Persistence in Prayer: Luke 18:1–8

Abstract

The Parable of the Persistent Widow, Luke 18:1–8, gives us a reason to keep on trusting and praying, “Thy kingdom come,” even as we wait in a world where the “already” of God's victory at the cross has not fully supplanted the “not yet” that we see in a world of evil around us. The parable does not tell us that we must badger God; rather it shows us that, if even an evil judge will provide justice for a helpless widow, how much more will our loving Father bring in his Kingdom. The parable encourages us to tackle difficult issues with confidence; it cautions us not to expect difficult results; it assures us that God's justice will prevail in the end. In the midst of uncertain times, we must keep praying in the confidence that at the right time God will answer us suddenly, swiftly, and fully.