Faith in prayer is not a formula.
Jesus criticized the Pharisees for their long rambling prayers.
Yet, God desires our persistence in prayer.
Luke 18:1-8
Parable of the persistent widow. Sometimes called the IMPORTUNE widow.
Importune definition- “to press or urge with troublesome persistence”
The bookends if this passage are so important.
Vs 1- “One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.”
Vs 8b “…But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?””
It appears that Jesus is looking for this kind of persistence to show our faith.
Luke 11:1-13
God often waits for our passionate persistence in prayer. It isn’t that God is reluctant and needs to be persuaded. Our persistence doesn’t change God; it changes us, developing in us a heart and passion for what God wants.
OT examples
Gen 32:22-28
Story of Jacob wrestling
I Sam 1:9-17
Hannah prayed for a son- Samuel was born
Job
David
“From the depths of despair, O Lord, I call for your help. Hear my cry, O Lord. Pay attention to my prayer. I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on him.
I have put my hope in his word. I long for the Lord more than sentries long for the dawn, yes, more than sentries long for the dawn.”
Psalms 130:1-2, 5-6 NLT
“Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore my cry for help! Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles.
But I will call on God, and the Lord will rescue me. Morning, noon, and night I cry out in my distress, and the Lord hears my voice.”
Psalms 55:1-2, 16-17 NLT
NT example
What persistence in prayer isn’t:
It’s not demanding God
It’s not bargaining
It’s not a way to force God’s hand
It IS trusting in God
It IS reminding Him of His promises
It Is saying “I will not let you go until You bless me.”
Questions
Do you have an example where you persisted in prayer and God answered?
Is there an area in your life where you’re seeking God like the widow?
1) Study a character in the Bible who showed persistence. What can you learn from their story?
2) If you find yourself in this story, seek out Bible promises to stand on and be that “persistent widow.”