“There was once a judge in some city who never gave God a thought and cared nothing for people. A widow in that city kept after him: ‘My rights are being violated. Protect me!’”

(Luke 18:1-3, MSG)

This week we continue our series the Short Stories by Jesus with a familiar story.  It is about an unjust judge and a persistent widow.  It is also a story about prayer and a just God who loves us more than we can comprehend.  You can read it for yourself in Luke 18:1-8.

I have been thinking about prayer a lot recently (spoiler alert: I think about prayer often!)  But lately I have been thinking about how I pray, not necessarily what I pray.  How I approach God in prayer?  How fervently do I pray?  How persistent am I in my prayers?

I have always been a prayer.  I work to embody Paul’s words to the Thessalonians, Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens.  Talking with God all throughout my day.  Praising God with every breath.  Lifting my concerns as they come to mind.  Somedays I pray with great passion making my requests known to God.  While at other times I pray timidly, as if I am asking God for a favor and I don’t want to be a bother.

The Bible records Jesus praying numerous times, over 25 specific instances mentioned.  The Gospels are filled with his teaching about prayer extensively.  Prayer is an important part of our relationship with God.  God wants nothing more than to give us what we pray for…so why do I (we) hesitate.

Ask and you’ll get; Seek and you’ll find; Knock and the door will open.
Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. (Luke 11:9-10, MSG)

I think my hesitations and lack of persistence in prayer is why I love this parable so much.  It is a wonderful reminder that Jesus is telling us…PRAY!  Pray boldly.  Pray with confidence.  Pray with persistence.  Pray knowing God hears us and our God is just and good and wants nothing more than to give us good things.    

Friends, think for a moment how much more could God do in us and through us if we prayed with the tenacity of the widow?  She never gave up!  May we pray without ceasing!

Blessings,
Pastor Jenni

“So what makes you think God won’t step in and work justice for his chosen people,
who continue to cry out for help? Won’t he stick up for them? I assure you, he will.
He will not drag his feet. But how much of that kind of persistent faith will the
Son of Man find on the earth when he returns?”

(Luke 18:7-8, MSG)