Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’
For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’
And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:1-6
People pray. Religious people pray and non-religious people pray. Its nearly universal. But, how do we pray? Do we pray with expectancy? Jesus illustrated that we should be persistent and expectant in the parable of the persistent widow and reluctant judge. The contrast is clear- the judge did not fear God, our heavenly Father is God! The judge didn’t care what people thought, God cares about the details of our lives. The judge was slow in granting justice, God is a God of justice. The judge cared little for a widow, God says pure and undefiled religion is caring for orphans and widows. We can expect God to hear our prayers and answer in accordance with His character… that’s why we should pray at all times.
How’s my prayer life? Do I understand God’s character and believe He will be consistent with it?
Yes, God, I do trust in You and have seen Your attentiveness and faithfulness. I am amazed at how You answer my prayers in ways consistent with Your character, yet more amazing than I could actually predict. I am learning day by day to bring big and small issues before You, expecting answers and justice as well.
