First Hope (Study Guide)

“First Hope”
Sermon Study Guide for April 29, 2018

Scripture: Luke 18:1-8

A longing for justice…

  1. The Parable
The judge…

The widow…

The situation…


2. Persistent Prayer
“how much more”

James 5:16 - powerful and effective

Three persistent prayers:
a. _________________________________
1 Thessalonians 4:3

b. _________________________________
1 Timothy 2:1-2

c. _________________________________
Luke 18:8

A Prayer Experience

Questions to Discuss or Ponder:
  1. Where in our world do you see humanity’s longing for justice being lived out? Is it being done in positive or negative ways? Explain.
  2. What is the main point of Jesus’ parable?
  3. Why does the judge give in to the widow’s demands? In what way(s) is God like or unlike the judge?
  4. What does this parable mean by “persistent prayer”? How is that like or different from the way you’ve understood that term in the past?
  5. In what ways would your prayer life be described as “persistent” according to this parable? Where is there room for growth in your prayer life?
  6. Which of the three highlighted persistent prayers do you want to focus on this week?

Scripture for the Week:
Monday - James 5:13-20
Tuesday - Revelation 8:1-5
Wednesday - 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
Thursday - 1 Timothy 2:1-10
Friday - 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24
Saturday - Matthew 7:15-27

Resources for Prayer
Harper, Steve. Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition. Upper Room, 1995.

Kalas, J. Ellsworth. Longing to Pray. Abgindon, 2006.


White, James Emery. The Prayer God Longs For. InterVarsity, 2005.

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