Without Ceasing

October 20–Luke 18-19

“Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night. . .However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”(18:7-8).

I must remember. God expects me to CONTINUE in prayer. It is a duty I must carry way past the level of my own comfort. A generation ago we called it importunate prayer. Unceasing. Persevering. Prayer that never gives up, even to the point of becoming an annoyance.

None of us wants to be a “bother”. Especially not to God. Scripture, however, urges something different. “Please bother Me!” commands the Most High. Ask! Stay on your knees! Pray without ceasing.

The Jesus story makes this lesson clear. A woman refuses to give up her pursuit for justice (legal). Her persistence pays off. In the same way the judge responded to her request, the Father WILL bring justice for His elect who call out to Him day and night. Note the implied sense of patience and perseverance in the words, “day and night.” The Father hears us when we pray, but REAL prayer is a COSTLY enterprise, proven in persistence. We must ASK, risk the fear of failure and make our requests known to God. With undiscouraged resilience we must also KEEP ASKING.

“Will the Lord find faith (such as this woman had) when He returns?” Jesus wondered aloud. Will He find saints in prayer meetings and private closets, making use of their great privilege, calling out for His great justice and peace to come? Not selfish prayers. Prayers for justice. Prayers for the world to be restored.

Will you take a moment and reflect on what you ASKED God this morning in your quiet time? Did you ask for something great, or did you just worry in His presence? Did you cry out for Christ to return in power? With undiscouraged confidence, will you cry out again tomorrow and the next day, until He comes?

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).