Always to pray.

Luke 18:1, And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.

We live in a world that glorifies cynicism, that thinks the worst first, that consistently fails to give others the same benefit of the doubt that one would want for oneself. We see in this parable the message that we should be importunate in our prayers, that when they seem not to be answered, the answer is “not right now.” Daniel prayed and the messenger that eventually broke through to him was delayed by the “prince of Persia,” a demonic entity that took some weeks of earthly time. Unlike the widow who eventually wore down even an unjust judge, we serve an almighty, loving, creative God who knows our true needs even before we pray. Have we every been addressed importunately by one of our children for something that they think they can’t live without? Can we be more child-like and pray without ceasing, with importunate fervor?

Let us not grow weary in doing good, that your kingdom may come more fully every day!

ESV Lectionary