The Right Attitude of Prayer – Luke 18: 1-8

Read Luke 18:1-8

Jesus shares a captivating parable that teaches us about the attitude and perseverance in prayer. He encourages us not to give up or become discouraged, but to pray continually. Often, we might rely on our own strength and self-centeredness in life, but as our faith matures, we come to acknowledge our limitations as human beings. We realize that every second of our existence is under God’s providence and guidance, as stated in Proverbs 16:9. Our steps are determined by Him, and we, as believers, are privileged to pray and entrust everything to our gracious and compassionate Father.

In this parable, a bad judge is depicted, who lacks fear of God and compassion for people, and a persistent widow repeatedly pleads for justice before him. Surprisingly, even this unjust judge grants her request. Jesus reveals a simple truth about prayer: Keep persisting in earnest requests. He reminds us of Elijah’s prayer, showing how he fervently and consistently prayed without being concerned about his reputation, and God listened to him. Elijah was just a human like us, and what we often lack in prayer is persistence and earnestness.

God doesn’t expect us to move the rock away entirely but to do our best in pushing it. As we keep knocking on the door of heaven through continuous and unwavering prayer, God will eventually move the obstacles before us.

If even an unjust judge responds to a widow’s plea, how much more will our loving Father, who hears every word we speak to Him, generously answer His children who seek His glory day and night? He will not remain silent to His people. Jesus assures us that our Father will even pour down the Holy Spirit upon those who ask Him. Therefore, let us be a people of God who persistently and earnestly pray with unwavering faith, knowing that God is attentively listening to our pleas. As we walk on the path of faith, we can draw strength from the power of the Holy Spirit bestowed upon us from above.