Kumbaya My Lord – Come By Here, My Lord Luke 18:1–8, Romans 12:12 Reverend Jonathan Yeoh

Sermon Summary: “Kumbaya My Lord – Come By Here, My Lord”

Date: Sunday, 17th July, 2025
Preacher: Reverend Jonathan Yeoh
Main Text: Luke 18:1–8, Romans 12:12

Introduction

The phrase “Kumbaya My Lord” means “Come by here, my Lord.” It is a heartfelt plea for God's presence in our pain, struggles, and waiting. Reverend Jonathan reminded us that as we walk through difficult times, we must not give up on praying, because prayer and perseverance are partners in our faith journey.

   

1. Prayer and Perseverance Go Hand in Hand

Jesus told His disciples a parable “to show them that they should always pray and not give up” (Luke 18:1). This parable of the persistent widow illustrates the power of consistent, unrelenting prayer.

We are called to:

  • Cry out to God in our needs and battles.

    • “Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day.” – 1 Kings 8:28

    • “King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah... cried out in prayer to heaven.” – 2 Chronicles 32:20

    • “Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea.” – Psalm 55:1

    • “May my prayer come before you; turn your ear to my cry.” – Psalm 88:2

  • Understand that God delights in our prayers:

    • “The prayer of the upright pleases him.” – Proverbs 15:8

    • “He hears the prayer of the righteous.” – Proverbs 15:29

    • “So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.” – Ezra 8:23

    • “Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant.” – Nehemiah 1:11

    • “My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” – Isaiah 56:7

Even when God seems silent, He is not absent. He is shaping our faith through the furnace of perseverance.

2. Jesus Taught and Lived What He Taught

Jesus not only taught about persistent prayer, but He modeled it with His life:

a. Pray Privately

  • Jesus taught, “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father…” – Matthew 6:6

  • Even when His disciples fell asleep, He kept praying (Luke 22:45). Jesus prioritized communion with the Father, especially in His darkest hours.

b. Acknowledge God as Father

  • “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.” – Matthew 6:9
    Jesus demonstrated that prayer begins with relationship, not ritual. It is about intimacy with our Heavenly Father.

c. Diligence & Perseverance in Prayer

  • “This kind can come out only by prayer.” – Mark 9:29
    Prayer is not a one-time key but a continual lifeline. Jesus showed us that persistence in prayer unlocks divine breakthrough.

Conclusion

The message of “Kumbaya My Lord” calls us to cry out to God and keep crying out. We may be tempted to give up, but Jesus urges us: always pray, never lose heart (Luke 18:1). God hears the desperate, the faithful, and the humble. He is never deaf to the cries of His children.

Just as Jesus persevered in prayer through betrayal, suffering, and death, we too are called to persist—not because God is reluctant, but because He is shaping us while we wait.

Takeaway Message

✅ Pray consistently — not just in crisis but daily
✅ Trust that God is listening, even in silence
✅ Don’t grow weary — your breakthrough may be one prayer away
✅ Let Jesus be your model in prayer and perseverance
✅ When you feel weak, cry: “Kumbaya, My Lord” — Come by here, Lord!

Romans 12:12 — “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

Amen 🙏 

Reflection:

Based on Reverend Jonathan Yeoh’s sermon last Sunday on “Kumbaya My Lord: Come by Here, Lord”, which focused on Luke 18:1–8 and the power of prayer and perseverance, here are thoughtful answers to the reflection questions:

a. What can you learn from the widow's actions?

The widow teaches us persistence in prayer. Even though she had no power, position, or influence, she did not give up. She kept coming to the judge repeatedly with her plea for justice. Her actions remind us that we should never stop praying, even when our circumstances feel hopeless or when answers are delayed. Like the widow, we are encouraged to be bold, determined, and faithful in our requests to God.

"Always pray and never give up." – Luke 18:1

b. What is Jesus trying to tell us about God's character?

Jesus is contrasting God with the unjust judge. If even an unrighteous judge finally gave in because of persistence, how much more will our righteous and loving God answer His children? Jesus is showing us that God is just, compassionate, and attentive. He is not slow because He doesn't care, but because He is working all things out for good in His perfect timing.

“Will not God bring about justice for His chosen ones, who cry out to Him day and night?” – Luke 18:7

c. When / why do people pray? Why do you pray?

People pray when they are in need, hurting, confused, or thankful. Prayer is a way to connect with God, to seek guidance, to ask for help, and to give thanks.
I pray because I believe God listens, cares, and answers. It gives me peace, strength, and hope, even when the situation hasn’t changed yet. Prayer is how I build my relationship with God—to trust, surrender, and walk with Him daily.

“Be faithful in prayer.” – Romans 12:12

d. Do you believe in prayer? How does it help you or others?

Yes, I truly believe in prayer. It helps me to stay focused on God and not be overwhelmed by life’s problems. Through prayer, I’ve experienced inner peace, seen healing, received direction, and watched others be comforted and strengthened.
Prayer not only changes circumstances, but it also changes us. It draws us closer to God and aligns our hearts with His will. It also encourages others when we pray for them—letting them know they are not alone.

“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” – James 5:16

 Amen 🙏 

🕊 Opening Prayer

O Gracious and Eternal Father,

We humbly come before Thee with hearts full of thanksgiving. We thank Thee for Thy faithfulness and for granting us the blessing to gather once again in Thy holy presence. How good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.

We give Thee thanks especially for the sermon delivered last Lord’s Day by Thy servant, Reverend Jonathan Yeoh. Truly, we were reminded that prayer and perseverance walk hand in hand. Indeed, all good things cometh only through steadfastness and endurance, as Thou hast taught us through Thy Word.

Send forth Thy Holy Spirit among us this day. Guide our thoughts, our sharing, and our fellowship. May Thy truth dwell richly within us and stir our hearts toward greater love and obedience unto Thee.

We commit this meeting into Thy hands. Be Thou glorified in all things.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray,
Amen.

🕊 Closing Prayer

Most Holy and Loving Father,

We lift our hearts in gratitude unto Thee. Thank Thee for Thy presence that was with us throughout this meeting. Thank Thee for Thy Word, for the fellowship of saints, and for every reminder of Thy truth and Thy faithfulness.

Once again, we thank Thee for the message preached last Sunday by Reverend Jonathan Yeoh. It hath refreshed our souls and stirred us to a life of prayer and perseverance. Verily, O Lord, all good things cometh from Thee, and they are wrought in us through steadfast devotion.

May the seeds planted today grow and bear fruit in our lives. Teach us to wait patiently upon Thee, to trust in Thy timing, and to never faint in prayer. May we walk in Thy light, and may our lives bring glory unto Thy name.

Keep us safe till we meet again. Strengthen us to be Thy witnesses in word and deed.
In the name of Thy beloved Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,
Amen.


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