Luke 18:3

New International Version (NIV)

And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’

For meditation

As soon as the ink dried on the paper, I knew it was the end of the matter. My brother was not going to send the money I was asking for. Everything in the letter was a lie and a very bad attempt to defraud him. I had not been arrested for any crime, and there was no fine to pay. But I sent the letter anyway, hoping that somehow, sibling love would blind and compel him to send the money. It didn’t, and I couldn’t persist in my appeal. I had no confidence to do so.

The lesson concerning prayer is simple. A clear conscience imparts an assurance that enables us to persist in prayer, whereas guilt and unconfessed sin hinder our effort at prayer.

The persistent widow in Jesus’ parable prevailed in her plea for justice because she had truth on her side (Lk. 18:1-6). Her confidence was not in the wicked judge or the obviously corrupt system. She persisted after her rights, because her claim was solid on truth. Eventually, the rogue judge tasted the power of integrity and bowed to it. That was the point, I believe, Jesus made with this parable.

God’s “chosen ones” (6) presumably walk in integrity. Truth is their belt (Eph. 6:14), and like their Master, it defines their life. So when a child of God stands in prayer, they must be lifting up holy hands (1 Tim. 2:8). Their confidence in approaching the throne of grace is the solid ground they stand on – truth! (Heb. 4:16, 10:19). We can only persist in prayer with confidence and assurance when no guilt weighs on us. Then God’s promise will open to us with gracious generosity.

“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? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly” (Lk. 18:7-8).

1. Is your prayer weak?
2. Are you persistent?
3. Are you expectant?
4. Do you have God’s wind of assurance in your wings?
5. Are you standing on higher ground in your prayers?

I pray we can assess our prayer condition today and bring integrity to support it. That is how we get answers to our prayers and see things change in our favor.

So: May you confidently pray with integrity; and may you persist until the glory of God breaks on you with abounding grace.

Persistent prayer stands on integrity.

Shalom