Prayer is one of the most powerful spiritual tools God has given us. Even though our Lord Jesus Christ is fully God and human flesh yet He still prayed consistently. In Luke 18:1-8, He taught us the power of persistent prayer through a parable. Let’s go through some of the important lessons we can learn from this scripture
The Parable of the Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-5)
Jesus told a story about an unjust judge and a persistent widow:
One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. 2 “There was a judge in a certain city,” he said, “who neither feared God nor cared about people. 3 A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, saying, ‘Give me justice in this dispute with my enemy.’ 4 The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, ‘I don’t fear God or care about people, 5 but this woman is driving me crazy. I’m going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!’ (Luke 18:2-5)
At first the judge refused. But the woman kept asking. Finally, he granted her request just to get rid of her constant appeals.
Jesus used this parable to illustrate the power and rewards of being consistent in prayer
Prayer Should Be Our First Response
The widow kept appealing to the judge for help. We should bring our needs continuously to God in prayer before trying anything else.
Perseverance in Prayer Produces Results
The widow finally got justice by pestering the judge repeatedly. Jesus is showing that persevering in prayer pays off in the end.
Keep Praying in Faith Without Giving Up
The parable begins by saying Jesus told this “to show why they should always pray and not give up” (Luke 18:1). We must persist in prayer without losing hope.
God Is Not Like the Unjust Judge
Jesus contrasts God’s willingness to answer our prayers. Our perfect Heavenly Father is very just. He is not a man to disappoint us.
God Grants Justice to His People (Luke 18:6-8)
After the parable, Jesus clearly made us understood that God is ever ready to grant justice to this people who calls on Him:
“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.” (Luke 18:7-8)
God cares deeply for His children. When we persist in prayer, He promises to swiftly grant justice.
Why Keep Praying When God Knows Our Needs?
Since God knows everything, why does He require us to keep praying persistently? Here are some key reasons:
- It deepens our faith and dependence on God
- It changes our heart to align with His will
- It’s a way for us to participate in God’s work
- It brings us closer to God in relationship with Him
- It helps us to know God’s intended action on our behalf
- God has given us the authority
- He made us in His own image so we must speak for things to happen just like how He created the entire universes by His Word
Like the persistent widow, we should keep bringing our heart desires to our Heavenly Father. He promises to grant us justice speedily as we wait on Him.
How Long Should We Keep Praying?
Scripture gives some guidance on how long to persist in prayer:
- Jesus said to be persistent in prayer and “not give up” (Luke 18:1).
- Luke 11:5-10 says to keep asking and seeking.
- The Psalms praise God’s unfailing love and say “wait for the Lord” (Psalm 147:11).
- Examples like the persistent widow show bold persistence.
- Paul prayed repeatedly for his “thorn in the flesh” to be removed (2 Corinthians 12:7-9).
The key is patient persistence along with faith that God will answer in His perfect timing and way.
Trusting God When Prayers Are Not Answered Quickly
Unanswered or delayed prayer requests can be discouraging. What should we do?
- Remember that God is good and sovereign even when we don’t understand His ways.
- He may be working in a deeper way than we can perceive right now.
- Keep praying and trusting God’s plan is best. He may respond “not yet” or “I have something better.”
- Seek godly wisdom on the request and be open to another answer.
- Let delayed answers strengthen your faith muscles and intimacy with God.
God ultimately wants what is best for us. When we don’t see that yet, we can trust His heart and timing.
Closing Prayer
Lord, thank You for teaching us to persist in prayer. Give us patience and faith to bring our requests continually to You. Help us to trust that You hear our prayers and will respond with justice and mercy in Your perfect timing. Empower us through prayer to partner with Your work in this world. We love You and praise You for Your faithful answers. In Jesus’ name, amen.
