One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. “There was a judge in a certain city,” he said, “who neither feared God nor cared about people. A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, saying, ‘Give me justice in this dispute with my enemy.’ The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, ‘I don’t fear God or care about people, but this woman is driving me crazy. I’m going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!’” Then the Lord said, “Learn a lesson from this unjust judge. Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So, don’t you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you; he will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?”” (Luke 18:1–8, NLT)

It’s easy to lose heart on prayer for several reasons.

First, Real prayer is hard work.

Epaphras, … always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.” (Colossians 4:12)

Secondly, Prayer can be discouraging when we don’t see an answer quickly.

… they must always pray and not be discouraged,” (Luke 18:1, LEB)

Thirdly, Real prayer is spiritual warfare

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” (Ephesians 6:10–18, NLT)

We will deal in detail with all of these and more in today’s study.

All to encourage you to…

Never stop praying.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, NLT)

It’s hard to estimate how much good constant prayer would do, and how much bad it would keep us from. Oh how we need to have the habit of prayer!

Pastor Mike