https://odb.org/2024/11/14/persist-in-praying
Some may feel that when it comes to prayer, we just need to voice out our petitions and supplication. It’s more like a form of communication with God, although perhaps not so required as God knows all things, especially our heart. On the other hand, we have teachings from Christ on persistence in prayer like the parable of the widow and a judge who is neither God-fearing nor cared for what people think. Yet because the widow continually pleaded with him for justice, he responded to her cries. See Luke 18:1-8.
We could also approach prayer using the “seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” Meaning we do not need to pray for our wants and needs, God will grant us eventually. Focus just on praying for His Kingdom matters.
Of course, it is true that God knows and may grant our needs. But I am sure there is a place for the Luke 18 principle of the persistent widow. Simply because Jesus taught it, and Luke wrote it down. In my view, Luke 18 is about persistence and not any sort of entitlement as though we are demanding of God to do as we wished. The widow persistently went to the judge with her plea. It is pleading and not demanding. Similarly, when we pray, we appeal to the Lord’s grace and mercy. We are not entitled, but we nevertheless seek His intervention.
Persistence also shows God the intensity of our desire for justice. God may know our deepest desires, but He doesn’t know the extent of our desire. How much are we willing to do or sacrifice for our supplication and request? We often hear the phrase, prayer moves the hand of God. It means God can be moved by our persistent prayer. We persist, and we appeal, but in the end, God still answers based on His will and timing. It doesn’t mean that persistence will surely yield the desired response because it still must be within God’s will. He knows what’s best for us in accordance with His will and perfect timing. But if we are alligned with God’s will and are on the right track in our spiritual walk, our persistence will surely move God.
Don’t give up. Pray persistently. God will eventually answer. Amen!
Ronnie's Thoughts 