Bible Studies for Life
Director of the Extension Division, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University
Pray Persistently
Matthew 15:21–28; Luke 18:1–8
Persistence is a very important character trait for all people and an important part of the Christian life. Scripture confirms persistence is an element that is encouraged in our prayer life. But some of us do, on occasion, have moments of doubt even as we pray continuously and with great effort. Sometimes we might feel as if our words to God are met with silence. When we find ourselves at this point in our prayer life, how should we respond? Become discouraged and frustrated? Quit praying? Give up completely? God’s Word tells us to do just the contrary — continue to pray and do so with the right attitude, seeking His will and trusting in His goodness.
The Prerequisite of Humility (Matt. 15:21–28)
Upon responding to the Pharisees’ questions about proper respect for tradition, Jesus retreated to the regions of Tyre and Sidon. While He was there, a Canaanite woman approached Him, a pretty bold move on her part, and asked for His mercy because her daughter was demon-possessed. Jesus didn’t respond immediately and the disciples tried to dispatch her. But she bowed before Him and pleaded for His blessing, expressing her willingness to take whatever He might “throw” her way. Jesus commended her faith and effort and promised to do what she asked, and Matthew tells us the daughter was healed.
The Requirement of Determination (Luke 18:1–5)
In this passage, Jesus discussed the importance of remaining determined in prayer. Wanting the disciples to fully grasp what it meant to be resolute in their appeal to God, He illustrated His point in a parable. Jesus told the story of a widow seeking justice from a judge in her city. She continuously appealed to him until he begrudgingly granted her the legal protection she sought.
The Fulfillment of Expectation (Luke 18:6–8)
Jesus then responded to the attitude of the unrighteous judge in His own parable. He explained that unlike this judge who had to be badgered until he gave in, God would eagerly help His people who call out to Him in their need. Jesus wanted the disciples to understand that God will administer swift justice.
In our culture, persistence is sometimes looked upon as a negative trait. To some, this word takes on an unpleasant connotation. It is seen as cocky, nagging or annoying. But to persist simply means continuing — no matter what. And to truly persist in prayer is an honest expression of humility and faith. This is a positive act encouraged in Scripture and modeled by our Savior, Jesus Christ.
The passage in Matthew reveals some important points God does not want us to miss. First, as a woman and a Canaanite, the culture would have taught this woman she was unworthy to even approach Jesus and yet she did. She demonstrated humility in how she described herself (a lowly dog), and upon seeing her heart, Christ received her and responded to her request. Jesus does not refuse anyone who comes to Him with a humble, seeking heart and stands ready to meet us in our most desperate moments (Matt. 11:28–30).
When we examine the parable of the unjust judge, Christ wants us to recognize God cannot be badgered into answering our prayers. We can’t twist His arm or change His mind — nor should we want to. What God desires is that we come to Him with our just requests and keep them before Him, while trusting in His timing to answer rightly. This passage reminds us that He loves us, cares for us and wants to do good for us when we cast our cares and concerns on Him (Matt. 7:7–11).
God tells us if we call upon Him, then He will answer us (Ps. 91:15). Sometimes the answer is exactly what we seek when we seek it in His will. But other times, we receive answers of “wait” or “no.” In the midst of these times of prayer, we need to remember our heavenly Father wants the best for us and deeply desires a relationship with us. And God wants us to come to Him confidently, regularly and continuously. That’s persistency in prayer and it does draw us closer to our God, who is always pleased to receive us.
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