MORNING MANNA 6-24-22
PERSISTENT PRAYER
“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.” – Luke 18:1-5
Pastor Paul Chappell wrote, “Prayer was not a new concept in Jesus’ day. God’s people had been praying for centuries. Yet much of that prayer had become simply the rote repetition of words and phrases that had been learned without any connection to the heart. Jesus condemned those who prayed in this fashion. “But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking” (Matthew 6:7). Prayer to Jesus was a vital communication to His Father in Heaven. He continued to pray throughout His ministry, and He taught this way of praying.
In his parable on the importance of persistence in prayer, Jesus described a judge who had no regard for either God or man. Shockingly, this corrupt and uncaring man is the representative for God in the story. Jesus’ point was not to say that God is unwilling to hear our prayers as a dishonest judge would be. It was to create a comparison—if even a corrupt earthly leader could be influenced by continuing supplication, a loving God would be even more quick to respond when His children cried out to Him.
The alternative to persistence in our praying is that we become discouraged and give up. We faint rather than continuing. While there are times when God answers prayer immediately, we must not allow a delay to make us give up on prayer. God loves us and wants the best for us, and prayer is the means by which He provides for our needs. We are always to pray—not just all the time, but persistently until the answer comes.
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
