Perseverance in Prayer

Luke 18:1-8 is about the unjust judge. I have already made a study of this parable. Still, there is somewhat to say on the matter. Take a look at verse one. The first verse shows us that the writer of this account had been made aware of the meaning of the parable. As this writing occurred at some distance from the actual fact, we must assume that the making aware of the meaning was a practice whereby a previous source is divulged to a new iteration – over and over again down the time line.

So, the meaning of the parable was understood and passed along with each iteration. We must also assume that each person in the know also understood what the parable was not about. The parable did not purport that a man can wear down God with constant pestering. The parable did not compare the unjust judge, who basically made himself unreachable, to God.

Jesus concluded his parable and subsequent explanation with this statement found in Luke 18:8 – “Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, will he find faith on the earth?” What is the parable really about and what must each of us come to understand? The parable is about faith. The parable is about an enduring faith that is able to go the distance. It is about a persevering faith that never gives up.

The bold widow was not rooted in the judge or his judgments. The widow was rooted in her faith. She came often before the judge, an issue the judge is shown to consider. Obviously, the judge delayed his judgment time and time again. She never gave up; she knew her claim was just under the law. She had a right to be avenged of her adversary. She knew that a judge had to bend his will to that of the law.

As in the case of the widow, our prayers are petitions to a judge. Our judge is just. The widow's judge is described as unjust. The widow is chronicled with the attributes of faith and perseverance. Let us ask, then, why the widow persevered in her faith? Let us ask why the constant delays of the judge did not sway her faith? What did she have that so many of us seem to lack?

The widow did not ask for trivial matters; she asked for the one thing under the law she knew she had a right to ask for. Knowing what one may petition for is an important first step in prayer. Consider the case of King Solomon. He prayed not for long life, neither did he ask for the destruction of his enemies. Solomon petitioned for the wisdom necessary to lead God's people. Solomon asked for the very thing that God wanted and was willing to give. The king was already wise enough to know what to pray for.

We often pray about small matters that ultimately work themselves out without divine intervention. We are brash enough to ask for things we would doubtless waste upon the altar of our personal desires. We ask God to let us win the lottery – just in case.

Prayer is more than just a petition. Prayer is a relationship one may not enter without the prerequisite belief in the one we pray to. Not only must a person first believe in the one who hears our prayers, a person must develop an understanding of the one we stand before. We may not simply be caught up in personal issues and expect the random prayer to be answered. We must have a knowledge of what God wants and is willing to give. It is a relationship not unlike all others; a relationship is 'give and take'.

We may not seek a withdrawal from the bank of prayer before the required deposits. One gets from anything only what one puts into it. Perseverance in pray is a prerequisite to answered prayer. Belief in God is a prerequisite to prayer. Faith is the prerequisite to perseverance.

At this point, it will suffice to body forth some supporting Bible verses on the topic of perseverance in prayer. To that end, I submit these references:

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving,” Colossians 4:2.

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

“And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good,” 2 Thessalonians 3:13.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people,” Ephesians 6:18.

“Ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you – If you remain in me and my words remain in you,” John 15:7.

“We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized,” Hebrews 6:11.