Persevering In Prayer - May 28

Read Ephesians 6:18

…praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.

Reflect

What is on your heart and mind lately? Are you persevering in prayer about it?

Jesus once told a parable about a persistent widow and an unjust judge. In this parable, the widow kept coming to this crooked judge, pleading with him for justice against her adversary. But he refused to rule fairly time and time again. Eventually though, he grew weary with the woman’s persistent requests and gave in. He said, “Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming” (Luke 18:4-5).

After telling the story, Jesus explained: “hear what the unrighteous judge says. And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” (Luke 18:6-8).

Luke had introduced this as a parable to teach the people “that they ought always to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1). Jesus’ point was that if even an unrighteous, ungodly, uncaring judge eventually gives in and grants justice, how much more will our righteous, holy, and compassionate God give justice to his beloved children? We just need to keep on praying.

Gotquestions.org noted: “We do not always get immediate results when we pray. Our definition of swift justice is not the same as the Lord’s definition. The parable of the persistent widow demonstrates that effective prayer requires tenacity and faithfulness. A genuine disciple must learn that prayer never gives up and is based on absolute trust and faith in God. We can fully count on the Lord to answer when, where, and how He chooses. God expects us to keep on asking, seeking, knocking, and praying until the answers come (Matthew 7:7-8). Disciples of Jesus are people of persistent faith.”

In today’s verse, the apostle Paul also stressed the importance of persevering in prayer. As we’ve been exploring what it means to live faithfully, I encourage you to read all of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. It is only 6 short chapters but it is chock full of instruction on how to live faithfully in Christ.

Prior to today’s verse, Paul urged believers in Ephesus to “...be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:10-11). After explaining what the whole armor of God is and how it can help us do spiritual battle, Paul wrapped it up by urging believers to pray always using all kinds of prayers including petitions, intercessions, and thanksgivings. Specifically, Paul said that we should pray for all the saints. This doesn’t mean that we should pray for St. Andrew or St. Patrick. The “saints” are all believers everywhere, in all times and in all places around the world. We are a body of believers—a family of faith. So, we should lift each other up and offer prayer support!

Paul’s instruction to pray “in the Spirit” is important. That means that our prayers should focus on submitting to the Lord’s will and not our own.

He also urged the believers in Ephesus to “keep alert.” Remember, Paul had just been impressing upon them the reality of spiritual battles and evil forces (Ephesians 6:11-12). Christians are to be on high alert for the schemes of the devil and the powers of darkness so that we can enter into prayer in those moments.

Prayer is a vital part of faithful living. But when we go back to the Bible, we see that our prayers shouldn’t be one and done. We are supposed to persevere in prayer. Be persistent. Don’t give up. Be on alert. And always keep on praying.

Respond

Lord, You are worthy of all honor and our constant praise. I thank and praise You for all You are and everything You have done for me and blessed me with. Help me to stay on alert and persevere in prayer for the benefit of all the saints and for the glory of Your name. Amen.

Reveal

Ask a brother or sister in Christ how you can pray for them. Then, don’t wait! Pray with them, right then and there!