praying effectively: Do Not Lose Heart (Lk.18:1-8)

(Luke 18:1-8)  Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart, 2 saying, “In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect man. 3 There was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, ‘Give me legal protection from my opponent.’ 4 For a while he was unwilling; but afterward he said to himself, ‘Even though I do not fear God nor respect man, 5 yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her legal protection, otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.’” 6 And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge said; 7 now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them? 8 I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that we do not lose heart (Lk.18:1)

- that we have faith when we pray and ask God for things (Lk.18:7-8)

- that we are always praying, pray at all times (Lk.18:1)

- that we persistently and sincerely cry out to God and pray for everything (Lk.18:3-7)

Today's prayer: 

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for hearing our prayers, and that You are able to multi-task, because You are omnipresent, all-powerful and all-knowing.  Knowing this - that You are able - should help us have more faith in You and trust You more.  Thank You that You not only allow us to go to You for absolutely everything, but that You WANT us to go to You for absolutely everything.  Help us remember to go to You for everything.  Amen.