Continuous Prayer

"Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart" (Luke 18:1 NKJ)

Most of us are aware that today is the National Day of Prayer. Across America, many Christians will be meeting together in significant prayer meetings for our nation and the challenges we face. Significant conversations with God are urgently needed in our country and our world.

We ordinary Christians might ask what is significant? Or what makes for a significant conversation? Today's passage, relating a lesson given by the Lord, will help us grasp the significance of prayer. 

In this parable (vss. 2-8), a widow tenaciously came to court persistently asking for relief. Her request made no impact on the judge. Her widowhood made no impact on the judge. Her state of poverty made no impact on the judge. For all intents and purposes, she was helpless and unable to mount a proper defense. But helpless is not hopeless!

She understood more about this evil judge than one might imagine. He boasted that he  neither feared God nor man(v. 4). Yet, fear gripped him each time that little widow showed up at his court ("this widow troubles me"). She became so persistent and determined that the judge knew she was not going to give up or quit. He would never get relief ("lest by her continual coming she weary me"). There was only one solution: "I will avenge her" (v.5).

 This widow's persistent determination is the focal point of the Lord's lesson. In addition, it also gives significance to the widow's conversation with the judge. A conversation that moved the judge to action. A conversation that got a favorable response. A conversation that removed the obstacle in her life.

Yes, only God can intervene against the evil in America. He is the loving, heavenly Father who desires to respond to his children’s requests. And he wants us "to cry out day and night to Him" continually, no matter how long it takes (v. 7). He will be moved by our continual coming to ask for his intervention. He will be moved by our refusal to give up. And that is significant, no matter who you are!

Dear Father, thank you for our great country and the freedom we enjoy. Hear us, O Lord, and intervene for the elect's sake in America. Forgive us our sins. It is against you alone that we have sinned. Have mercy, O God. May your will and kingdom be real in America as it is in heaven. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Pray for America continuously,