“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart…”
(Luke 18:1 NKJV)

pray fervently

Though this verse is short enough to memorize quickly, its lessons may continue to impress us for many years.

1. Jesus spoke a parable. Someone defined a parable as an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. This story depicts a widow who does not take no for an answer. The judge finally grants her request simply because she will not leave him alone. He may fear that she will follow him to his death bed.
2. The parable teaches us pray as fervently as this widow pursued the judge. Do we cry out day and night to our Judge?
3. Prayer assumes faith. Faith requires action. Jesus asks, “And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him…?” The implied answer is “Yes!”
4. We are in danger of growing weary in prayer. When we pursue spiritual growth and the power to overcome sin with the zeal that this widow showed in pursuing the judge, Jesus certainly will find faith on the earth.

-- Rick Duggin