Luke 18:1-8  Luke says that this parable about prayer was to "show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart." 

The parable is about a judge and a widow.  The judge, we are told, "did not fear God and did not respect man." What a description!  None of us would want to willingly go before such a man.  No goodness is attributed to him.. he had power over others, but no mercy, no love.. and not even any regard for anyone but himself. 

The widow was a different character altogether !  She was relentless in her pursuit of justice.  She was bold to keep coming to this godless judge in an effort to find relief from her "adversary". 

Because of the widow's persistence she was finally granted justice in her case.  It was not goodness that caused the judge to finally relent and help her.. it was his selfish desire to just be done with her that he granted her request. 

The point of the story, Jesus says, is that if an unjust judge would help the widow because of her persistence.. that how much more our God.. who is good, who is gracious, and who is merciful and full of love.. a Just and Mighty God.. "bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night and will He delay long over them? I tell you, He will bring about justice for them speedily." 

What a wonderful promise!  Our God hears our prayers.  He sees our need.  He will act on our behalf.  He is able to do all things!  Our part is to keep praying, to keep trusting, and to be people of faith until Christ returns again. 

Prayer matters.  Persistent and consistent prayer matters.  Urgent prayers matter. Humble, honest prayers matter. 

Jesus says we "ought to pray" .. at "all times".  It is necessary.  It is needed. It is vital.  He also says that we should "not lose heart".. we should not "faint".  Don't grow weary. Don't give up.. don't fail.  Be like the widow.. bold, persistent, and relentless.  We have a good, good, Father who will not fail. May we be found to have the kind of faith that persists until the coming of Jesus. 

Father, may it be so! 

Amen.