Luke 18:1

Luke 18:1 “One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.”

Devotional:

There are moments in life when praying feels easy, and moments when it feels pointless. We pray for healing, for direction, for peace, for change, and sometimes the answers seem silent. Jesus knew His followers would face seasons like that, so before telling them the parable of the persistent widow, He made His message clear: “Always pray and never give up.”

He wasn’t telling them this because life would be smooth. He said it because life would get heavy. Faith would be tested. Hope would feel thin. Some prayers would take time. Prayer is more than asking, it’s trusting. Every time you pray, it’s an act of faith that says, “God, I still believe You hear me. I still believe You care. I still believe You can.”

You don’t have to pray perfectly. You just have to keep showing up. Maybe you’ve been praying for a breakthrough in your family, your health, your finances, your marriage, or your peace of mind. Maybe you’ve whispered prayers that no one else knows about. Jesus sees you. And He encourages you not to stop. Your prayers are doing more than you can see. God is working in ways that are not always visible, but always purposeful.

Don’t stop praying. Don’t stop believing. Don’t give up.

Personal Reflection:

•  Where in my life do I feel tempted to give up right now?

• What does persistent prayer look like for me on a daily basis?

• What past examples can I remember where God answered a prayer after a long wait?

• What is one thing I can start praying about consistently again?

Prayer:

Father God,

You know the moments when my heart grows tired and discouraged. You know the prayers I’ve whispered in tears and the hopes I’ve held onto quietly. Lord, remind me that You hear every word, even when I don’t see the answers yet.

Give me strength to keep praying. Give me faith to keep believing. Help me to trust that You are working in ways I cannot see. Renew my hope. Restore my joy. And teach me to depend on You, not on what I feel or what I can control.

Thank You for being a God who listens, who cares, and who never gives up on me.

In Jesus mighty name,

Amen.