The Persistent Widow Pleads With the Unjust JudgeBible World
18:1Luke 18:1
And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
Christ told the story that follows to teach that people should keep praying continually and never give up. He set an utterly selfish judge who cared nothing for God or man against a compassionate God who hears even the weakest sincere cry. If persistence finally moved even that unjust judge, God will certainly bring justice for His people who cry to Him day and night, even when the answer seems long delayed. The delay is not a refusal, so faith must hold to the promise, keep bringing its needs to God, and trust His wisdom for the timing and the answer. To pray always does not mean staying on the knees, but keeping the heart continually reaching up to God for help, strength and gratitude amid daily work.
Parable Setting and Purpose
Luke 18:1 states the purpose of the parable that follows, that men ought always to pray and not to faint, to keep praying continually and not lose heart or give up. It introduces the parable of the unjust judge and the widow, in which a widow came to a judge who feared not God nor regarded man, asking for vindication against her adversary, and by perseverance gained the favor she asked. The judge refused for a while, then decided to avenge her to save himself trouble and annoyance, lest by her continual coming she weary him, seeing that he was making his injustice conspicuous because many complaints were being made about his course. If even that unjust judge finally acted because of persistence, God will surely bring justice and vindication for His chosen people who cry to Him day and night, though He bears long with them and the answer seems delayed. He will act for them speedily, and the closing question about whether the Son of man will find faith at His coming connects persistent prayer with enduring faith.
Christ spoke this parable with special reference to the period just before His second coming and the perils His followers must pass through at that time. It was given to teach them to pray continually and not to faint or give up amid those dangers.
The parable prepares His people for injustice and opposition, for they may face injustice and unreliable earthly judges during adversity. Earthly rulers and judges may not follow God's Word, and those loyal to God's commandments may face adversaries, even adversaries driven by evil powers. Like the importunate widow, they are taught to persist in seeking justice and to look to Christ as their refuge when adversaries oppose them, relying on Him rather than yielding to discouragement.
Widow and Unjust Judge
The judge feared neither God nor man, having no regard for right and no pity for suffering, for self was his god. He shows to what depths of degradation men can sink when appetite and passion rule, filled with satanic attributes and with powers of perception destroyed, proving that when powers are yielded to Satan the lower nature is fully developed. Though he knew the widow's cause was righteous and could have relieved her at once, he refused in order to display arbitrary power and took pleasure in letting her ask and plead in vain. He delayed for a while, then yielded at last only from selfishness, to be relieved of her continual coming and importunity and annoyance, to save himself trouble and reputation and to avoid publicity for his partial, one-sided judgment. Her misery was nothing to him, for he felt no pity or compassion and cared nothing about doing right, acting only because he was wearied by her appeals and because his injustice was becoming conspicuous amid many complaints about his course. His cold response stands in contrast with the duty of a judge to protect the helpless and do what is right.
The widow came asking for justice against her adversary, pleading to be avenged of him, and her perseverance gained the favor she asked. Though persistently repulsed, treated with contempt, driven from the judgment seat and again and again torn away amid contempt and rough treatment, she would not fail nor become discouraged nor let repulse quench her determination. She was found again at the judge's feet pressing her petition, continuing to ask with constant, earnest appeals despite rejection until the judge acted. Her continual coming shows persistence in seeking justice, and her persistence, placed in her heart by the Lord, at last moved even one so cold to grant justice.
The widow reveals the position of the people of God in this world and the trials they will endure because of the injustice of men placed in positions of trust who fear not God neither regard man. The parable is a lesson on the cause of the poor, that judgment must not favor the powerful but the needy must be heard as well as the great. It admonishes those who claim to be righteous to oppose oppression and show mercy to the poor, revealing God's character through compassion and practical help for people in distress. Near the close of this earth's history those who fear God and honor Him can hope for little justice and must expect injustice and oppression at the hand of those who regard neither God nor man.
God's Answer to Prayer
Christ sets the unjust judge in sharp contrast with God, for God is altogether different toward those who seek Him and regards the appeals of the needy and distressed with infinite compassion. Unlike the indifferent judge, He does not turn sincerely humble comers away indifferently but values His church in its struggle with temptation, hears even the weakest cry, and loses not one sincere prayer. If even that unrighteous judge at last acted because of persistent pleading, God will surely vindicate His chosen people who cry to Him day and night. Though He bears long with them and the answer seems delayed, He will avenge His own elect speedily.
Delay is not denial, so when the answer does not come immediately faith must hold fast the promise with full trust and continue bringing needs to God. Waiting may test faith, yet believers are to wait patiently trusting His wisdom rather than their own plans, leave consequences in His hands, and lay their plans at the Redeemer's feet. The blessing will often come when most needed. God may withhold what is asked when granting it would harm the soul, giving instead what is for the person's good and His glory. To resent an unmet desire or to refuse His answer in rebellion shows a will not in harmony with His.
Sincere prayer is made effective through Christ's blood. When the answer is delayed God calls for holy boldness in claiming His promises, pressing requests before Him who promises to answer and can do far more than is asked or imagined. The closing question whether the Son of man will find faith at His coming connects persistent prayer with enduring faith. Remembrance of the promise to give justice to His people who cry to Him day and night strengthens wavering faith. In temptation and trial the danger is not that God will neglect His people's prayers, but that they will become discouraged and stop persevering in prayer.
How to Pray Persistently
Always praying without fainting does not mean remaining continually on the knees, but keeping the heart continually ascending to God in silent petition for help, for light, for strength, for knowledge, and for wisdom and grace, with praise and gratitude for salvation, when alone, when walking, and when busy with daily labor, until every breath is prayer. This is walking with God as Enoch did, laying up imperishable treasures in heaven rather than treasures on earth, and cultivating the habit of talking with the Saviour and setting the Lord always before them. Such earnest, persevering, constant prayer, not faint, occasional and fitful, is the defense against temptation, for when communion with God is broken the defense is gone and good purposes and good intentions alone cannot enable anyone to withstand evil, while in temptation it gives the privilege of retreating into the secret places of the Most High where His everlasting arms are beneath.
God's people are to entrust their case to Him rather than trying to vindicate or deliver themselves, as Christ committed His case to God, not accusing or condemning others or using force to secure their own deliverance. Persevering in prayer in this way depends on living faith, with trust in God and awareness of need and of His willingness to give, for without it people rely on their own efforts and fail to keep bringing their requests to Him. Persistent prayer joined with good works and self-denial shows confidence in God. Importunate prayer driven by a sense of need gives evidence of strong confidence, moves the heavenly Father by sincere supplication, and should be offered at once as soon as difficulties and perplexities and necessities arise, continuing without giving up even when the answer does not come immediately.
Earnest prayer does not weary Christ, so believers may plead persistently for His blessing and for power to live as His children, trusting His promises with earnestness and confidence rather than fearing to weary Him. While waiting for God they are to speak with faith and courage rather than complain or give in to doubt, trusting Him even when His dealings seem dark or hard to explain. Men ought always to pray and not to faint by humbling themselves before God, for everyone that exalts himself shall be abased and he that humbles himself shall be exalted.
End-Time Perils and Faith
The oppressed people of God will pray continually, day and night, for deliverance in the closing scenes of the church's history on earth. The parable was spoken with special reference to the period just before the second coming and the perils followers must pass through at that time, to teach that men ought always to pray and not to faint or give up. The selfish judge granted the widow justice only to stop her persistent appeals, while God altogether differs toward those who seek Him, hearing them with infinite compassion when they cry to Him day and night, bearing long with them while the answer waits, yet bringing them justice speedily. Through those dangers His people may face injustice and unreliable earthly judges during adversity, for earthly rulers and judges may not follow God's Word and those loyal to His commandments may face adversaries driven by evil powers, but like the importunate widow they are to persist in seeking justice and look to Christ as refuge when adversaries oppose them.
Always praying and not fainting means praying much more with earnestness and perseverance, bringing soul and body under consecration to God in persevering entreaty. The widow reveals the position of the people of God in this world and the trials they will endure because of the injustice of men placed in positions of trust who fear not God neither regard man, and near the close of this earth's history those who fear God and honor Him can hope for little justice and must expect injustice and oppression at the hand of those who regard neither God nor man. The faith needed in severe trials endures weariness, delay and hunger and perseveres in earnest prayer while holding to God's promises. Jacob's victory shows the power of such importunate prayer, that those who seek God's blessing with his determination will prevail.
Men must always pray with strong faith in agonizing, earnest cries and not faint, for in the internal struggle evil angels crowd around and press darkness to shut out Jesus from view and draw eyes to surrounding gloom to cause distrust of God and murmuring against Him. Safety is only in keeping the eyes directed upward and calling upon God with perseverance and all energy. Those who continue such earnest cries receive help, for angels who have charge over God's people waft their wings over them to scatter the thick darkness and poisonous atmosphere, and rays of light from Jesus come to encourage their hearts and light up their pale, anxious, perspiring faces with marks of God's approbation. Those who are indifferent and careless do not participate in agonizing and pleading, make no effort to help themselves and do not resist the darkness, and they are shut in like a thick cloud and left by the angels of God, who hasten instead to the aid of the earnest, praying ones.
Living the Lesson Daily
Those who bear responsibilities are to seek counsel morning, noon, and night, humbling themselves before God and entrusting life to Him, and those who do so receive special care, for He hears and answers, and when they are in danger Jesus delivers them and makes a way out. Constant prayer is the defense against temptation, for when communion with God is broken the defense is gone. Good purposes and good intentions alone cannot enable anyone to withstand evil. Prayer must not be faint, occasional and fitful, but earnest, persevering and constant, cultivating the habit of talking with the Saviour when alone, when walking, and when busy with daily labor, with the heart continually uplifted in silent petition for help, for light, for strength, for knowledge, setting the Lord always before them until every breath is prayer.
Continual persevering prayer without giving up lays hold on strength from above to gain grace in the prayer of faith. That grace renews and saves depraved and lost people through the help Christ gives in the gospel, brings them to the highest standard God intends, puts the love of Jesus in the soul to drive out the enemy seeking possession, and makes them strong in Christ to bear every trial patiently, receive every blessing thankfully, and resist every temptation faithfully. It keeps workers humble, connected to God, grateful for every good, and faithful in close self-examination of the soul, following Jesus who when preparing for some great trial went alone into the solitude of the mountains and spent the night in prayer to His Father. Servants of God praying for His Spirit and blessing must not give up when the answer does not come immediately, for delay is not denial, but let faith hold fast the promise that it will come and keep full trust in God. The blessing will often come when needed most, bringing unexpected help from God when presenting the truth to unbelievers and enabling them to speak the word with clearness and power, and ministers are to pray persistently while working for souls with persistent, prevailing faith earnestly seeking spiritual blessings.
In work for the tempted and fallen, those seeking to rescue them must supplicate day and night for God's power, and gain victory by holding fast to God through Jesus Christ. Parents are to pray persistently for their children, continuing earnest appeals until help, grace, and salvation come, for God hears humble prayers from contrite hearts. Men ought always to pray and not faint by agonizing like the importunate widow until the petition is answered, with trembling faith grasping the strong promises of God and sending up united, living cries, as for the salvation and restoration of an afflicted brother to health, while the Spirit makes intercession with groanings which cannot be uttered. The need for such continual prayer without losing heart is especially felt when sickness weakens the body and life seems near its end, for God is a refuge in sickness as in health and does not turn away those who sincerely seek His help. Like the importunate widow who asks again and again until the full answer is realized, intercession is to be made many times a day for healing power to come to an afflicted person, sending up humble requests with weeping and rejoicing while faith claims restoration and says it shall be done.
Persistent prayer means continuing to ask God for a tempted brother's recovery and reformation until he breaks free from unbelief, when the conflict can end in victory. It means persistently praying for those whose understanding is darkened by sin and error, waiting patiently as they learn, and often praying with them, and such prayer brings God's gracious presence and blesses both those praying and those they pray with. When troubles assail, God's people are to trust that He hears the prayer of faith and will judge righteously, agreeing together concerning the thing they desire and uniting in offering persevering prayer to God for deliverance. They are not to open church difficulties before lawyers not of the faith or depend for help on those who do not fear God and obey His requirements, because they lack the wisdom from above, and trusting such counsellors shows lack of faith in God and dishonors Him by appealing to unbelievers to settle difficulties in the church.
Men who are God's property by creation and by redemption should make Him their dependence and pray to Him as earnestly as the defrauded woman prayed to the unjust judge, and not faint, because God has an interest in those who so depend on Him and pray. Like the persistent widow, believers are to plead with firmness for God's blessing and for power to live as His children, asking God for greater blessings, trusting that He will bless them, trusting without wavering, and not letting go until the request is obtained. God's people must pray earnestly and persistently especially when they feel their need, as the importunate widow did when she kept pleading with the unjust judge, and seeking God diligently in this way with earnestness and confidence rather than fearing that they will weary Him gives depth and solidity to spiritual experience and calls for faith that will not be denied. Victory in the Christian life depends on continually asking and receiving in private as well as united prayer with constant prayer and steady trust in Jesus through every difficulty.
God-given longing for spiritual help is accompanied by grace, and constant prayer with trusting faith and thankfulness prepares believers for duty and trial in Christ's strength, while self-sufficiency makes character unreliable. Christ encourages people to pray continually and not give up, urges them to bring their needs to Him, and draws them close to God so He can help them. Prayer is to continue until they see light and are ready to accept responsibility for following God's will. The widow's persistence illustrates persevering prayer not to become discouraged when an answer seems delayed, and the Syrophoenician woman's experience shows its result, for Christ inspired their persistence and rewarded the faith He had given them. The parable of the persistent widow gives force to Christ's invitation to ask, seek, and knock, and remembrance of God's promise to give justice to His people who cry to Him day and night strengthens wavering faith.
Christ told the story that follows to teach that people should keep praying continually and never give up. He set an utterly selfish judge who cared nothing for God or man against a compassionate God who hears even the weakest sincere cry. If persistence finally moved even that unjust judge, God will certainly bring justice for His people who cry to Him day and night, even when the answer seems long delayed. The delay is not a refusal, so faith must hold to the promise, keep bringing its needs to God, and trust His wisdom for the timing and the answer. To pray always does not mean staying on the knees, but keeping the heart continually reaching up to God for help, strength and gratitude amid daily work.
Parable Setting and Purpose
Luke 18:1 states the purpose of the parable that follows, that men ought always to pray and not to faint, to keep praying continually and not lose heart or give up. It introduces the parable of the unjust judge and the widow, in which a widow came to a judge who feared not God nor regarded man, asking for vindication against her adversary, and by perseverance gained the favor she asked. The judge refused for a while, then decided to avenge her to save himself trouble and annoyance, lest by her continual coming she weary him, seeing that he was making his injustice conspicuous because many complaints were being made about his course. If even that unjust judge finally acted because of persistence, God will surely bring justice and vindication for His chosen people who cry to Him day and night, though He bears long with them and the answer seems delayed. He will act for them speedily, and the closing question about whether the Son of man will find faith at His coming connects persistent prayer with enduring faith.
Christ spoke this parable with special reference to the period just before His second coming and the perils His followers must pass through at that time. It was given to teach them to pray continually and not to faint or give up amid those dangers.
The parable prepares His people for injustice and opposition, for they may face injustice and unreliable earthly judges during adversity. Earthly rulers and judges may not follow God's Word, and those loyal to God's commandments may face adversaries, even adversaries driven by evil powers. Like the importunate widow, they are taught to persist in seeking justice and to look to Christ as their refuge when adversaries oppose them, relying on Him rather than yielding to discouragement.
Widow and Unjust Judge
The judge feared neither God nor man, having no regard for right and no pity for suffering, for self was his god. He shows to what depths of degradation men can sink when appetite and passion rule, filled with satanic attributes and with powers of perception destroyed, proving that when powers are yielded to Satan the lower nature is fully developed. Though he knew the widow's cause was righteous and could have relieved her at once, he refused in order to display arbitrary power and took pleasure in letting her ask and plead in vain. He delayed for a while, then yielded at last only from selfishness, to be relieved of her continual coming and importunity and annoyance, to save himself trouble and reputation and to avoid publicity for his partial, one-sided judgment. Her misery was nothing to him, for he felt no pity or compassion and cared nothing about doing right, acting only because he was wearied by her appeals and because his injustice was becoming conspicuous amid many complaints about his course. His cold response stands in contrast with the duty of a judge to protect the helpless and do what is right.
The widow came asking for justice against her adversary, pleading to be avenged of him, and her perseverance gained the favor she asked. Though persistently repulsed, treated with contempt, driven from the judgment seat and again and again torn away amid contempt and rough treatment, she would not fail nor become discouraged nor let repulse quench her determination. She was found again at the judge's feet pressing her petition, continuing to ask with constant, earnest appeals despite rejection until the judge acted. Her continual coming shows persistence in seeking justice, and her persistence, placed in her heart by the Lord, at last moved even one so cold to grant justice.
The widow reveals the position of the people of God in this world and the trials they will endure because of the injustice of men placed in positions of trust who fear not God neither regard man. The parable is a lesson on the cause of the poor, that judgment must not favor the powerful but the needy must be heard as well as the great. It admonishes those who claim to be righteous to oppose oppression and show mercy to the poor, revealing God's character through compassion and practical help for people in distress. Near the close of this earth's history those who fear God and honor Him can hope for little justice and must expect injustice and oppression at the hand of those who regard neither God nor man.
God's Answer to Prayer
Christ sets the unjust judge in sharp contrast with God, for God is altogether different toward those who seek Him and regards the appeals of the needy and distressed with infinite compassion. Unlike the indifferent judge, He does not turn sincerely humble comers away indifferently but values His church in its struggle with temptation, hears even the weakest cry, and loses not one sincere prayer. If even that unrighteous judge at last acted because of persistent pleading, God will surely vindicate His chosen people who cry to Him day and night. Though He bears long with them and the answer seems delayed, He will avenge His own elect speedily.
Delay is not denial, so when the answer does not come immediately faith must hold fast the promise with full trust and continue bringing needs to God. Waiting may test faith, yet believers are to wait patiently trusting His wisdom rather than their own plans, leave consequences in His hands, and lay their plans at the Redeemer's feet. The blessing will often come when most needed. God may withhold what is asked when granting it would harm the soul, giving instead what is for the person's good and His glory. To resent an unmet desire or to refuse His answer in rebellion shows a will not in harmony with His.
Sincere prayer is made effective through Christ's blood. When the answer is delayed God calls for holy boldness in claiming His promises, pressing requests before Him who promises to answer and can do far more than is asked or imagined. The closing question whether the Son of man will find faith at His coming connects persistent prayer with enduring faith. Remembrance of the promise to give justice to His people who cry to Him day and night strengthens wavering faith. In temptation and trial the danger is not that God will neglect His people's prayers, but that they will become discouraged and stop persevering in prayer.
How to Pray Persistently
Always praying without fainting does not mean remaining continually on the knees, but keeping the heart continually ascending to God in silent petition for help, for light, for strength, for knowledge, and for wisdom and grace, with praise and gratitude for salvation, when alone, when walking, and when busy with daily labor, until every breath is prayer. This is walking with God as Enoch did, laying up imperishable treasures in heaven rather than treasures on earth, and cultivating the habit of talking with the Saviour and setting the Lord always before them. Such earnest, persevering, constant prayer, not faint, occasional and fitful, is the defense against temptation, for when communion with God is broken the defense is gone and good purposes and good intentions alone cannot enable anyone to withstand evil, while in temptation it gives the privilege of retreating into the secret places of the Most High where His everlasting arms are beneath.
God's people are to entrust their case to Him rather than trying to vindicate or deliver themselves, as Christ committed His case to God, not accusing or condemning others or using force to secure their own deliverance. Persevering in prayer in this way depends on living faith, with trust in God and awareness of need and of His willingness to give, for without it people rely on their own efforts and fail to keep bringing their requests to Him. Persistent prayer joined with good works and self-denial shows confidence in God. Importunate prayer driven by a sense of need gives evidence of strong confidence, moves the heavenly Father by sincere supplication, and should be offered at once as soon as difficulties and perplexities and necessities arise, continuing without giving up even when the answer does not come immediately.
Earnest prayer does not weary Christ, so believers may plead persistently for His blessing and for power to live as His children, trusting His promises with earnestness and confidence rather than fearing to weary Him. While waiting for God they are to speak with faith and courage rather than complain or give in to doubt, trusting Him even when His dealings seem dark or hard to explain. Men ought always to pray and not to faint by humbling themselves before God, for everyone that exalts himself shall be abased and he that humbles himself shall be exalted.
End-Time Perils and Faith
The oppressed people of God will pray continually, day and night, for deliverance in the closing scenes of the church's history on earth. The parable was spoken with special reference to the period just before the second coming and the perils followers must pass through at that time, to teach that men ought always to pray and not to faint or give up. The selfish judge granted the widow justice only to stop her persistent appeals, while God altogether differs toward those who seek Him, hearing them with infinite compassion when they cry to Him day and night, bearing long with them while the answer waits, yet bringing them justice speedily. Through those dangers His people may face injustice and unreliable earthly judges during adversity, for earthly rulers and judges may not follow God's Word and those loyal to His commandments may face adversaries driven by evil powers, but like the importunate widow they are to persist in seeking justice and look to Christ as refuge when adversaries oppose them.
Always praying and not fainting means praying much more with earnestness and perseverance, bringing soul and body under consecration to God in persevering entreaty. The widow reveals the position of the people of God in this world and the trials they will endure because of the injustice of men placed in positions of trust who fear not God neither regard man, and near the close of this earth's history those who fear God and honor Him can hope for little justice and must expect injustice and oppression at the hand of those who regard neither God nor man. The faith needed in severe trials endures weariness, delay and hunger and perseveres in earnest prayer while holding to God's promises. Jacob's victory shows the power of such importunate prayer, that those who seek God's blessing with his determination will prevail.
Men must always pray with strong faith in agonizing, earnest cries and not faint, for in the internal struggle evil angels crowd around and press darkness to shut out Jesus from view and draw eyes to surrounding gloom to cause distrust of God and murmuring against Him. Safety is only in keeping the eyes directed upward and calling upon God with perseverance and all energy. Those who continue such earnest cries receive help, for angels who have charge over God's people waft their wings over them to scatter the thick darkness and poisonous atmosphere, and rays of light from Jesus come to encourage their hearts and light up their pale, anxious, perspiring faces with marks of God's approbation. Those who are indifferent and careless do not participate in agonizing and pleading, make no effort to help themselves and do not resist the darkness, and they are shut in like a thick cloud and left by the angels of God, who hasten instead to the aid of the earnest, praying ones.
Living the Lesson Daily
Those who bear responsibilities are to seek counsel morning, noon, and night, humbling themselves before God and entrusting life to Him, and those who do so receive special care, for He hears and answers, and when they are in danger Jesus delivers them and makes a way out. Constant prayer is the defense against temptation, for when communion with God is broken the defense is gone. Good purposes and good intentions alone cannot enable anyone to withstand evil. Prayer must not be faint, occasional and fitful, but earnest, persevering and constant, cultivating the habit of talking with the Saviour when alone, when walking, and when busy with daily labor, with the heart continually uplifted in silent petition for help, for light, for strength, for knowledge, setting the Lord always before them until every breath is prayer.
Continual persevering prayer without giving up lays hold on strength from above to gain grace in the prayer of faith. That grace renews and saves depraved and lost people through the help Christ gives in the gospel, brings them to the highest standard God intends, puts the love of Jesus in the soul to drive out the enemy seeking possession, and makes them strong in Christ to bear every trial patiently, receive every blessing thankfully, and resist every temptation faithfully. It keeps workers humble, connected to God, grateful for every good, and faithful in close self-examination of the soul, following Jesus who when preparing for some great trial went alone into the solitude of the mountains and spent the night in prayer to His Father. Servants of God praying for His Spirit and blessing must not give up when the answer does not come immediately, for delay is not denial, but let faith hold fast the promise that it will come and keep full trust in God. The blessing will often come when needed most, bringing unexpected help from God when presenting the truth to unbelievers and enabling them to speak the word with clearness and power, and ministers are to pray persistently while working for souls with persistent, prevailing faith earnestly seeking spiritual blessings.
In work for the tempted and fallen, those seeking to rescue them must supplicate day and night for God's power, and gain victory by holding fast to God through Jesus Christ. Parents are to pray persistently for their children, continuing earnest appeals until help, grace, and salvation come, for God hears humble prayers from contrite hearts. Men ought always to pray and not faint by agonizing like the importunate widow until the petition is answered, with trembling faith grasping the strong promises of God and sending up united, living cries, as for the salvation and restoration of an afflicted brother to health, while the Spirit makes intercession with groanings which cannot be uttered. The need for such continual prayer without losing heart is especially felt when sickness weakens the body and life seems near its end, for God is a refuge in sickness as in health and does not turn away those who sincerely seek His help. Like the importunate widow who asks again and again until the full answer is realized, intercession is to be made many times a day for healing power to come to an afflicted person, sending up humble requests with weeping and rejoicing while faith claims restoration and says it shall be done.
Persistent prayer means continuing to ask God for a tempted brother's recovery and reformation until he breaks free from unbelief, when the conflict can end in victory. It means persistently praying for those whose understanding is darkened by sin and error, waiting patiently as they learn, and often praying with them, and such prayer brings God's gracious presence and blesses both those praying and those they pray with. When troubles assail, God's people are to trust that He hears the prayer of faith and will judge righteously, agreeing together concerning the thing they desire and uniting in offering persevering prayer to God for deliverance. They are not to open church difficulties before lawyers not of the faith or depend for help on those who do not fear God and obey His requirements, because they lack the wisdom from above, and trusting such counsellors shows lack of faith in God and dishonors Him by appealing to unbelievers to settle difficulties in the church.
Men who are God's property by creation and by redemption should make Him their dependence and pray to Him as earnestly as the defrauded woman prayed to the unjust judge, and not faint, because God has an interest in those who so depend on Him and pray. Like the persistent widow, believers are to plead with firmness for God's blessing and for power to live as His children, asking God for greater blessings, trusting that He will bless them, trusting without wavering, and not letting go until the request is obtained. God's people must pray earnestly and persistently especially when they feel their need, as the importunate widow did when she kept pleading with the unjust judge, and seeking God diligently in this way with earnestness and confidence rather than fearing that they will weary Him gives depth and solidity to spiritual experience and calls for faith that will not be denied. Victory in the Christian life depends on continually asking and receiving in private as well as united prayer with constant prayer and steady trust in Jesus through every difficulty.
God-given longing for spiritual help is accompanied by grace, and constant prayer with trusting faith and thankfulness prepares believers for duty and trial in Christ's strength, while self-sufficiency makes character unreliable. Christ encourages people to pray continually and not give up, urges them to bring their needs to Him, and draws them close to God so He can help them. Prayer is to continue until they see light and are ready to accept responsibility for following God's will. The widow's persistence illustrates persevering prayer not to become discouraged when an answer seems delayed, and the Syrophoenician woman's experience shows its result, for Christ inspired their persistence and rewarded the faith He had given them. The parable of the persistent widow gives force to Christ's invitation to ask, seek, and knock, and remembrance of God's promise to give justice to His people who cry to Him day and night strengthens wavering faith.