Importunate Prayer

Introduction:
This lesson concludes our series of lessons on prayer. “Importunate” is defined as persistent in pursuing a request or demand. Other ways of describing this word are: “bothersome; troublesomely urgent.” There are some real life examples of importunity. (Children, etc.) We pursue and achieve many things in life—because of our persistence! It does pay off! This is also true in our prayer life. Consider Lk. 18:1-8. Why did the judge grant her request? Why did this woman continually persist in her request? Answer: See Heb. 11:6 and Js. 1:6-8. What is Importunate Prayer?

I. Importunate prayer is praying with ____________ _____________.
    A. Lk. 11:5-9—see especially 11:8—Jesus: because of ___________ person will give other as much as
        needed.
    B. God has never promised to give blessings “at once.” He only promises He will do it!
        1. Often involves a long _______; Often _________ our __________.
    C. Mt. 15:21-28—Syrophoenician Woman
        1. 15:22—needed serious help—Jesus’ reaction (15:23) Disciples embarrassed by her cries for help.
        2. 15:24—She knew that __________ was the ONLY one who could help her!
            a) But….Christ’s answer—15:26—bluntly calls her a __________! Never refuses her request!
            b) 15:27—still doesn’t give up! Note her ______________! Words did NOT deter her!
        3. 15:28—note the huge compliment paid to her! Imagine what disciples must have thought!

II. Importunate prayer involves praying about __________ ____________.
A. Acts 9:9-11—What was Saul praying about here? (The salvation of his soul!)
B. He had the realization that his soul needed to be saved! Only thing that mattered!

III. Importunate prayer is _________ __________________.
    A. Acts 6:2-4—apostles devoted themselves to regular prayer.
        1. Took them away from other tasks. Takes time!
    B. Lk. 6:12—Jesus prayed all night before choosing 12 ____________.
        1. What did He pray for all night? Surpassed generalities!

IV. Importunate prayer involves ___________ on our part!
    A. 1 Thess 3:10—note frequency & way prayer made.
        1. _________/_________; praying with _____________.
    B. Col. 4:12—Epaphras—______________ earnestly in prayer.
        1. Literally: to strive; _____________; to struggle.

V. Case Studies in Importunate Prayer:
    A. Acts 12:1-19—___________’s escape from Herod.
        1. 12:5, 12—constant prayer being offered! Even on night before execution!
        2. Note generic in nature—but specifically for Peter & his release!
        3. Prayer done by the ________ church –12:5. More power in prayer offered by many!
        4. 12:12—Didn’t give up! God’s ___________ are NOT God’s ____________!
    B. 1 Kings 18:36-46—Elijah’s prayer for ____________ after the Mt. Carmel Victory.
        1. Servant went back ________ times to see if rain coming. What if Elijah quit after 5 times?
        2. Must pray as Elijah did—because he was a man just like us!
    C. Genesis 32—______________’s return to Canaan & meeting with ______________.
        1. 400 in 32:6 was NOT a welcome party! Note Jacob’s reaction in 32:7 & his prayer in 32:9-12
        2. 32:24-32—wrestled with an _________. Desired to obtain a _________ from God!
        3. Prayed/wrestled until he got what he ______________.
    D. Rom. 1:8-10—____________’s desire to go to Rome.
        1. Acts 28:16-28—got to Rome—but went in ___________.
        2. Be careful what you pray for—you might just get it.

Conclusion:
A. Sometimes our prayers are not answered because we give up too soon! Be importunate in your prayer!
B. How bad do you want to be saved? Willing to give up everything? Share your needs with us!



Importunate Prayer Introduction: This lesson concludes our series of lessons on prayer. “Importunate” is defined as persistent in pursuing a request or demand. Other ways of describing this word are: “bothersome; troublesomely urgent.” There are some real life examples of importunity. (Children, etc.) We pursue and achieve many things in life—because of our persistence! It does pay off! This is also true in our prayer life. Consider Lk. 18:1-8. Why did the judge grant her request? Why did this woman continually persist in her request? Answer: See Heb. 11:6 and Js. 1:6-8. What is Importunate Prayer? I. Importunate prayer is praying with ____________ _____________. A. Lk. 11:5-9—see especially 11:8—Jesus: because of ___________ person will give other as much as needed. B. God has never promised to give blessings “at once.” He only promises He will do it! 1. Often involves a long _______; Often _________ our __________. C. Mt. 15:21-28—Syrophoenician Woman 1. 15:22—needed serious help—Jesus’ reaction (15:23) Disciples embarrassed by her cries for help. 2. 15:24—She knew that __________ was the ONLY one who could help her! a) But….Christ’s answer—15:26—bluntly calls her a __________! Never refuses her request! b) 15:27—still doesn’t give up! Note her ______________! Words did NOT deter her! 3. 15:28—note the huge compliment paid to her! Imagine what disciples must have thought! II. Importunate prayer involves praying about __________ ____________. A. Acts 9:9-11—What was Saul praying about here? (The salvation of his soul!) B. He had the realization that his soul needed to be saved! Only thing that mattered! III. Importunate prayer is _________ __________________. A. Acts 6:2-4—apostles devoted themselves to regular prayer. 1. Took them away from other tasks. Takes time! B. Lk. 6:12—Jesus prayed all night before choosing 12 ____________. 1. What did He pray for all night? Surpassed generalities! IV. Importunate prayer involves ___________ on our part! A. 1 Thess 3:10—note frequency & way prayer made. 1. _________/_________; praying with _____________. B. Col. 4:12—Epaphras—______________ earnestly in prayer. 1. Literally: to strive; _____________; to struggle. V. Case Studies in Importunate Prayer: A. Acts 12:1-19—___________’s escape from Herod. 1. 12:5, 12—constant prayer being offered! Even on night before execution! 2. Note generic in nature—but specifically for Peter & his release! 3. Prayer done by the ________ church –12:5. More power in prayer offered by many! 4. 12:12—Didn’t give up! God’s ___________ are NOT God’s ____________! B. 1 Kings 18:36-46—Elijah’s prayer for ____________ after the Mt. Carmel Victory. 1. Servant went back ________ times to see if rain coming. What if Elijah quit after 5 times? 2. Must pray as Elijah did—because he was a man just like us! C. Genesis 32—______________’s return to Canaan & meeting with ______________. 1. 400 in 32:6 was NOT a welcome party! Note Jacob’s reaction in 32:7 & his prayer in 32:9-12 2. 32:24-32—wrestled with an _________. Desired to obtain a _________ from God! 3. Prayed/wrestled until he got what he ______________. D. Rom. 1:8-10—____________’s desire to go to Rome. 1. Acts 28:16-28—got to Rome—but went in ___________. 2. Be careful what you pray for—you might just get it. Conclusion: A. Sometimes our prayers are not answered because we give up too soon! Be importunate in your prayer! B. How bad do you want to be saved? Willing to give up everything? Share your needs with us!