Rhythms of Jesus – Week 1: The Discipline of Prayer

Day 4: Persistent Prayer

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. ~ Luke 18:1

Prayer is not just a one-time event—it is a continual act of faith. In Luke 18, Jesus shares the parable of the persistent widow, a woman who kept coming to an unjust judge, pleading for justice. Though the judge was indifferent, he eventually granted her request because of her persistence. Jesus uses this story to encourage us: if even an unjust judge responds to persistence, how much more will our loving Father hear and answer His children?

Sometimes, we grow weary in prayer. We pray for healing, direction, or breakthrough, but when answers seem delayed, discouragement sets in. Yet Jesus tells us “always pray and not give up.” Persistent prayer is not about wearing God down but about deepening our trust in Him. It strengthens our faith, aligns our hearts with His will, and keeps us dependent on His timing.

God is not slow in answering—He is working in ways we may not yet see. Keep praying, keep seeking, and trust that He hears you.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for hearing my prayers. Help me to be persistent, not losing heart when answers don’t come right away. Strengthen my faith to trust in Your timing and Your perfect will. I bring my needs before You again today, believing that You are working in ways beyond what I can see. In Jesus’ name, Amen.