I’m starting a new series called PRAY this weekend. A couple of years ago, I taught a series about prayer, but this time around I’m convinced we need to be encouraged to keep on praying and not give up in times of unanswered prayer or when we’re walking through a spiritual desert.
Do you get bored with praying?
Are you weary of praying?
Do you feel as though your requests go unheard?
Does God seem silent?
Are you discouraged in your praying?
Have you stopped praying?
The funny thing is Jesus knew we’d get frustrated with prayer. That’s why He told us the story of the persistent widow and the unjust judge in Luke 18. Luke’s short preface before the parable summarizes we’re to pray always and never lose heart. Do you know what it means to lose heart? It’s about losing your motivation to pray. Jesus knew us all too well in the fact we’d sometimes lose our motivation to pray.
Why does He tell us this story? Jesus wanted to encourage us in the persistence and perseverance of praying. If an unjust judge will respond to the persistent widow, how much more will our Heavenly Father respond to those who love and follow Jesus. Keep praying we’re told.
Do you feel like quitting? Don’t give up! Persistence is required in prayer. In it we mature, we’re reminded of our God dependence and learn more about praying His will through perseverance. Don’t be in a hurry. If you’re struggling with unanswered prayer, know that God is working. His response is always timely and appropriate. We need to be more aware of His perspective rather than our own. Finally, we must be willing to contend with God (to strive with Him). It’s what Jacob did in Genesis 32. He discovered a new name that night as well as blessing and brokenness.
Don’t give up! Don’t stop! Contend! Strive in prayer!
