Persistent Prayer

From the parable in Luke 18:1-8 about a widow who persisted with a judge,

..."they should always pray and not give up."

Luke: 18:1 (NIV)

Living the Sermon on the Mount Through the Practical Wisdom of Jesus' Parables

I give up too soon. Not because I stop believing God — but because I quietly begin to wonder if He is listening, or if it matters, or if anything will change. It's a slow fade, not a dramatic exit. I don't storm away from prayer — I just gradually show up less, ask for less, expect less. Jesus tells this parable for exactly this issue.  I need to keep coming. Not because I think I need to wear God down— but because persistence is what trust looks like.

The widow had nothing working in her favor — no power, no influence, no leverage, no one to make a call on her behalf. What she had was persistence, a refusal to give up. And Jesus, who could have chosen anyone to illustrate persistent prayer, chose her. Not the eloquent. Not the theologically sophisticated. The one who simply would not quit. I find that both humbling and quietly encouraging.

What if…the prayer I've nearly abandoned is the one I must keep praying?

Lord, I've grown quiet about things that still matter deeply to me. I haven't stopped caring — I've just stopped asking. Teach me to keep coming. Remind me that You are not annoyed by my persistence — You invite me!  Amen.

Let's do this together.

Founder, IHS Global