WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:10.140 Once again, good morning. We continue in the series on prayer with a topic today, wrestling 00:00:10.140 --> 00:00:19.480 in prayer. That's prevailing and persistent prayer. So from the Bible, we're to pray without 00:00:19.480 --> 00:00:30.539 season based on the verse 1 Thessalonians 5 verse 17. In Romans 12 verse 12, we're also 00:00:30.539 --> 00:00:36.880 again commanded to persevere in prayer. The text of the verse says, rejoice in hope, be 00:00:36.880 --> 00:00:45.420 patient in suffering, and persevere in prayer. Now one will ask, does this refer to the continual 00:00:45.420 --> 00:00:51.260 acts of prayer itself? Does that mean we're praying from minute to minute, or does it 00:00:51.260 --> 00:00:59.960 refer to the spirit of prayerfulness? Now from Colossians 3 verse 2, we're to set our affections 00:00:59.960 --> 00:01:09.379 on things above and not on things on earth. So linking these two together, I believe they're 00:01:09.379 --> 00:01:16.259 intertwined. So we're supposed to have this spirit of prayerfulness and also pray always. 00:01:17.219 --> 00:01:24.420 Now, what's the subject of our prayers? Are we to pray for ourselves, our families, or are 00:01:24.420 --> 00:01:30.979 we to intercede for others? From Scripture, clearly we're supposed to pray for others. 00:01:30.980 --> 00:01:39.540 Turn into Ephesians 1 verse 15 and 17. This is taken from the, I believe, the modern English 00:01:39.540 --> 00:01:47.859 version. It says, therefore, I also, after hearing of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love 00:01:47.859 --> 00:01:55.180 towards all the saints, do not cease giving thanks for you, mention you in my prayers, so that the God of 00:01:55.180 --> 00:02:01.560 our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the 00:02:01.560 --> 00:02:11.560 knowledge of him. And then again, there's a similar prayer in Colossians 1 verse 9 to 11, where Paul 00:02:11.560 --> 00:02:18.939 says, for this reason, we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you and to ask that 00:02:18.939 --> 00:02:25.159 you may be filled with the knowledge of his will and all wisdom and spiritual understanding, that you 00:02:25.159 --> 00:02:33.180 may walk, that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, pleasing to him, being fruitful in every 00:02:33.180 --> 00:02:39.240 good work and increasing in the knowledge of God, strengthened with all might according to his 00:02:39.240 --> 00:02:48.259 glorious power, enduring everything with perseverance and patience joyfully. This is a certainly a beautiful 00:02:48.259 --> 00:02:53.039 and lovely prayer to pray for all, for all our brothers and sisters in Christ. 00:02:59.859 --> 00:03:05.219 Prayer builds us up into the body of Christ. Through prayer, we're able to know the mind of Christ, 00:03:05.879 --> 00:03:09.099 and also, we're also able to walk in his will. 00:03:09.099 --> 00:03:21.740 From 1 Timothy 2 verse 1, we're also commanded to pray, to lift up our hands, to pray for everyone, 00:03:22.359 --> 00:03:30.180 including authorities, kings, rulers, with supplications and thanksgiving. And this is 00:03:30.180 --> 00:03:33.579 acceptable and good and pleasing in the sight of God. 00:03:33.580 --> 00:03:41.360 Clearly, we can see that we're called not only to pray for our families or ourselves, but we're 00:03:41.360 --> 00:03:50.720 supposed to broaden the horizon to pray for our brethren in church, our church, the universal church, 00:03:50.720 --> 00:04:00.640 and our nations. So we'll go to the next portion of the session today. 00:04:00.639 --> 00:04:05.279 What's Jesus teaching on persistent and prevailing prayer? 00:04:07.099 --> 00:04:13.439 So we'll take our text for this portion is Luke 18, 1 to 8. 00:04:14.539 --> 00:04:17.860 Okay, and I'll take this from the New King James Version. 00:04:30.639 --> 00:04:33.659 So this is the parable of the persistent widow. 00:04:38.099 --> 00:04:39.680 Luke 18, verse 1. 00:04:40.099 --> 00:04:46.360 Then he spake a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, saying, 00:04:47.039 --> 00:04:51.439 There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God, nor regard man. 00:04:51.439 --> 00:04:58.379 Now there was a widow in that city, and she came to him, saying, Get justice for me from my adversary. 00:04:59.860 --> 00:05:07.240 And he would not for a while, but afterward he said within himself, Though I do not fear God, nor regard man, 00:05:07.759 --> 00:05:14.519 yet because this widow troubles me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. 00:05:14.519 --> 00:05:19.799 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge said, 00:05:20.539 --> 00:05:27.979 And shall not God avenge his own elect, who cry out day and night to him, though he bears long with them? 00:05:28.299 --> 00:05:30.659 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. 00:05:31.299 --> 00:05:37.159 Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he really find faith on the earth? 00:05:37.160 --> 00:05:48.080 Though answers to prayer may seem to be delayed, Jesus highlighted the need to pray always and not to lose heart. 00:05:48.660 --> 00:05:56.200 It's easy to lose heart, to become discouraged, when answers to prayer appear to be taken several years, or appear to be delayed. 00:05:57.120 --> 00:05:59.580 Believe me, I've personally been in this place often. 00:06:00.680 --> 00:06:05.379 However, from the text of the scripture, we can see that the widow's prayer was persistent. 00:06:05.379 --> 00:06:10.899 Her request was, Avenge me against my adversary. 00:06:12.360 --> 00:06:15.300 And let's see the promise from God from verse 7. 00:06:16.240 --> 00:06:23.560 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto them, though he bear long with them? 00:06:24.420 --> 00:06:30.180 From this verse, we can see clearly that the struggle in prayer may be long and very hard. 00:06:30.180 --> 00:06:37.860 And in verse 8, there's an interesting question that Jesus poses to his listeners. 00:06:38.319 --> 00:06:43.780 He says, nevertheless, when the Son of Man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? 00:06:43.779 --> 00:06:52.339 Now, Andrew Murray, the 19th century preacher from South Africa, wrote in his book titled, 00:06:52.859 --> 00:06:57.659 The Ministry of Intercession, that there can be no true prayer without faith. 00:06:57.660 --> 00:07:06.740 From the definition of faith given in the Bible, faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen. 00:07:06.740 --> 00:07:12.720 So clearly, when we come to God in prayer, we must exercise faith. 00:07:13.379 --> 00:07:21.360 For without faith, the Bible says that if we come to the Lord Jesus in prayer without faith, 00:07:21.699 --> 00:07:25.840 and we don't believe, we're like one who's tossed on the waves of the sea. 00:07:26.319 --> 00:07:29.900 We do not expect to receive anything from God. 00:07:29.899 --> 00:07:35.620 So, like the widow in the parable, we must be persistent in prayer. 00:07:36.079 --> 00:07:37.560 We must exercise faith. 00:07:38.299 --> 00:07:40.859 No delay in prayer must shake our faith. 00:07:42.000 --> 00:07:47.120 We can clearly see that unbelief is a barrier to prayer, to answered prayer. 00:07:48.399 --> 00:07:53.359 Another barrier to answered prayer, which I like to talk about, is unforgiveness, 00:07:54.259 --> 00:07:56.819 bearing grudges, holding things against people. 00:07:59.899 --> 00:08:03.620 Now, let's see another promise from the word concerning prayer. 00:08:04.239 --> 00:08:08.959 From 1 John 5, verse 14 and 15. 00:08:09.359 --> 00:08:15.879 And this is the confidence we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 00:08:16.560 --> 00:08:23.779 And if we know he hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the positions that we have desired of him. 00:08:23.779 --> 00:08:32.759 So, clearly, once again, we can see that ultimately we must believe and exercise faith in God and his word. 00:08:34.179 --> 00:08:45.019 Now, another of Jesus' teachings on prayer can be found in Luke chapter 11, verse 5 to 11. 00:08:45.019 --> 00:08:51.379 Now, for want of time, I will not read the entire text. 00:08:54.480 --> 00:09:03.000 Clearly, from verse 8, we can see that because of the persistence of the individual in question, 00:09:03.659 --> 00:09:06.500 he got what he wanted. 00:09:06.500 --> 00:09:12.620 Because of his persistence, he will rise and give him as much as he needs. 00:09:13.679 --> 00:09:24.279 So, taking this into our context, we can see that from persistence, God will eventually give us what we need. 00:09:25.740 --> 00:09:30.840 The key phrase here is, yet, because of his persistence, importunity. 00:09:30.840 --> 00:09:39.980 So, clearly, once we are praying and we see that answers may be denied, 00:09:40.180 --> 00:09:42.000 that doesn't mean we should give up. 00:09:42.399 --> 00:09:44.600 We are mandated to continue praying. 00:09:47.960 --> 00:09:52.460 Now, there is the place of fasting in prayer. 00:09:53.100 --> 00:09:59.040 Fasting is very important, and this has been touched upon during one of the earlier sessions. 00:09:59.039 --> 00:10:04.000 Jesus' life on earth demonstrated the importance of fasting with prayer. 00:10:05.919 --> 00:10:13.959 Now, there was a situation where Jesus' disciples could not cast out a demon. 00:10:14.579 --> 00:10:20.120 They could not heal one of the individuals with epilepsy. 00:10:20.599 --> 00:10:22.139 What did Jesus say here? 00:10:22.139 --> 00:10:28.960 So, going to Mark chapter 9, verse 19 and 29, you can see what Jesus, 00:10:29.639 --> 00:10:34.080 how Jesus highlighted the importance of fasting. 00:10:34.559 --> 00:10:36.100 I'll just read the text briefly. 00:10:38.620 --> 00:10:41.279 So, in Mark chapter 9, verse 19, 00:10:42.419 --> 00:10:45.120 Jesus said, 00:10:45.120 --> 00:10:46.899 So, this is the context. 00:10:46.899 --> 00:10:50.279 The disciples had come to Jesus and asked him, 00:10:50.419 --> 00:10:53.259 why couldn't we drive out this spirit? 00:10:53.679 --> 00:10:55.340 And this was Jesus' answer to them. 00:10:55.980 --> 00:10:57.000 He answered and said, 00:10:57.759 --> 00:10:59.500 O faithless generation, 00:11:00.200 --> 00:11:01.759 how long shall I be with you? 00:11:01.980 --> 00:11:03.279 How long shall I bear with you? 00:11:03.700 --> 00:11:04.600 Bring him to me. 00:11:05.100 --> 00:11:09.279 You can see also from this text that he also spoke about faith. 00:11:09.860 --> 00:11:13.620 He perceived the faithlessness of his disciples. 00:11:13.620 --> 00:11:17.700 So, skipping to verse 29, 00:11:18.179 --> 00:11:22.659 this is Jesus' answer to them after he had driven the demon out. 00:11:22.980 --> 00:11:23.779 So, he said to them, 00:11:24.399 --> 00:11:29.500 This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting. 00:11:33.279 --> 00:11:36.379 So, the words of Jesus on this matter, 00:11:37.159 --> 00:11:40.379 This kind cannot come out except by prayer and fasting. 00:11:40.379 --> 00:11:45.840 Clearly, clearly speaks to us in the sense that 00:11:45.840 --> 00:11:47.659 there are some times when we pray, 00:11:48.000 --> 00:11:51.919 when we are called to exercise faith and fasting 00:11:51.919 --> 00:11:55.139 in order to obtain our answers. 00:11:56.919 --> 00:11:59.960 From Scripture, the Old Testament saints fasted. 00:11:59.960 --> 00:12:04.920 In the lives of Daniel, David, Nehemiah, Esther, 00:12:05.080 --> 00:12:08.040 clearly we can see that they fasted at some point. 00:12:11.139 --> 00:12:14.940 Even when we don't see clear answers to problems 00:12:14.940 --> 00:12:19.320 or situations that have persisted over years and generations, 00:12:19.320 --> 00:12:23.280 we must pray and never give up. 00:12:28.280 --> 00:12:33.920 So, we'll go to the third and final portion of the session today. 00:12:34.460 --> 00:12:36.320 That's intercessory prayer. 00:12:36.320 --> 00:12:40.540 So, we're called to stand in the gap 00:12:40.540 --> 00:12:43.060 to intercede on behalf of brethren 00:12:43.060 --> 00:12:45.240 as outlined. 00:12:47.540 --> 00:12:49.640 And I'll take the text for, 00:12:49.840 --> 00:12:53.820 the opening text from Isaiah 59, verse 16. 00:12:53.820 --> 00:13:11.400 Okay. 00:13:12.560 --> 00:13:15.260 He saw that there was no man 00:13:15.260 --> 00:13:17.600 and wondered that there was no intercessor. 00:13:18.460 --> 00:13:20.760 Therefore, his own arm brought salvation 00:13:20.759 --> 00:13:23.639 and his own righteousness. 00:13:24.100 --> 00:13:25.419 It sustained him. 00:13:26.419 --> 00:13:28.779 So, the previous verses in this chapter 00:13:28.779 --> 00:13:32.600 had highlighted the abundance of evil 00:13:32.600 --> 00:13:34.100 in Isaiah's day. 00:13:34.460 --> 00:13:35.519 There was no justice. 00:13:38.120 --> 00:13:40.600 Further verses show a description of God 00:13:40.600 --> 00:13:42.100 clothed in his wrath 00:13:42.100 --> 00:13:44.179 with the armor of God. 00:13:44.840 --> 00:13:47.460 The Lord was astonished that there was no intercessor. 00:13:47.460 --> 00:13:51.740 There was no one ready to plead on behalf of the nation. 00:13:55.379 --> 00:13:57.740 Again, the prophet Ezekiel 00:13:57.740 --> 00:14:02.379 also spoke about intercession. 00:14:03.639 --> 00:14:06.100 In Ezekiel 22, verse 30, 00:14:06.519 --> 00:14:11.840 this is what the Lord said. 00:14:11.840 --> 00:14:13.759 I sought for a man among them 00:14:13.759 --> 00:14:15.259 who would build up the hedge 00:14:15.259 --> 00:14:17.460 and stand in the gap before me 00:14:17.460 --> 00:14:18.800 for the land 00:14:18.800 --> 00:14:20.600 so that I would not destroy it. 00:14:21.060 --> 00:14:22.399 But I found none. 00:14:25.399 --> 00:14:27.759 Now, from Job 1, verse 10, 00:14:28.180 --> 00:14:30.820 we can clearly see that the hedge 00:14:30.820 --> 00:14:33.200 that Ezekiel refers to 00:14:33.200 --> 00:14:34.320 refers to spiritual, 00:14:34.660 --> 00:14:36.379 divine spiritual protection, 00:14:36.379 --> 00:14:39.639 where the devil, 00:14:40.080 --> 00:14:42.320 when he went before the Lord, 00:14:42.840 --> 00:14:43.220 said, 00:14:43.600 --> 00:14:45.419 have you not put a hedge around him? 00:14:45.740 --> 00:14:46.279 So, clearly, 00:14:46.519 --> 00:14:48.240 Satan could see the divine 00:14:48.240 --> 00:14:50.399 spiritual protection 00:14:50.399 --> 00:14:52.039 around Job and his family. 00:14:54.200 --> 00:14:56.200 Again, Ezekiel talks about the hedge 00:14:56.200 --> 00:14:57.679 in Ezekiel 13, 00:14:58.100 --> 00:14:59.480 verse 4 and 5. 00:15:01.799 --> 00:15:02.620 It says, 00:15:02.620 --> 00:15:03.580 O Israel, 00:15:03.940 --> 00:15:05.620 you prophets are like foxes 00:15:05.620 --> 00:15:06.299 in the ruins. 00:15:06.700 --> 00:15:07.820 You have not gone up 00:15:07.820 --> 00:15:08.659 into the gaps, 00:15:09.039 --> 00:15:10.840 nor did you build up the hedge 00:15:10.840 --> 00:15:12.600 for the house of Israel 00:15:12.600 --> 00:15:13.679 to stand in battle 00:15:13.679 --> 00:15:14.779 on the day of the law. 00:15:15.740 --> 00:15:17.820 So, what does intercessory prayer do? 00:15:17.940 --> 00:15:19.060 It builds up the hedge 00:15:19.060 --> 00:15:21.679 and it fills the gaps 00:15:21.679 --> 00:15:22.399 in the war. 00:15:24.340 --> 00:15:26.399 It's necessary for parents, 00:15:27.539 --> 00:15:29.620 for siblings, 00:15:30.419 --> 00:15:31.480 to stand in the gap 00:15:31.480 --> 00:15:32.519 for their families 00:15:32.519 --> 00:15:36.199 and for our communities 00:15:36.199 --> 00:15:37.759 and our nation 00:15:37.759 --> 00:15:39.460 to build the hedge 00:15:39.460 --> 00:15:41.679 and to stand in the gap. 00:15:41.799 --> 00:15:42.939 We must wrestle in prayer 00:15:42.939 --> 00:15:44.480 for our families, 00:15:44.759 --> 00:15:45.699 for our children, 00:15:46.179 --> 00:15:47.279 for we are involved 00:15:47.279 --> 00:15:47.919 in a daily, 00:15:48.240 --> 00:15:49.620 ongoing spiritual battle 00:15:49.620 --> 00:15:51.799 and we do not wrestle 00:15:51.799 --> 00:15:53.299 against flesh and blood. 00:15:56.179 --> 00:15:57.079 Spiritual warfare 00:15:57.079 --> 00:15:58.899 is an extensive area 00:15:58.899 --> 00:15:59.779 and it's probably 00:15:59.779 --> 00:16:00.860 beyond the scope 00:16:00.860 --> 00:16:01.559 of our session, 00:16:01.559 --> 00:16:03.639 but I'll just touch 00:16:03.639 --> 00:16:04.739 on some highlights 00:16:04.739 --> 00:16:05.899 from spiritual warfare. 00:16:06.959 --> 00:16:08.159 Now, what does 00:16:08.159 --> 00:16:10.319 Paul say we wrestle against? 00:16:10.679 --> 00:16:11.519 He says we wrestle 00:16:11.519 --> 00:16:12.719 against principalities, 00:16:13.419 --> 00:16:13.779 powers, 00:16:13.959 --> 00:16:14.719 rulers of darkness 00:16:14.719 --> 00:16:15.500 of this world, 00:16:15.719 --> 00:16:16.879 against spiritual forces 00:16:16.879 --> 00:16:17.500 of evil 00:16:17.500 --> 00:16:18.979 in heavenly places. 00:16:18.980 --> 00:16:19.980 this conflict. 00:16:19.980 --> 00:16:20.800 This conflict involves 00:16:20.800 --> 00:16:21.700 every believer 00:16:21.700 --> 00:16:23.300 bought by the blood 00:16:23.300 --> 00:16:25.420 of the Lord Jesus. 00:16:26.220 --> 00:16:27.220 There are sometimes 00:16:27.220 --> 00:16:28.039 some problems 00:16:28.039 --> 00:16:28.720 and challenges 00:16:28.720 --> 00:16:29.480 that are purely 00:16:29.480 --> 00:16:30.680 not physical 00:16:30.680 --> 00:16:31.940 and to seek 00:16:31.940 --> 00:16:34.100 a physical solution 00:16:34.100 --> 00:16:35.659 to these problems 00:16:35.659 --> 00:16:38.100 will not lead 00:16:38.100 --> 00:16:39.100 to any success. 00:16:39.100 --> 00:16:40.860 we may have tried 00:16:40.860 --> 00:16:42.560 many several approaches 00:16:42.560 --> 00:16:43.060 and looked 00:16:43.060 --> 00:16:44.320 for various solutions. 00:16:45.399 --> 00:16:45.639 However, 00:16:45.700 --> 00:16:46.540 from scripture, 00:16:46.920 --> 00:16:47.580 we're exhorted 00:16:47.580 --> 00:16:48.139 to take up 00:16:48.139 --> 00:16:49.120 the armor of God 00:16:49.120 --> 00:16:50.420 with prayer. 00:16:50.899 --> 00:16:52.139 From Ephesians 6, 00:16:52.240 --> 00:16:53.379 verse 18, 00:16:53.779 --> 00:16:54.920 we must pray 00:16:54.920 --> 00:16:55.460 in the spirit 00:16:55.460 --> 00:16:56.840 always with all kinds 00:16:56.840 --> 00:16:57.220 of prayer 00:16:57.220 --> 00:16:58.120 and supplication. 00:16:58.120 --> 00:16:59.820 and we're commanded 00:16:59.820 --> 00:17:00.919 also to be alert 00:17:00.919 --> 00:17:02.399 with all perseverance 00:17:02.399 --> 00:17:03.460 and supplication 00:17:03.460 --> 00:17:04.619 for all the saints. 00:17:05.099 --> 00:17:05.420 So, 00:17:06.319 --> 00:17:07.480 we're supposed to pray 00:17:07.480 --> 00:17:08.660 for ourselves, 00:17:08.799 --> 00:17:09.400 our families, 00:17:09.680 --> 00:17:10.880 but then we're also called 00:17:10.880 --> 00:17:12.400 to pray for each other. 00:17:13.220 --> 00:17:13.720 Practically, 00:17:13.819 --> 00:17:14.519 how do we do this? 00:17:15.039 --> 00:17:16.119 We're supposed to pray 00:17:16.119 --> 00:17:18.140 for the brother 00:17:18.140 --> 00:17:18.619 and sister 00:17:18.619 --> 00:17:19.880 sitting next to us 00:17:19.880 --> 00:17:21.099 at all times. 00:17:23.720 --> 00:17:24.240 Now, 00:17:24.700 --> 00:17:25.400 I'll talk about 00:17:25.400 --> 00:17:27.720 two examples briefly 00:17:27.720 --> 00:17:28.880 in want of time 00:17:28.880 --> 00:17:31.059 highlighting the conflict. 00:17:31.319 --> 00:17:33.079 In Daniel chapter 10, 00:17:33.339 --> 00:17:34.299 we can see where 00:17:34.299 --> 00:17:36.039 Daniel was fasting 00:17:36.039 --> 00:17:36.680 and praying 00:17:36.680 --> 00:17:38.799 to learn more 00:17:38.799 --> 00:17:39.299 about 00:17:39.299 --> 00:17:40.860 God's plan 00:17:40.860 --> 00:17:41.960 for Israel. 00:17:43.100 --> 00:17:43.400 Now, 00:17:43.519 --> 00:17:44.039 let's see what 00:17:44.039 --> 00:17:45.180 the angel told him 00:17:45.180 --> 00:17:46.839 in chapter 3 00:17:46.839 --> 00:17:47.140 that 00:17:47.140 --> 00:17:48.980 your words were heard 00:17:48.980 --> 00:17:50.079 from the first day 00:17:50.079 --> 00:17:51.960 you started to pray. 00:17:52.759 --> 00:17:53.240 However, 00:17:53.400 --> 00:17:54.360 Daniel did not receive 00:17:54.360 --> 00:17:54.880 the answer 00:17:54.880 --> 00:17:56.579 until after 21 days. 00:17:56.579 --> 00:17:57.919 Why didn't Daniel 00:17:57.919 --> 00:17:58.779 receive the answer? 00:18:00.139 --> 00:18:01.279 The angel prince 00:18:01.279 --> 00:18:02.419 of the Persian kingdom 00:18:02.419 --> 00:18:05.220 resisted the angel 00:18:05.220 --> 00:18:07.039 who was sent 00:18:07.039 --> 00:18:07.659 with the message 00:18:07.659 --> 00:18:08.359 to Daniel 00:18:08.359 --> 00:18:09.579 for 21 days. 00:18:11.240 --> 00:18:11.919 So, 00:18:12.000 --> 00:18:12.599 this clearly 00:18:12.599 --> 00:18:13.980 demonstrates 00:18:13.980 --> 00:18:17.299 that there was 00:18:17.299 --> 00:18:18.639 spiritual warfare 00:18:18.639 --> 00:18:19.220 ongoing. 00:18:19.220 --> 00:18:20.720 however, 00:18:20.860 --> 00:18:21.640 Daniel persisted 00:18:21.640 --> 00:18:22.120 in prayer 00:18:22.120 --> 00:18:22.839 and fasted 00:18:22.839 --> 00:18:23.860 for 21 days 00:18:23.860 --> 00:18:24.860 and eventually 00:18:24.860 --> 00:18:26.059 received a revelation 00:18:26.059 --> 00:18:28.200 concerning God's people. 00:18:30.039 --> 00:18:31.220 This shows 00:18:31.220 --> 00:18:31.620 the need 00:18:31.620 --> 00:18:32.299 for persistence 00:18:32.299 --> 00:18:32.880 in prayer. 00:18:34.500 --> 00:18:35.400 And again, 00:18:36.339 --> 00:18:37.460 in 2nd Kings 00:18:37.460 --> 00:18:39.299 chapter 6, 00:18:40.339 --> 00:18:40.920 the king 00:18:40.920 --> 00:18:41.519 of Syria 00:18:41.519 --> 00:18:43.500 was hunting 00:18:43.500 --> 00:18:44.600 down Elisha 00:18:44.600 --> 00:18:45.220 and eventually 00:18:45.220 --> 00:18:46.079 surrounded him 00:18:46.079 --> 00:18:46.819 around the city 00:18:46.819 --> 00:18:47.460 of Dothan. 00:18:48.619 --> 00:18:48.819 Now, 00:18:48.919 --> 00:18:49.799 Elijah's servants, 00:18:49.960 --> 00:18:50.960 all Elijah's servants 00:18:50.960 --> 00:18:51.439 could see 00:18:51.439 --> 00:18:54.359 was the Syrian troops 00:18:54.359 --> 00:18:55.480 that were surrounding 00:18:55.480 --> 00:18:56.720 the city. 00:18:57.919 --> 00:18:58.159 However, 00:18:58.379 --> 00:18:59.000 Elisha 00:18:59.000 --> 00:19:00.480 was, 00:19:02.159 --> 00:19:03.159 Elisha's eyes 00:19:03.159 --> 00:19:04.279 were opened 00:19:04.279 --> 00:19:05.200 to the spiritual 00:19:05.200 --> 00:19:05.919 conflict 00:19:05.919 --> 00:19:07.099 ongoing 00:19:07.099 --> 00:19:08.059 around him. 00:19:08.059 --> 00:19:10.119 and he prayed 00:19:10.119 --> 00:19:10.579 that 00:19:10.579 --> 00:19:12.099 his servants' 00:19:12.279 --> 00:19:12.639 eyes 00:19:12.639 --> 00:19:13.519 would be opened 00:19:13.519 --> 00:19:14.019 and God 00:19:14.019 --> 00:19:14.639 opened the 00:19:14.639 --> 00:19:15.399 servants' 00:19:15.579 --> 00:19:15.759 eyes 00:19:15.759 --> 00:19:16.419 to see 00:19:16.419 --> 00:19:17.059 the chariots 00:19:17.059 --> 00:19:17.639 of fires 00:19:17.639 --> 00:19:18.759 and angelic 00:19:18.759 --> 00:19:19.159 warriors 00:19:19.159 --> 00:19:19.940 that were 00:19:19.940 --> 00:19:20.359 surrounding 00:19:20.359 --> 00:19:21.039 Elisha. 00:19:26.779 --> 00:19:27.799 I'll also 00:19:27.799 --> 00:19:28.299 mention 00:19:28.299 --> 00:19:29.319 two Old Testament 00:19:29.319 --> 00:19:29.779 heroes 00:19:29.779 --> 00:19:30.379 whose lives 00:19:30.379 --> 00:19:31.039 demonstrated 00:19:31.039 --> 00:19:31.639 powerful 00:19:31.639 --> 00:19:32.240 prevailing 00:19:32.240 --> 00:19:32.619 prayer. 00:19:33.359 --> 00:19:33.700 There are 00:19:33.700 --> 00:19:34.119 numerous 00:19:34.119 --> 00:19:34.659 examples 00:19:34.659 --> 00:19:35.379 in Scripture. 00:19:35.599 --> 00:19:35.919 However, 00:19:35.920 --> 00:19:36.980 I'll delve 00:19:36.980 --> 00:19:37.380 into the 00:19:37.380 --> 00:19:37.600 lives 00:19:37.600 --> 00:19:37.800 of 00:19:37.800 --> 00:19:38.300 Elijah 00:19:38.300 --> 00:19:38.580 and 00:19:38.580 --> 00:19:39.220 Nehemiah. 00:19:42.300 --> 00:19:43.080 One of the 00:19:43.080 --> 00:19:43.620 key verses 00:19:43.620 --> 00:19:44.259 in the life 00:19:44.259 --> 00:19:44.960 of Elijah 00:19:44.960 --> 00:19:46.680 is 00:19:46.680 --> 00:19:48.220 James 5 00:19:48.220 --> 00:19:50.440 16-18 00:19:50.440 --> 00:19:50.860 where it 00:19:50.860 --> 00:19:51.560 demonstrates 00:19:51.560 --> 00:19:53.720 Elijah's 00:19:53.720 --> 00:19:54.200 persistence 00:19:54.200 --> 00:19:55.140 prayer. 00:19:55.300 --> 00:19:55.720 This is one 00:19:55.720 --> 00:19:56.000 of my 00:19:56.000 --> 00:19:56.660 favorite verses 00:19:56.660 --> 00:19:57.380 in the Bible. 00:19:59.880 --> 00:20:00.720 The text 00:20:00.720 --> 00:20:01.100 reads, 00:20:01.519 --> 00:20:01.980 The effective 00:20:01.980 --> 00:20:02.519 fervent 00:20:02.519 --> 00:20:03.100 prayer of a 00:20:03.100 --> 00:20:03.800 righteous man 00:20:03.800 --> 00:20:04.779 availeth much. 00:20:05.920 --> 00:20:06.539 Elijah was 00:20:06.539 --> 00:20:07.140 a man 00:20:07.140 --> 00:20:07.800 subject to 00:20:07.800 --> 00:20:08.500 like passions 00:20:08.500 --> 00:20:09.000 as we 00:20:09.000 --> 00:20:09.220 are, 00:20:09.700 --> 00:20:10.060 and he 00:20:10.060 --> 00:20:10.340 prayed 00:20:10.340 --> 00:20:10.820 earnestly 00:20:10.820 --> 00:20:11.300 that it 00:20:11.300 --> 00:20:11.680 might not 00:20:11.680 --> 00:20:11.980 rain, 00:20:12.380 --> 00:20:12.759 and it 00:20:12.759 --> 00:20:13.300 rained not 00:20:13.300 --> 00:20:13.660 on the 00:20:13.660 --> 00:20:14.100 earth by 00:20:14.100 --> 00:20:14.600 the space 00:20:14.600 --> 00:20:15.060 of three 00:20:15.060 --> 00:20:15.500 years and 00:20:15.500 --> 00:20:16.100 six months. 00:20:16.480 --> 00:20:16.960 And he 00:20:16.960 --> 00:20:17.660 prayed again, 00:20:18.019 --> 00:20:18.440 and the 00:20:18.440 --> 00:20:18.960 heaven gave 00:20:18.960 --> 00:20:19.240 rain, 00:20:20.160 --> 00:20:20.600 and the 00:20:20.600 --> 00:20:21.360 earth brought 00:20:21.360 --> 00:20:22.220 forth her 00:20:22.220 --> 00:20:22.700 fruit. 00:20:24.320 --> 00:20:24.880 However, 00:20:25.039 --> 00:20:25.400 note that 00:20:25.400 --> 00:20:26.440 in 1 Kings 00:20:26.440 --> 00:20:27.880 chapter 18, 00:20:28.360 --> 00:20:28.860 it required 00:20:28.860 --> 00:20:29.560 one prayer 00:20:29.560 --> 00:20:31.820 from Elijah 00:20:31.820 --> 00:20:32.360 for fire 00:20:32.360 --> 00:20:33.240 to consume 00:20:33.240 --> 00:20:34.759 the sacrifice. 00:20:34.759 --> 00:20:36.420 However, 00:20:37.099 --> 00:20:37.559 he sent 00:20:37.559 --> 00:20:38.119 his servant 00:20:38.119 --> 00:20:38.619 to look 00:20:38.619 --> 00:20:39.299 towards the 00:20:39.299 --> 00:20:40.079 sea a 00:20:40.079 --> 00:20:40.619 total of 00:20:40.619 --> 00:20:41.539 seven times. 00:20:42.279 --> 00:20:42.779 During this 00:20:42.779 --> 00:20:43.000 time, 00:20:43.059 --> 00:20:43.339 the Bible 00:20:43.339 --> 00:20:43.859 tells us 00:20:43.859 --> 00:20:44.119 that he 00:20:44.119 --> 00:20:44.799 cast himself 00:20:44.799 --> 00:20:45.279 down on 00:20:45.279 --> 00:20:45.799 the ground 00:20:45.799 --> 00:20:46.859 and put 00:20:46.859 --> 00:20:47.299 his face 00:20:47.299 --> 00:20:48.039 between his 00:20:48.039 --> 00:20:48.400 knees. 00:20:49.119 --> 00:20:49.519 This is 00:20:49.519 --> 00:20:49.859 certainly 00:20:49.859 --> 00:20:50.480 the push 00:20:50.480 --> 00:20:51.000 of prayer 00:20:51.000 --> 00:20:52.119 before the 00:20:52.119 --> 00:20:52.720 living God. 00:20:54.359 --> 00:20:54.879 Now, 00:20:54.940 --> 00:20:55.259 let's see 00:20:55.259 --> 00:20:55.640 that it 00:20:55.640 --> 00:20:56.079 was only 00:20:56.079 --> 00:20:56.640 after the 00:20:56.640 --> 00:20:57.539 seventh time 00:20:57.539 --> 00:20:58.599 that his 00:20:58.599 --> 00:20:58.920 servant 00:20:58.920 --> 00:20:59.359 came to 00:20:59.359 --> 00:20:59.680 him and 00:20:59.680 --> 00:20:59.920 said, 00:21:00.379 --> 00:21:00.740 Behold, 00:21:00.900 --> 00:21:01.519 there arises 00:21:01.519 --> 00:21:02.079 a little 00:21:02.079 --> 00:21:02.740 cloud out 00:21:02.740 --> 00:21:03.279 of the sea 00:21:03.279 --> 00:21:03.700 like a 00:21:03.700 --> 00:21:04.000 man's 00:21:04.000 --> 00:21:04.339 hand. 00:21:04.759 --> 00:21:05.500 This 00:21:05.500 --> 00:21:05.819 later 00:21:05.819 --> 00:21:06.339 developed 00:21:06.339 --> 00:21:06.579 into 00:21:06.579 --> 00:21:06.960 black 00:21:06.960 --> 00:21:07.339 storm 00:21:07.339 --> 00:21:07.839 clouds 00:21:07.839 --> 00:21:08.379 and 00:21:08.379 --> 00:21:08.799 wind 00:21:08.799 --> 00:21:09.420 leading 00:21:09.420 --> 00:21:09.680 to 00:21:09.680 --> 00:21:10.039 rain. 00:21:10.859 --> 00:21:11.140 We see 00:21:11.140 --> 00:21:11.700 that Elijah 00:21:11.700 --> 00:21:12.559 was persistent 00:21:12.559 --> 00:21:13.220 and fervent 00:21:13.220 --> 00:21:13.640 in prayer. 00:21:14.400 --> 00:21:14.799 He simply 00:21:14.799 --> 00:21:15.180 did not 00:21:15.180 --> 00:21:15.579 give up 00:21:15.579 --> 00:21:16.160 after the 00:21:16.160 --> 00:21:17.099 third or 00:21:17.099 --> 00:21:17.819 fourth time. 00:21:21.359 --> 00:21:21.960 Nehemiah 00:21:21.960 --> 00:21:22.440 was also 00:21:22.440 --> 00:21:22.799 a man 00:21:22.799 --> 00:21:23.339 of prayer 00:21:23.339 --> 00:21:24.059 and action. 00:21:25.099 --> 00:21:25.720 On hearing 00:21:25.720 --> 00:21:26.379 of the sad 00:21:26.379 --> 00:21:26.980 and desperate 00:21:26.980 --> 00:21:27.980 state of 00:21:27.980 --> 00:21:28.579 the remnant 00:21:28.579 --> 00:21:30.519 and the 00:21:30.519 --> 00:21:30.900 state of 00:21:30.900 --> 00:21:31.400 Jerusalem, 00:21:31.619 --> 00:21:32.079 he wept, 00:21:32.359 --> 00:21:32.579 mourned, 00:21:32.579 --> 00:21:33.339 and fasted 00:21:33.339 --> 00:21:33.819 for several 00:21:33.819 --> 00:21:34.480 days and 00:21:34.480 --> 00:21:35.179 interceded 00:21:35.179 --> 00:21:35.839 for the 00:21:35.839 --> 00:21:36.460 people of 00:21:36.460 --> 00:21:37.199 Israel in 00:21:37.199 --> 00:21:37.720 Nehemiah 00:21:37.720 --> 00:21:38.319 chapter 1. 00:21:39.559 --> 00:21:40.199 At the 00:21:40.199 --> 00:21:40.639 end of the 00:21:40.639 --> 00:21:40.939 chapter, 00:21:41.500 --> 00:21:41.939 he asked 00:21:41.939 --> 00:21:42.539 for favor 00:21:42.539 --> 00:21:43.259 in the 00:21:43.259 --> 00:21:43.639 sight of 00:21:43.639 --> 00:21:43.980 the king. 00:21:44.839 --> 00:21:45.359 In 00:21:45.359 --> 00:21:45.919 chapter 2, 00:21:46.019 --> 00:21:46.419 we see 00:21:46.419 --> 00:21:47.599 him standing 00:21:47.599 --> 00:21:48.220 before the 00:21:48.220 --> 00:21:48.480 king, 00:21:49.279 --> 00:21:50.319 the king 00:21:50.319 --> 00:21:51.079 noticing his 00:21:51.079 --> 00:21:52.179 sad appearance 00:21:52.179 --> 00:21:54.619 and realizing 00:21:54.619 --> 00:21:55.419 that there 00:21:55.419 --> 00:21:56.000 was something 00:21:56.000 --> 00:21:57.179 going on in 00:21:57.179 --> 00:21:57.519 the heart 00:21:57.519 --> 00:21:58.279 of Nehemiah. 00:21:58.279 --> 00:22:00.339 what do 00:22:00.339 --> 00:22:00.660 we see 00:22:00.660 --> 00:22:01.180 Nehemiah 00:22:01.180 --> 00:22:01.440 doing? 00:22:01.559 --> 00:22:01.839 We see 00:22:01.839 --> 00:22:02.519 him praying 00:22:02.519 --> 00:22:03.579 to God 00:22:03.579 --> 00:22:05.059 whilst in 00:22:05.059 --> 00:22:05.480 the presence 00:22:05.480 --> 00:22:05.799 of the 00:22:05.799 --> 00:22:05.960 king, 00:22:06.019 --> 00:22:06.319 when he 00:22:06.319 --> 00:22:06.879 was asked 00:22:06.879 --> 00:22:08.059 about his 00:22:08.059 --> 00:22:08.460 personal 00:22:08.460 --> 00:22:09.000 request. 00:22:09.980 --> 00:22:10.660 We then 00:22:10.660 --> 00:22:11.039 see the 00:22:11.039 --> 00:22:11.559 mighty hand 00:22:11.559 --> 00:22:11.879 of God 00:22:11.879 --> 00:22:12.319 immediately 00:22:12.319 --> 00:22:12.899 at work. 00:22:14.139 --> 00:22:14.480 For think 00:22:14.480 --> 00:22:14.879 about it, 00:22:14.899 --> 00:22:15.440 which cup 00:22:15.440 --> 00:22:15.940 bearer 00:22:15.940 --> 00:22:16.460 would stand 00:22:16.460 --> 00:22:17.099 before a 00:22:17.099 --> 00:22:18.379 king and 00:22:18.379 --> 00:22:19.039 be elevated 00:22:19.039 --> 00:22:19.500 to a 00:22:19.500 --> 00:22:20.079 governorship 00:22:20.079 --> 00:22:21.519 if not 00:22:21.519 --> 00:22:24.099 for the 00:22:24.099 --> 00:22:24.980 mighty power 00:22:24.980 --> 00:22:25.440 of God 00:22:25.440 --> 00:22:26.220 which accompanied 00:22:26.220 --> 00:22:26.920 his prayer? 00:22:28.279 --> 00:22:29.200 In 00:22:29.200 --> 00:22:29.899 later chapters, 00:22:30.039 --> 00:22:30.279 you see 00:22:30.279 --> 00:22:31.559 that Nehemiah 00:22:31.559 --> 00:22:32.099 encountered 00:22:32.099 --> 00:22:32.599 intense 00:22:32.599 --> 00:22:33.099 opposition 00:22:33.099 --> 00:22:33.599 from his 00:22:33.599 --> 00:22:34.039 enemies 00:22:34.039 --> 00:22:35.879 when building 00:22:35.879 --> 00:22:36.359 the wall. 00:22:37.220 --> 00:22:37.579 In 00:22:37.579 --> 00:22:38.279 chapter 4, 00:22:39.119 --> 00:22:40.420 verses 1 00:22:40.420 --> 00:22:40.960 to 5, 00:22:41.480 --> 00:22:42.259 we see 00:22:42.259 --> 00:22:42.839 the fiery 00:22:42.839 --> 00:22:43.359 darts of 00:22:43.359 --> 00:22:43.819 the enemy 00:22:43.819 --> 00:22:44.399 which were 00:22:44.399 --> 00:22:45.079 held by 00:22:45.079 --> 00:22:46.019 Sanbalat 00:22:46.019 --> 00:22:46.899 and Tobias. 00:22:48.119 --> 00:22:49.000 What was 00:22:49.000 --> 00:22:49.660 Nehemiah's 00:22:49.660 --> 00:22:50.240 response? 00:22:51.119 --> 00:22:51.859 Was it 00:22:51.859 --> 00:22:52.399 to engage 00:22:52.399 --> 00:22:52.920 in a verbal 00:22:52.920 --> 00:22:53.379 slanging 00:22:53.379 --> 00:22:54.660 match or 00:22:54.660 --> 00:22:55.039 physical 00:22:55.039 --> 00:22:55.639 conflict? 00:22:56.700 --> 00:22:57.339 No. 00:22:57.339 --> 00:22:58.359 He prayed 00:22:58.359 --> 00:22:58.779 to God 00:22:58.779 --> 00:22:59.220 in verse 00:22:59.220 --> 00:22:59.759 4 and 00:22:59.759 --> 00:23:00.399 was heard. 00:23:01.459 --> 00:23:01.699 In 00:23:01.699 --> 00:23:03.199 chapter 15, 00:23:03.199 --> 00:23:04.359 verse 15, 00:23:05.000 --> 00:23:05.480 we can see 00:23:05.480 --> 00:23:05.980 that God 00:23:05.980 --> 00:23:06.519 brought their 00:23:06.519 --> 00:23:07.299 counsel to 00:23:07.299 --> 00:23:07.639 naught. 00:23:09.599 --> 00:23:10.039 We can 00:23:10.039 --> 00:23:10.559 see that 00:23:10.559 --> 00:23:15.019 he prayed 00:23:15.019 --> 00:23:15.419 to God 00:23:15.419 --> 00:23:16.119 for strength 00:23:16.119 --> 00:23:17.279 for the 00:23:17.279 --> 00:23:17.699 work in 00:23:17.699 --> 00:23:19.599 chapters 6 00:23:19.599 --> 00:23:20.459 verse 9. 00:23:22.539 --> 00:23:23.220 Jesus 00:23:23.220 --> 00:23:24.980 commands us 00:23:24.980 --> 00:23:25.480 on several 00:23:25.480 --> 00:23:26.279 occasions to 00:23:26.279 --> 00:23:27.240 watch and 00:23:27.240 --> 00:23:27.639 to pray 00:23:27.639 --> 00:23:28.379 always. 00:23:29.579 --> 00:23:30.420 Paul also 00:23:30.420 --> 00:23:31.079 exhorts us 00:23:31.079 --> 00:23:31.660 in Colossians 00:23:31.660 --> 00:23:32.460 4 verse 2 00:23:32.460 --> 00:23:33.039 to continue 00:23:33.039 --> 00:23:33.539 in prayer 00:23:33.539 --> 00:23:34.759 and watch 00:23:34.759 --> 00:23:35.220 in the same 00:23:35.220 --> 00:23:36.039 with thanksgiving. 00:23:37.399 --> 00:23:37.920 Thus, 00:23:38.000 --> 00:23:38.579 we must be 00:23:38.579 --> 00:23:39.180 persistent 00:23:39.180 --> 00:23:39.960 and prevail 00:23:39.960 --> 00:23:40.599 in prayer. 00:23:42.119 --> 00:23:42.680 Again, 00:23:42.779 --> 00:23:43.079 we must 00:23:43.079 --> 00:23:43.680 intercede for 00:23:43.680 --> 00:23:44.460 our families, 00:23:44.720 --> 00:23:45.359 our brethren, 00:23:46.279 --> 00:23:46.879 the church, 00:23:47.639 --> 00:23:48.399 our nation, 00:23:48.660 --> 00:23:49.180 and the 00:23:49.180 --> 00:23:49.480 world. 00:23:49.480 --> 00:23:49.579 Amen. 00:23:52.059 --> 00:23:52.660 Let's 00:23:52.660 --> 00:23:52.940 pray. 00:23:52.940 --> 00:23:53.019 Amen. 00:23:53.019 --> 00:23:53.039 Amen. 00:23:53.039 --> 00:23:53.099 Amen. 00:23:53.099 --> 00:23:53.119 Amen. 00:23:53.119 --> 00:23:53.139 Amen. 00:23:53.139 --> 00:23:53.220 Amen. 00:23:53.220 --> 00:23:53.240 Amen. 00:23:53.240 --> 00:23:53.259 Amen. 00:23:53.259 --> 00:23:53.339 Amen. 00:23:53.339 --> 00:23:53.420 Amen. 00:23:53.420 --> 00:23:53.500 Amen. 00:23:53.500 --> 00:23:53.519 Amen. 00:23:53.519 --> 00:23:53.579 Amen. 00:23:53.579 --> 00:23:53.619 Amen. 00:23:53.619 --> 00:23:53.639 Amen. 00:23:53.639 --> 00:23:53.680 Amen. 00:23:53.680 --> 00:23:54.099 Amen. 00:23:54.099 --> 00:23:54.539 Amen. 00:23:54.539 --> 00:23:54.619 Amen. 00:23:54.619 --> 00:23:55.619 Amen. 00:23:55.619 --> 00:23:58.279 Heavenly Father, 00:23:58.500 --> 00:23:59.139 we thank you 00:23:59.139 --> 00:24:00.919 for your word 00:24:00.919 --> 00:24:01.479 to us this 00:24:01.479 --> 00:24:01.839 morning. 00:24:03.459 --> 00:24:04.199 We pray 00:24:04.199 --> 00:24:04.739 that whatever 00:24:04.739 --> 00:24:06.739 was planted 00:24:06.739 --> 00:24:07.500 in our hearts 00:24:07.500 --> 00:24:09.019 will be watered 00:24:09.019 --> 00:24:10.299 and spring 00:24:10.299 --> 00:24:11.099 forth. 00:24:12.439 --> 00:24:13.139 I pray 00:24:13.139 --> 00:24:13.559 that you 00:24:13.559 --> 00:24:15.059 cause us 00:24:15.059 --> 00:24:15.879 to be persistent 00:24:15.879 --> 00:24:18.159 and to prevail 00:24:18.159 --> 00:24:18.739 in prayer. 00:24:19.179 --> 00:24:19.839 I pray 00:24:19.839 --> 00:24:20.139 that you 00:24:20.139 --> 00:24:20.659 grant us 00:24:20.659 --> 00:24:21.419 the grace 00:24:21.419 --> 00:24:22.000 and the strength 00:24:22.000 --> 00:24:22.779 not to lose 00:24:22.779 --> 00:24:23.159 heart, 00:24:23.839 --> 00:24:24.619 but to pray 00:24:24.619 --> 00:24:25.299 continually. 00:24:25.619 --> 00:24:27.199 I also 00:24:27.199 --> 00:24:27.859 pray that you 00:24:27.859 --> 00:24:28.959 also help 00:24:28.959 --> 00:24:29.439 us to be 00:24:29.439 --> 00:24:29.899 continually 00:24:29.899 --> 00:24:30.519 aware 00:24:30.519 --> 00:24:31.500 of the 00:24:31.500 --> 00:24:31.839 spiritual 00:24:31.839 --> 00:24:32.219 battle 00:24:32.219 --> 00:24:32.619 that we 00:24:32.619 --> 00:24:33.059 face 00:24:33.059 --> 00:24:34.279 that will 00:24:34.279 --> 00:24:35.099 appropriate 00:24:35.099 --> 00:24:35.639 the armor 00:24:35.639 --> 00:24:36.159 of God 00:24:36.159 --> 00:24:37.059 always 00:24:37.059 --> 00:24:38.679 and to be 00:24:38.679 --> 00:24:39.319 strong in 00:24:39.319 --> 00:24:40.019 you and 00:24:40.019 --> 00:24:40.279 in the 00:24:40.279 --> 00:24:40.839 power of 00:24:40.839 --> 00:24:41.399 your might. 00:24:42.299 --> 00:24:43.019 We thank 00:24:43.019 --> 00:24:43.239 you and 00:24:43.239 --> 00:24:43.639 bless you 00:24:43.639 --> 00:24:44.139 Father for 00:24:44.139 --> 00:24:44.519 answered 00:24:44.519 --> 00:24:44.879 prayer 00:24:44.879 --> 00:24:46.459 and for 00:24:46.459 --> 00:24:47.019 the opportunity 00:24:47.019 --> 00:24:48.339 to share 00:24:48.339 --> 00:24:48.839 your word 00:24:48.839 --> 00:24:49.479 this morning. 00:24:50.299 --> 00:24:50.899 In Jesus' 00:24:51.099 --> 00:24:51.419 name we 00:24:51.419 --> 00:24:51.699 pray. 00:24:52.500 --> 00:24:52.799 Amen. 00:24:52.799 --> 00:24:52.919 Amen. 00:24:52.919 --> 00:24:52.979 Amen. 00:24:52.979 --> 00:24:53.019 Amen. 00:24:53.019 --> 00:24:53.419 Amen. 00:24:53.419 --> 00:24:53.919 Amen. 00:24:53.919 --> 00:24:53.979 Amen. 00:24:53.979 --> 00:24:54.019 Amen. 00:24:54.019 --> 00:24:54.479 Amen. 00:24:54.479 --> 00:24:54.979 Amen. 00:24:54.979 --> 00:24:55.019 Amen. 00:24:55.019 --> 00:24:56.259 A cave. 00:25:23.099 --> 00:25:24.039 Amen. 00:25:24.039 --> 00:25:24.200 Amen. 00:25:24.200 --> 00:25:24.599 Amen. 00:25:24.599 --> 00:25:26.599 Thanks, Precious. 00:25:26.599 --> 00:25:28.599 Thanks, Precious. 00:25:28.599 --> 00:25:30.599 Thank you. 00:25:30.599 --> 00:25:32.599 That's cool. 00:25:32.599 --> 00:25:34.599 Yep. 00:25:34.599 --> 00:25:36.599 Okay. 00:25:36.599 --> 00:25:38.599 Pshh!