requests we make in prayer to the Lord?
3. The principal verses in Jesus’ two parables are Luke 11:8 and 18:5. They show the reason the requests were granted. How can we profit spiritually by following these examples in our prayers?
4. Many times discouragements will come when we are desiring something from the Lord. Sometimes others may try to discourage us. Read the accounts of the blind beggar in Luke 18:35-43, and the Syrophenician woman in Matthew 15:22-28. How might you have reacted in the same situation?
5. Sometimes a lengthy period of time may pass without any seeming answer from the Lord. Elijah and Daniel, two great men of God, both went through such times (1 Kings 18:42-44 and Daniel 10:1-13). What was the answer they received for their waiting?
6. Elijah’s servant saw a little cloud, like a man’s hand. What action did Elijah take and what spiritual attribute do we see exhibited here? Read Hebrews 11:1.
7. Jesus said that men ought always to pray, and not to faint. What is the meaning of the word faint and how can it be applied to our prayer life?
8. Jesus condemned the Pharisees for praying to be seen of men, and for the use of vain repetitions (Matthew 6:5-7). What is the difference between these kinds of prayers and the importuning prayer that Jesus commended?
9. What encouragement can we receive from Abraham’s prayer life and his faith in God in times when he had to wait?