Persistent Prayer: A Lesson from Luke 18:1-8
Luke’s Gospel, chapter 18, verses 1-8, opens with Jesus teaching about the power of persistent prayer. He tells his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and never give up. The parable centers on a judge in a certain town—a man who neither feared God nor cared what others thought. In the same town lived a widow who repeatedly came to this judge, pleading, “Grant me justice against my adversary.” The judge initially refused but eventually gave in, reasoning to himself, “Though I don’t fear God or care about people, I’ll see that she gets justice because she keeps bothering me, so she won’t eventually come and attack me.”
Jesus emphasizes to his listeners: “Hear what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for His chosen ones who cry out to Him day and night? Will He keep putting them off? I tell you, He will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”
The Importance of Persistent Prayer
This passage addresses the importance of persistent prayer. It’s human nature to grow weary when our prayers seem to go unanswered. Sometimes we simply stop praying. But here, Jesus encourages us not to lose heart, even when we feel discouraged.
One Sunday morning, a young boy was fidgeting and acting up during church. Despite his parents’ best efforts to keep him quiet, he continued to be a distraction. Finally, his father picked him up and began walking briskly toward the back door. The child, realizing he was in trouble, looked over his father’s shoulder at the congregation and called out, “Please pray for me! Please pray for me!”
While funny, the story reminds us how natural it is to call on others in our time of need. Yet, as adults, we sometimes lose our sense of urgency in prayer. We often think of prayer as our last resort instead of our first choice. It’s been said that non-Christians don’t pray because they’re afraid God is there, but Christians sometimes fail to pray because they’re afraid God isn’t.
Prayer Is not About Pulling God Toward Us; It’s About Drawing Ourselves Closer to God
Sometimes, we treat prayer as if we’re pulling God down to our level to meet our needs. But in reality, prayer draws us closer to God and His will for us. Praying is not to remind God of His role in our lives; it is to remind us of our dependence on Him. Through prayer, we align our hearts with His, drawing strength and encouragement.
Jesus taught the disciples to persist in prayer even when justice seems unattainable. In the parable, a poor, powerless widow persistently seeks justice from a corrupt, powerful judge. Despite the judge’s reluctance to help, he ultimately gives in simply to avoid her “bothering” him. Jesus uses this example to remind us that, unlike the corrupt judge, God cares deeply about our needs and hears every prayer, spoken or unspoken. If even an unjust judge will act eventually, how much more will a just and loving God respond to His children?
God listens to prayers
The parable presents a lesson on justice but also demonstrates God’s faithfulness to hear His people. Often, when we face difficult situations, we may forget that God is there, actively involved in our lives. But this parable reassures us that God is deeply concerned for those who are vulnerable and struggling, like the widow. And, while God may not answer our prayers in the way we expect, He will answer them in the way that is best for us.
This parable also encourages us to bring God into our situations, trusting His justice and His timing. It’s easy to grow frustrated and feel defeated in our efforts to right the wrongs in our lives and the world around us. The Bible teaches that we must plant seeds of faith, love, and justice, but the outcomes are in God’s hands.
The Impact of Persistent Prayer on Our Lives
Like planting seeds, prayer requires patience and perseverance. Mother Teresa, who served the poor in the streets of Kolkata, India, once explained that even though many people she cared for died, she persisted in her work. People would ask her why she continued to help those who would soon die, and she would answer, “Humans have the right to die in a place of love.” She knew she couldn’t fix everything, but she could do her part, showing compassion even in small ways.
This example teaches us that persistent prayer and compassionate acts may not always have immediate results, but they are not in vain. God works through us, even in small, often unnoticed ways, to bring about His will.
Prayer: A Gift for Us, Not for God
Prayer isn’t for God’s benefit; it is for ours. Prayer brings strength, peace, and a closer connection to the Creator who loves us. When we take time to pray consistently, our souls are strengthened, and we experience more of God’s presence in our lives. Through prayer, we acknowledge our dependence on Him, knowing that He delights in giving good things to His children.
Consider a firefighter’s story, shared on a Christian radio program. He once attended a church that handed out nails for the congregation to use during prayer leading up to Easter. Each nail represented a sin for which they were asking forgiveness. While many nailed these symbols to the cross at the church, this firefighter decided to pin the three nails to his uniform, labeling them Faith, Courage, and Hope. Every time he responded to a call, he was reminded of the importance of these qualities in his life. Even in the face of danger, he clung to the values that grounded him.
Persistence in prayer proves our trust in God’s Justice.
God’s Justice Is Greater Than Earthly Justice. God will answer at His time and at His will.
If a corrupt judge would grant justice to a persistent widow, how much more will a loving God bring justice to His children? As we continue in prayer, let us trust in His timing, believing that He hears and answers every prayer. The power of prayer lies not in changing God’s mind, but in allowing Him to change our hearts and align our lives with His will.
Let’s keep on praying, persistently and faithfully, confident in the loving character of God, our true Judge and Protector.
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