(Parable of the Persistent Widow)
Luke 18:1-8
“1And he spake a parable unto them to
this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; 2Saying, There was
in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: 3And there was a
widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
4And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I
fear not God, nor regard man; 5Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will
avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. 6And the Lord said, Hear
what the unjust judge saith. 7And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry
day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? 8I tell you that he will
avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find
faith on the earth?”
Our greatest blessing enjoyed by
Christians in this life is the privilege of prayer, by which we can approach
God for…
1. Forgiveness-
1 John 4:9
“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent
his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.”
2. Peace-
Philippians 4:6-7
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of
God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through
Christ Jesus.”
3. Strength-
Ephesians 3:14-16
“For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you,
according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his
spirit in the inner man;”
*Paul exhorted Christians to be diligent in prayers…
a. Ephesians 6:18
“Prayer always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and
watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”
b. Colossians 4:2
“Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;”
c. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
“Pray without ceasing.”
*Request granted, but not as you might expect
Isaiah 55:8-9
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither your ways my ways, saith
the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher
than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
For Example: When you ask God for strength and perseverance, he may give
us trials to bear, which in turn develops the virtues we prayed for!
