Determine to Meet with Him
Persistence – Part 1

Scripture Reading: Luke 18:2-8

Key Verse: Luke 18:1

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

Today’s lesson is very simple to state and very hard to implement in our lives.  The lesson: We must be persistent in our prayers.  That is it, no deeper theological treatment needed.  Jesus knew that the most needed discipline in His follower’s lives is prayer.  He also knew that prayer would be the most challenging discipline in His follower’s lives.

            Why is prayer so hard to keep consistent in our lives?  First, prayer is so powerful in defeating the evil one’s plans that the evil one continually attacks us in this area of prayer.  The devil knows how to distract us.  He knows how to tempt us to get discouraged while we wait for answers.  The devil’s favorite approach is suggesting that our prayers are not truly accomplishing anything significant!  It’s my opinion that prayer changes the destiny of our lives and the lives of those we pray for.  If we can physically see these changes, we would never have a problem finding time to pray, but it is the devil’s job to keep us from believing in the power of our prayers.

            Another reason why prayer is so difficult is the delayed gratification aspect of prayer.  We are spoiled with the speed of our lives these days.  We have a microwave mentality about everything!  We love it when things go quickly, but God is not in a rush; He has a timetable that is perfect.  Prayer that remains persistent must be patient.  (Continued)

Father, thank you for hearing my prayers.  Thank you that things will be different today because I am talking to you!  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.