Rev. E. Anderson      

THE PERSISTENCY OF PRAYER 

READING     Luke 18: 1-9

TEXT             v1

PARABLE: This could have very well been a true story although it is stated here as a parable. The point of the matter is the fact that Jesus Christ, the Master-Teacher, was trying to get over an important truth with regard to prayer. There are many things to be learned about prayer and Christ highlights and emphasizes a particular aspect that must be learned, implemented and not forgotten. The issue is one of persistency. 

PRINCIPLE: A principle is a rule of action an not simply a good idea. It is something that is grasped and proceeded upon knowing that it will bring decided results. Prayer is not a thing to be regarded in platitudes and good sayings but engaged upon in a deliberate, definite and determined manner. It has to become a rule of action in certain circumstances until there comes a satisfactory conclusion.  

PROCEDURE: Christ is declaring that it should become the procedure of life. Whilst the story mentioned reveals a crisis situation of need, prayer is not to be limited to this type of situation. The whole tenor of life must be geared into prayer and that is why Christ is mentoring on the subject. It is well-known that He was a man who practiced what He preached. By saying that “men ought always to pray” He is underlining a consistent life of prayer and not just persistency in one situation. Note: men in the plural not singular implying it is good for all. 

ILLUSTRATION: The illustration is a simple one and highlights a woman in a low standing of life and a judge who is in a high role of responsibility. There appears to be extreme situation of status but the low is able to greatly affect the high. The account majors on persistency: not ‘giving in or up on the prayer factor.” What brings about this persistency of prayer? The story is viewed from a number of angles. 

       1/.  THERE IS THE REVELATION OF A DESPERATE SITUATION – v3

At the back of this situation is a woman with a desperate need and desperation usually becomes a great driving force that possesses will and commitment. It is apparent that this widow is under pressure because someone is making great demands upon her that she is incapable of dealing with. Christ does not state what it is deliberately. It could be anything and therefore lots of situations could fall into this bracket. Whatever it was, she was in a restless mind and mood and she would not settle until it was attended to. Desperation does cause people to take extraordinary action and measures. Illustration:  Widow with the cruse of oil – 2 Kings 4 

       2/.  THERE IS THE PRESENTATION OF AN UNCARING JUDGE – v2

This woman not only has a major problem of need, she is further put under pressure by an indifferent, hard and uncaring judge. He is the last person to go to with the kind of problem that she had. It would have been helpful and encouraging if the one she was to appeal to for intervention had a little bit of sympathy and understanding, but not so. He was one of those individuals who couldn’t care less although he was in this important position. He neither ‘cared about God or man.’ It was enough to put the woman off from the start and say ‘why bother!’ 

       3/.  THERE IS THE DISCLOSURE OF A DETERMINED WOMAN  -  vv3-5

The exhilarating fact about the story is the great spirit and determination of this little widow. She came, in the first instance,. to present her case for the judge’s favour and at first is turned down – vv3,4. The thing is, the judge is unmoved and undeterred at the start. He may have listened but not with any keenness. Instead of switching her off and not going any further with her request, she is prepared to take on her adversary and unjust judge! She was not going to despair and throw in the towel. 

       4/.  THERE IS THE DECLARATION OF A COMMITTED GOD –  vv7, 8

Christ affirms that there is a difference between the ‘unjust judge ‘ and ‘God’. There is no need no need to despair in prayer because there is a God that is ever listening and moved towards His children and their needs – Luke 12: 7. 

       5/.  THERE IS THE QUESTION OF A PRACTICING PEOPLE – v8

Christ finishes up with a question and it is up to each one to answer it. The final factor is the challenge that Christ presents on the matter. It is not stated to negate but rather to promote the persistency of both faith and prayer. 

CONCLUSION·          It is important to heed the teaching that Christ gives on this issue of prayer. ·          Never let any desperate situation hinder from knowing divine intervention. Be resolute and determined