In Luke 18, Jesus told His followers a parable to illustrate the need to pray and pray without getting discouraged.
“And Jesus said, ‘In a certain city there was a judge who showed no respect to God nor to people. In that same city lived a widow, who kept coming to the judge and saying, “Grant me justice against my foe!” But the judge did not. Finally though, he realized that, even though he had no fear nor reverence for God or mankind, this woman would keep on pestering him until he gave her justice, and so he did.’
“Then Jesus said to His followers, ‘Pay attention to what the unjust judge realized then you will realize this: God will defend and protect His children, who cry to Him day and night. God will not delay help but will surely defend and protect and grant you justice. But, let Me ask you this: When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:1-8.
Question: What hinders your prayers or discourages you most often? What do you believe God wants you to do – or not do – about any personal triggers for discouragement? In what way(s) was the widow's persistency an act of faith in justice? In what way(s) does prayer persistency show an act of faith in God and in ourselves as His children?
Personal Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father and Most Merciful Judge, we thank You that You can always, always be trusted to listen, hear, care, love, and render a fair, just, loving, kind, and wise decision as You answer our prayers with “Yes,” “No,” or “Wait!” Thank You for knowing and doing what is best for us. And, O LORD, please, please let there always be faith on earth in the Whole Church Body of Christ and also in me, Your child, in Jesus’ Name.
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© 2012, Mary Sayler, all rights reserved, but if you’ll acknowledge this site, you’re welcome to pass it on! May God bless you and your prayer life in Christ and the Church.
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ReplyDeleteThank you, Shari. God bless you!
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