Luke 18:1-14 KJV
[1] And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; [2] Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: [3] And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. [4] And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; [5] Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. [6] And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. [7] And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? [8] I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? [9] And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: [10] Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. [11] The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. [12] I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. [13] And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. [14] I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. These two parables Jesus taught should give us insight into the importance of prayer in one’s life. Remember, ought, in this lesson means obligation, or we are bound to and it is necessary for us to pray always. Too often, we offer prayers to God without persevering and prayer until they are answered or we find the peace available to us in having communion with the Almighty. To “faint not,” means to not lose heart. The poor widow’s perseverance touched an unjust judge’s heart. She didn’t give up praying. She didn’t lose motivation or faith in her prayer. Jesus Christ is not an unjust judge. How much more can our needs and Faith touch the heart of Jesus when we present them to Him in prayer? The Pharisee prayed with himself. His focus was on his own self righteousness and accomplishment. His eyes were on everyone else around him and his heart far removed from the heart of God. His prayer was all about him in a very selfish and proud way. Rather, the despised tax collector who was broken before God and asking God for mercy in his life and situation was more justified, because he did it from his heart and in cadence or harmony with the heartbeat of God. His eyes wasn’t on everyone else around him, his prayer was spoken from his heart connecting to the One who could actually make a difference. God is looking out for our spiritual welfare by giving us dozens of Biblical instructions to His saints in maintaining a prayer life. 1 Timothy 2:8 KJV [8] I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
[16] Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Romans 12:12 KJV [12] Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 1 Peter 4:7 KJV [7] But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJV [17] Pray without ceasing. Ephesians 6:18 KJV. Talks of putting on the whole armor of God. It’s not just a mental disposition. It’s not just hype to get us all fired up to fight the devil. We put on the armor of God through prayer! [18] Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; Colossians 4:2-3 KJV [2] Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; [3] Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:
[20] But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
[36] Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
[37] Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; [38] Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
Christians are to persevere in prayer. Sometimes we wonder why God does not answer us as we want and when we want in every matter. We have to learn the value and the blessing of some prayers being unanswered. When we bring some matters to God again and again, it’s not because he does not hear or care, but because He wants to change us. We aren’t alone in that strategy to build our faith and trust in Him, Daniel’s prayer lasted 21 days (Daniel 10:1-21), Elijah prayed back to back seven times for rain (1 Kings 18:41-46), Jesus’ parable of the unjust judge illustrates this point, the Syro-Phoenician woman received healing for her daughter through importunity (persistence), Cornelius found salvation through relentless prayer (Acts 10:1-48), and Peter was miraculously delivered from prison because the church prevailed through an all-night prayer meeting (Acts 12:1-9). Prayer is not only a duty, but a privilege! We have access to Almighty God who loves us and is looking out for us. It is a necessity for all Bible believing Christians, not an option. When we pray, we are not only blessed, but we are fulfilling a duty to God in covenant relationship with Him. Maybe if we understood why it is necessary for us to pray, we would be more inclined to fulfill the responsibility of prayer. The twofold scriptural concept of prayer is understanding that it is both a blessing and a necessity.
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