2. Theme: Persistence of Prayer Demonstrated by Jesus’ prayer life Teaching of parables Illustrated in Luke’s editing of the gospel Persistence in prayer is how we remain faithful as we await the eschatological fulfillment of the gospel
3. Jesus and Prayer Baptism (Luke 3:21) Selection of the Twelve Apostles (Luke 6:12) Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ (Luke 9:18) Transfiguration (Luke 9:29) The Lords Prayer (Luke 11:1-4) Foretelling Peters Denial (Luke 22:32) Prayer in Gethsemane (Luke 22:40-46)
4. Jesus’ Prayer in Gethsemane “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” (Luke 22:42) Prayer of faith Illustrates Jesus’ eschatological thinking God had the first word and will have the last
5. Teaching of Parables The Parable of the Friend at Midnight (Luke 11:5-13) The Parable of the Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8) The Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14)
6. The Parable of the Persistent Widow And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. (18:1) And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. And will not God give justice to his elect who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” (6-8)
7. What we can learn from Luke: Persistence in prayer was needed to open believers to the Spirit, to prepare them for the End of the Age Persistence in prayer was central to Christian community
9. References: Coogan, Michael C. ed. The New Oxford Annotated Bible. Third Edition. New Revised Standard Version. Oxford and New York: Oxford University Press, 2001. Hinson, Glenn. “Persistence in Prayer in Luke-Acts.” Review and Expositor, 104. Fall 2007: 721-736. Penny, Donald. “Persistence in Prayer: Luke 18:1-8.” Review and Expositor, 104. Fall 2007: 737-744.
