The Importance of Persistent Prayer

In Scripture, Jesus tells a story about a woman who would not take no for an answer—a woman who models for us why we should pray persistently (Luke 18). 

The main point Jesus is making is simple but powerful: We should always pray and never give up.

You Need to Be Persistent in Your Prayer

Luke 18:1 says, “One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.” Or as the King James Version puts it, “should always pray and not lose heart.”

See, when a crisis comes—and it will—you have a choice to make. Are you going to panic, or are you going to pray? Are you going to worry, or are you going to worship? Are you going to lose heart, or are you going to bring it to God?

Romans 12 says we should continue steadfastly in prayer (see verse 12). And James 5:13 says, “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray…” (NLT).

The Widow’s Persistence in Jesus’ Parable

In this parable, a widow goes to a corrupt judge for justice. Because the woman would not give up, the judge gets worn down and grants her justice. In fact, Luke 18:5 says the woman was driving him crazy. 

 Jesus is using the method of contrast to make a point.

The Point Jesus Is Making in His Parable

 Our loving Heavenly Father is the very opposite of this judge: “Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So don’t you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?” (Luke 18:7)

 In contrast to the corrupt judge, you have a loving Father who cares about you and who is bigger than your problems. 

And He wants to answer your prayers. You just need to keep showing up.

God Loves to Bless Us

I love the statement of our Lord when He said, “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32 NKJV).

 God loves to bless us. God loves to lavish His blessings in our life. He loves to provide for us. 

Why Do Some Prayers Go Unanswered?

Why is it that some of our prayers don’t seem to be answered? Well, I would say every prayer is answered. We just may not like the answer.

God answers prayer in three ways: Yes, no, and wait. All of those are, in fact, answers.

And later in life, with a bit of perspective, we may even look back and say, “Lord, thank you for saying no to that prayer—because that was the lamest prayer I ever prayed!”