Sunday School 29th Jan 2023

 

TOPIC: Plugged-In Knees

MEMORY VERSE: “And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;” – Luke 18:1 (KJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Luke 22:39-46 (KJV)

39 And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.

40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.

41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,

42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,

46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.

LESSON INTRODUCTION: ‘Plunged-in knees’ simply refers to a life of constant prayers. A consistent and persistent prayer life was a regular practice and more of a lifestyle by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This exercise was pressed upon us more frequently by our Saviour. Thus, He encouraged His disciples to be fervent, consistent, and persevere in the place of prayer (Luke 18:1). He even propounded the parable of an unjust judge who was overcome by an unrelenting widow, to do her Justice contrary to his inclination (Luke 18:1-7).

LESSON OUTLINES

THE NEED FOR PERSISTENT PRAYERS

HOW TO PRAY REGULARLY

1. THE NEED FOR PERSISTENT PRAYERS

‘Plunged-in’ is to engage wholeheartedly in a task or to be connected. The need for ceaseless prayers is therefore emphasized in the Bible (1Thessalonians 5:17) for various reasons. Some of these are:

To keep the communication line between God and his children open (Psalm 55:17)

To be filled with the power of the Holy Ghost and be bold (Acts 4:31)

To be guided when there is a need to take a decision (Acts 1:24) or find direction (Genesis 24:12).

For believers in Christ to enjoy the fullness of joy promised them by God all the time (John 16:23-24)

To stand though the days are evil (Ephesians 5:16) and full of sin, error, subtle heretical seducers and sharp persecutions (2Timothy 3:13-14; Matthew 24:12-13).

To stay connected to their parent stock, as a branch and be fruitful (John 15:5-6)

To be able to withstand and confront the forces of darkness that seek to destroy God’s children (Ephesians 6:12-13)

To cast out unclean spirit (Matthew 17:19-21)

For restoration (Judges 16:28) and when agonized (1Samuel 1:10).

To bring the flesh under (Matthew 26:41; 2Corinthians 10:3-5) and always look up unto God (Psalm 5:3).

2. HOW TO PRAY REGULARLY

We pray frequently when we take prayer as a daily task (Psalm 5:3; 55:17). Deliberately pray in the spirit (Ephesians 6:18). Live in the reality that there is a need to pray without ceasing (Mark 14:38). Put God first on any issue by contacting him through prayers (Psalm 37:5). Be actively involved in praying always (Colossians 1:9). Give yourself to prayers (Psalm 109:4). Delight in God when paying (Job 22:26-27). Pray with confidence that God hears and answer will come (1John 5:14-15). Pray everywhere (1Timothy 2:8).

CONCLUSION

Constant prayer is a necessity for a close walk with God.

QUESTION

Why should believers pray?

How can believers pray regularly?