“Then Jesus told them a parable to show them they should always pray and not lose heart. He said, ‘In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected people. There was also a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, “Give me justice against my adversary.” For a while he refused, but later on he said to himself, “Though I neither fear God nor have regard for people, yet because this widow keeps on bothering me, I will give her justice, or in the end she will wear me out by her unending pleas.”’” —Luke 18:1–5
In this parable Jesus emphasizes the importance of persistent prayer. We are not to become defeated over our difficulties in life. We are not to be discouraged over our circumstances. We are to avoid anxiety in our hardships by looking to the One who can help us!
Jesus said:
“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble and suffering, but take courage—I have conquered the world.” —John 16:33
The writer of Hebrews adds:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set out for him he endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Think of him who endured such opposition against himself by sinners, so that you may not grow weary in your souls and give up.” —Hebrews 12:1–3
Peter tell us:
“Dear friends, do not be astonished that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice in the degree that you have shared in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice and be glad.” —1 Peter 4:12–13
Whenever our spirits are burdened, we must ease them with prayer.
James tells us:
“The prayer of a righteous person has great effectiveness.” —James 5:16
We are reminded by Paul:
“Always rejoice, constantly pray, in everything give thanks. For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” —1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
“Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 4:6–7
“Rejoice in hope, endure in suffering, persist in prayer.” —Romans 12:12
“And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” —Romans 8:28
God takes great delight in the consistency and perseverance of our prayer life. Are we praying against a certain bondage to sin that has been passed from generation to generation? Are we praying for a wayward child to find their way back to the foot of the cross and the light of home? How about all of the prayers for our lost loved ones and others that we know to find salvation through our Lord Jesus? What about our prayers for comfort by the greatest Comforter—emotionally, physically, and mentally? Jesus is telling us in this parable: “Don’t give up!”
“And this is the confidence that we have before him: that whenever we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in regard to whatever we ask, then we know that we have the requests that we have asked from him.” —1 John 5:14–15
Become More
“So, take a deep breath and recall this deeper secret of the Christian life: when you are in a difficult place, realize that the Lord either placed you there or allowed you to be there, for reasons perhaps known for now only to Himself. The same God who led you in will lead you out.” —Robert J. Morgan
“‘Pray without ceasing’” … and here the word ‘pray’ does not mean to beg or to plead as if God were unwilling to give–but simply to expose by faith every situation as it arises, to the all-sufficiency of the One who indwells you by His life.” —Major W. Ian Thomas
Further Reflections
“There comes a time, in spite of our soft, modern ways, when we must be desperate in prayer, when we must wrestle, when we must be outspoken, shameless and importunate. Many of the prayers recorded in Scripture are ‘cries,’ and the Hebrew and Greek words are very strong. Despite opinions to the contrary, the Bible recognizes such a thing as storming heaven—‘praying through.’ The fervent prayer of a righteous man is mighty in its working.” —Cameron Thompson
“Anxiety is the natural result when our hopes are centered in anything short of God and His will for us.” —Billy Graham
“No sea is deeper than the ocean of
His love. There is no army stronger than His hosts, no force greater than His
throne of grace, no enemy who can overcome His direct and indirect work in our
lives.” —Robert J. Morgan