The Scripture for today is Luke 18:1-8 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. ² He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. ³ And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’

⁴ “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, ⁵ yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’”

⁶ And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. ⁷ And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? ⁸ I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”

I really enjoyed Pastor’s message today.  The story he shared with us about his oldest son really resonated with me.  Like Jonathan, I have had many interests and love to learn new things. Unlike him, I have quite a few discarded hobbies and short-lived interests. As I think about my prayer life, I realize that there are times when my prayer life looks just as unfocused and lacking in commitment.  What if I committed to long-term prayer for things that God lays on my heart?

Now, I am not saying that I shouldn’t pray for those situations and people that rise up each day.  I hope to always be a gal who is open to spontaneous prayer and sensitive to the requests of others.  No – what I am talking about is the commitment to pray for an extended time – persistent prayer.  Prayer that perseveres - prayer that changes me and has the potential to change the circumstances of others.  I have a prayer that I pray most days of the week and sometimes more than once.  I pray that God would ignite my children’s hearts for more of Him, more of His Word, more of His Son and more of His Spirit.  When I finish praying for them, I pray that same prayer for myself.  God has been faithful to answer this prayer.  He is answering this prayer for Me – I am experiencing a genuine, heartfelt desire for more of Him, His Word, His Son and His Spirit.  I have seen evidence of the answering of this prayer in my children’s lives.  God is FAITHFUL in response to my persistence.  He answers quickly when his chosen one (ME) calls out to him.

Tonight, when I lay my head upon my pillow, I am going to ask God to reveal to me what he desires me to fervently and persistently pray for.  I will not give up, trusting in His Word and faithfulness as evidenced in his response to my ongoing prayer for me and my children.  How will God use MY prayers in his kingdom?  Friends, what is he laying on YOUR heart?

Lord Jesus, thank you for teaching us to pray fervently and persistently.  Show us your love for us as your chosen ones!  Show us your unfailing attentiveness to those who call upon you!   I love you, Lord Jesus.  Amen.

Kelly