Prayer and Perserverance
Johannes emphasizes the importance of persistent prayer, highlighting that effective prayer is rooted in praying in the Spirit and waiting silently for God's guidance. He explains that perseverance in prayer is not based on natural strength but on the divine power of the Holy Spirit, who never tires. Drawing from scriptures like Luke 11 and Romans 12, Johannes encourages believers to pray continually, asking, seeking, and knocking with persistence, trusting that God will answer in His perfect timing. He stresses that prayer involves waiting patiently, listening for the Holy Spirit’s voice, and being silent before God to discern His will. Johannes illustrates that prayer is a spiritual battle, where enemies in the heavenlies may hinder answers, requiring believers to be steadfast and persistent. He also teaches that God's delays serve a purpose—to teach and purify us—so that we grow spiritually and are prepared to receive His blessings. Furthermore, he underscores that prayer aligns us with God's will, and through perseverance, we can influence the course of God's plans on earth, including the coming of His kingdom. Ultimately, Johannes encourages believers to remain steadfast, trusting that God’s divine power and love will sustain them in prayer and spiritual growth.
Main Points Outline
Prayer must be in the Spirit, led by the Holy Spirit, and practiced with perseverance.
Consistency in prayer is supported by divine strength, not natural willpower.
Praying always and waiting silently are essential for hearing God's voice and discerning His will.
Perseverance in prayer is necessary due to spiritual opposition and delays in answers, which serve to teach and purify believers.
Persistent prayer can influence God's timing and the fulfillment of His kingdom on earth.
Prayer involves stages: seeking, faith-claiming, and reminding, with ongoing faith and obedience.
God’s delays are purposeful, meant to develop our character and spiritual maturity.
Perseverance is a sign of faith and a vital part of spiritual warfare against evil forces.
Believers are called to pray without ceasing, trusting in God's divine power and love to sustain them.
9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? 12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19 Quench not the Spirit.
1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; 2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: 3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. 4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; 5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. 6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. 7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? 8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
